Kalavantin Durg, Rock pinnacle in Raigad district, India
Kalavantin Durg is a rock pinnacle rising 2,250 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats, connected by a series of stone steps carved directly into the mountainside. These steps form the main route to the summit and create one of the steepest climbing paths in the region.
Built in the 15th century, this fortification served as a watchtower to monitor the surrounding mountain region and nearby trade routes. Its position on the peak made it valuable for defense and controlling movement through the Western Ghats.
The local community of Thakurwadi has preserved stories about Queen Kalavantin that remain woven into daily life and the land itself. Guides from the village share these narratives as visitors make their way up, keeping the past present for those who climb.
Visitors need to register at the base and bring sturdy footwear and water, as the climb is physically demanding. From Thakurwadi village, the journey to the summit takes about four hours for those with average fitness levels.
The carved stone steps reach inclines of roughly 60 degrees, making this one of the steepest climbing routes in the Western Ghats. Most visitors underestimate how technically challenging these extreme stairs actually are.
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