Fort means a palace with impenetrable defenses. The fort has all kinds of defenses to prevent the attack of the enemy. And in order to build this defense system, the rulers have resorted to various innovative tactics throughout the ages. Someone has built an impenetrable wall to protect the fort, or someone has cut a canal around the fort. Many have gone one step further and built forts in remote mountainous areas or valleys. The custom of building forts is most prevalent, especially in remote areas. This prevents the enemy troops from entering the fort easily.
In our neighboring country India, the most inaccessible and terrifying fort in the world is located. I am talking about Kalabhantin fort.
Kalabhantin fort is located in Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The fort is located very close to the Prabalgarh fort in the Western Ghats range. Its distance from Mumbai city is only 60 kilometers. Apart from 'Kalavantin', it has a few other names, such as 'Kalavantin', 'Kalavati', 'Kalabhanti' etc.
This fort is said to be the most inaccessible fort in the world. When you see the position of this fort on the top of the steep hill with your head held high, your eyes will be sure to catch your eye. The fort is about 2,300 feet above sea level. It is very popular for trekking.
History
Not much is known about the history of this fort. It is believed to have been built during the contemporary construction of the surrounding Prabalgarh fort. According to local tribesmen, the fort was built for a queen named Kalabhantin. Interestingly, even though it is called a fort, there is no fort or palace on the top of the hill. Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered Kalabhantin fort in 1657 AD.
The fort is located on the top of a high hill, from where the then rulers kept an eye on the surroundings. It was built to keep an eye on the ancient ports of Panvel and Kalyan. This high fort was built mainly for sightseeing and for the impeccable security of the state. The intricate architecture and the formidable staircase make it one of the most inaccessible castles in the world.
Looking at the type of caves in this fort, it is understood that it was related to the time of Buddha. Shilahar and Yadav dynasty symbols carved in stone. It is believed that a military camp was formed here at that time and it was named 'Muranjan'. Many believe it was built during the Bahmani Empire. Later it came under the dynasty of Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar.
When Nizam Shahi's dynasty was in ruins, Shahaji Raj came forward to help him. At that time the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and Adil Shah of Bijapur sent separate armies to defeat Shahaji. When Shahaji came to know about the matter, he moved his army to Kandana fort and Murumdeb.
He then appealed to the Sindhis of Janjir for help. But the Sindhis rejected his request. Shahaji then tried to get help from the Portuguese in the town of Chaul, but failed again. Eventually Shahaji with his wife Jajibaya and young son Shivaji marched with the army to Muranjan fort (Prabalgarh fort).
Later, in 1636, Shivaji, the son of Shahaji, defeated the Mughals. The Mughals captured the fort. The Mahuli Agreement was signed that year. According to the treaty, the Mughal ruler gave the authority to Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur, to rule the region. Shivaji took advantage of this opportunity.
Shivaji then occupied the Javli region in 1657. At that time Babaji Mahadev, one of Shivaji's generals, conquered Kalyan, Vivandi and Rayari areas. Muranjan fort came under Shivaji. Shivaji changed the name of the fort from 'Muranjan' to 'Prabalgarh'. According to the Purandar Treaty of 1665, 23 forts were handed over to the Mughals, including the Prabalgarh fort.
Every year during the Holi (Shimga) festival, the indigenous people of Machhi-Prabal village perform a dance at the top of Kalabhantin fort. They have a long association with this fort. It seems to be part of their tradition.
Trekking to Kalabhantin fort
This wonderful fort can be clearly seen from the Mumbai-Pune highway. The top tour of the fort is considered to be the most challenging trekking in the Western Ghats mountain range. It has a narrow staircase leading up a steep hill. These stairs were made by cutting soil and stones. Trekking with its beauty and fear of death is very dangerous but also very exciting. That is why every year many tourists come here to enjoy trekking.
Kalabhantin fort is famous for its 'climbing to heaven' due to its dangerous nature and the bird's eye view waiting at the top. The base point of this fort is the village of Thakurwadi. The high mountain rises steeply over this village. And Kalabhantin fort on that hill.
It takes about three hours to reach Kalavantin fort and Prabalgarh fort on the way to this 'adrenaline-sparking' fort. Stairs have been made to start flowing along the rocky hill, which has been made by cutting stones and soil. There are no guard rails to hold hands, not even ropes.
Dangerous stairs will frighten your heart to death. But the beautiful scenery and the feeling of thrilling trekking will take you to the top of the castle.
There are many tea stalls on the hill in the middle of the trekking path. These stalls can be paused during trekking. Forget the fatigue of climbing the rocky stairs that climb the terribly dangerous steep mountains, while the bird's eye view of Mumbai city, coral fort, Matheran mountain, Chanderi, Ershal, Cornwall fort and Western mountain range.
Accident
Traveling to Kalabhantin fort is as exciting as it is dangerous. In the case of trekking, there is a risk of death in an accident. Even then the trekkers did not stop. You can't resist the urge to see death up close.
There have been occasional reports of people losing their lives in accidents while trekking to Kalabhantin fort. Rachita Gupta died while trekking in December 2016. In February 2018, Pune trekker Chetan Dhande fell from the top of the fort and died.
After the death of Chetan Dhand, the local administration introduced some new rules to ensure the safety of the trekkers. Before boarding, you have to pay Rs. 20 and personal details in the form of registration to the local administration. Trekking is strictly prohibited from 5 pm to 6 am. Trekking in the dark is a long way off, even entering the area is prohibited.
Trekking can only be done with the help of a local guide at the time allowed. The administration has specially trained 50 local guides for this. Also the use of plastic bottles and plastic bags for trekkers has been completely banned.
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