Maharashtra, the land of the Marathas, is a state blessed with natural beauty. From the sandy beaches of Konkan to the lush green Western Ghats, Maharashtra has diverse landscapes. One such impressive natural wonder is the mighty Kalsubai peak, standing tall at an elevation of 1,646 meters (5,400 feet). This mighty peak offers a panoramic view of other surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers.
The Journey Begins
The creator of the YouTube video embarks on an adventure starting from Pune to explore Kalsubai, about 200 kilometers away. The late-night journey promises an early morning trek the next day. As the creator travels through the night in his car, he comes across warning signs for animals like leopards and hyenas, indicating the dense forests ahead. However, the poor road conditions pose more threat than the animals at this point. After resolving some bike issues midway, the journey continues well past midnight before reaching the destination village to rest for the trek next morning.
Legend of Kalsubai Peak
The next morning, the trek starts by crossing a waterfall. According to local legends, Kalsubai peak is named after a tribal woman who gave medicinal herbs to villagers. The tribes revered such healers as God’s children. After the woman named Kalsubai died, the villagers erected a temple in her memory at the peak. Hence, the peak derived its name from the generous tribal woman.
Another legend suggests that Kalsubai promised to be adopted by a childless tribal couple on two weird conditions – she would never do any housework and they can never get her married. Years later, when potential grooms started rejecting Kalsubai as she did all the household work herself, she disappeared to the hills in anger. The tribe started worshipping the hills in her name.
The Trek Begins in Earnest
After driving through dense forests and crossing a waterfall, the trek starts in earnest. The path is slippery due to moss, and the humidity adds to the difficulty. After some steep slippery climbs, the first viewpoint is reached. The surrounding vista looks surreal, boosting adrenaline levels.
Moving forward, the second viewpoint offers a bird’s eye view of two adjacent valleys separated by mountains. As the trek progresses, the cold mountain air replaces the humidity. Signs of transitioning weather are visible, as lush green vegetation starts giving way to Autumn hues. At some points, the path passes dangerously close to steep edges with no barricades. But the visual treat of waterfalls and valleys keeps the trekker distracted from potential risks.
The Final Stretch
As the summit nears, the terrain changes to jagged volcanic rock. According to the creator, these peaks originated from ancient volcanoes during the breakup of the prehistoric supercontinent Gondwanaland. The last one hour is the toughest, sapping away energy after the long ascend. Finally, the creator reaches Maharashtra’s highest point!
The 360° panoramic view from the Kalsubai peak is breathtaking as rows and rows of mountains can be seen on all sides. After soaking in the views, it’s time to descend before sundown and end the adventurous trek on a high note!
The Kalsubai trek exemplifies Maharashtra’s natural beauty at its best. Have you been on this peak or any other adventurous treks in Maharashtra? Share your experiences in the comments below!
5 Key Things to Remember Before Visiting Kalsubai
- Best Time for the Kalsubai Trek – The monsoons and winter offer the best experience. Summers should be avoided due to risk of exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Right Footwear – Wear shoes with proper grip and ankle support. The path is slippery, so trekking sandals should be avoided.
- Carry Light – Don’t carry too many valuables during the trek. Essentials like energy bars, electrolytes, hat, and jacket are a must.
- Stay Near the Peak – Consider spending a night at the peak in tents for a surreal experience. Witnessing sunrises and sunsets from the summit is amazing.
- Fitness Levels – Reasonable fitness levels are prerequisite since it involves steep ascents at altitude. Accompanying kids is not advisable due to the risky stretches.
So are you ready for this adventurous trek now? Gear up and be mesmerized by Maharashtra’s natural splendor at its best!
