प्रबळगड

Fort Prabalgad (26-01-2010) 

Members: Vishal Chaughule, Jitendra Sutar, Mahesh Raut and Sambhaji Chopdekar

As usual, we reached Panvel late at about 7.30 a.m. and missed the ST for Thakoorwadi. However, it didn’t cause a problem to go up to Shedung phata as the Mumbai – Pune old highway is always crowded with many ST buses plying between Panvel and the neighboring villages. There are some rickshaws that can take us to the Dharap Estate at Thakoorwadi from Shedung phata. The route from the Dharap Estate up to the upper Thakarwadi which is situated at the Prabalmachi has now become quite familiar to the trekkers and offers beautiful views of the Kalyan-Badlapur range.

When we reached there, we were fascinated by some enthusiastic hikers enjoying valley crossing between Prabalgad and Kalavanteen Durg. The Nisargamitra from Panvel and Jidd magazine had jointly organized this famous event. For this, they had carried out the white-painted rekhi on the complete route.  

Thakarwadi is a small hamlet from which we can see two prominent “V”s: the left one joins Prabalgad and Kalavanteen Durg whereas the other “V” indicates the route to reach the top of Prabalgad through a gully.

The straightway to the left ‘V’ leads us to the Kalavanteen Durg which resembles Shivpindi and bears carved steps to reach the top. During our last visit, we had tried to go toward Prabalgad from the ridge that originates from the “V”. However, the villagers had prevented us from doing so as this route has now become completely inaccessible due to thick bushes. 

When we descended Kalavanteen Durg and reached Prabalmachi, we were told that for Prabalgad, one should walk some distance accompanying the electricity poles. Thereafter, the route rushes to the left toward the second ‘V’. Thanks to the Nisargmitra and Jidd, the entire route was fully guided by the above-mentioned rekhi. Here, on the way, they had put up tents in an open ground for the valley crossing hikers with enough facilities. 

We were not interested in valley crossing as it involved reaching Prabalgad and descending from Kalavanteen Durg after doing the valley crossing. Our aim was specific: explore Prabalgad as much as possible! Hence, we politely refused their offer and moved further utilizing their free services of rekhi. The route was quite enchanting as we could see the superbly carved-out steps of Kalavanteen Durg and the constantly moving descending hikers. 

Soon we reached the “V” after about 1 hr of hiking through the woods. The scenic view of Thakarwadi is really beautiful from here. Thereafter, the route to the top goes through a gully. After about another hour, we reached the devastated gate, which can only be imagined from the stone structure present over there. Still, we had not reached the top though. However, we were not feeling tired due to the wonderful weather and the much-needed shadow offered by the thick bushes on the way. After about half an hour of hiking, we reached the top. 

It was easier to decide what should be done first: to experience the beautiful view of Kalavanteen Durg! It can be seen from the North end of Prabalgad. En route, we came across a small elephant carved structure and a water cistern. From here, one can easily locate three bastions in the Eastern part of Prabalgad. 

The North end is a small plateau where the valley crossing equipment was installed. The event had come to its final stage when we reached there. However, the experience must have been superb, given the depth of the valley and the adventure associated with it. 

A large pit has been created at this plateau, maybe due to the dreadful monsoon. However, the view of the Badlapur range is fantastic from here. 

We returned back to the water cistern but as the water seemed non-potable we moved forward and had our lunch in the nearby shadow. We then decided to visit the dilapidated Ganesh temple which is on the way to the South end. 

Initially, we had to struggle a little bit as the route had been blocked by thick vegetation. But soon, we were successful in finding out rekhi that led us to the Ganesh temple. This journey is worth visiting as the entire route goes through thick woods where you can rarely see the full sky. One can easily locate some ruined structures on the way.

After about an hour, we reached the roofless Ganesh temple which is now in really terrible conditions. We could find out a living stream nearby. We refilled our bottles and marched ahead towards the South end. 

Again, the route goes through the jungle and is really frightening at some points. But the rekhi – the only evidence of human presence offers the confidence to go further. On the way, we came across a big yard, possibly a lake, which is now completely dried up.

At last, we reached the Southern part, from where the view of Matheran and the Morbe backwaters is marvelous. We saw lots of rocks lying, maybe of some buildings. Some of them are still standing, of-course in the dilapidated state. The main attraction is the view of Irshalgad from the South end. The ridge adjoining Irshalwadi with Prabalgad is equally breathtaking.

The Southern plateau bears less number of trees compared to the other parts of the fort. Besides, there are two water cisterns and both are drinkable. Therefore, this place may be an ideal spot for the night stay.

We were really happy as we had achieved what we had struggled for in the month of September (2009). Both Vishal and I recollected our last unsuccessful visits: the first from Poyanje village up to the Prabalmachi and the second attempt when we had tried to visit Prabalgad from the “V” of the Kalavanteen Durg. The return journey toward the Ganesh temple took less than an hour in that joyful mood.

Here, a trekking group who was having rest advised us to go the Eastern side where a combined tomb of four trekkers and hunters viz., late Sahdev Ramchandra Sawant, Dama Namdev Malusare, Ramchandra Pilaji Malusare alias Chander Patil and Arjun Kisan Shinde has been erected.

The joy of visiting Prabalgad with most of its somewhat inaccessible places was overwhelming. The full credit goes to the Nisargmitra, Panvel, as the rekhi not only guided us in the proper direction but also saved our valuable time that we could devote for the exploration of Prabalgad. Thanks, guys! We would like to come here again. Sayonara!

 

Do enjoy!!