Kalsubai Trek - The Everest of Maharastra

Climbing Everest might be the dream for Most of the mountaineers, but wouldn't it be a good idea to start with Everest of Maharastra? If you are the one dreaming about it, then this trek is for you!

Welcome to The Kalsubai Peak - The Everest of Maharastra!

Kalsubai is a mountain in the Western Ghats, located in the Nashik distrik of Maharashtra. Its summit, situated at an elevation of 1,646 metres (5,400 ft), is the highest point in Maharashtra.

The mountain range lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sahyadri mountain range has close to 554 mountin peaks and i thought this would be the perfect start for my exploration in Maharastra.

With three days Itinenary, i have started my trip from Chennai. Landed in Mumbai Airport around 8 am and My train from LTT to Igatpuri starts by 10 am. Took an auto from Airport to Railway station. Igatpuri is the nearest railway station and also this place has multiple options for accomodation if someone wants to stay overnight and start the trek in the Morning.

Train facility also available from Thane to Kasara and to Igatpuri.

Below map can give better view of transportation and different phases of trek route.

Travel Map credits to Trek and Trails

When i reached Igatpuri, it was 2 pm. Once we come out of the railway station, there are multiple loadges available, ranging from 600 Rupees. i was able to find a Loadge with in 100 meters from the railway station. Took Maharastra style thali for lunch and closed my eyes for a quick nap.

After 8 hours of much needed sleep, got up around 4 am morning and Bus station about a kilometer from my stay. Quick ride to the station i have reached with in 5 minutes. Straight away went to the enquiry where as first bus is around 6 am in the morning to Bari which is the base village for Kalsubai trek.

When i was preparing for this trek, one of the most asked questions over internet was about accomodation in Bari. There are multiple tent stay facilities available in Bari and also while we make progress towards the mountain.

After 45 minutes bus ride, reached Bari village. i had to walk about Kilometer to reach Bari village from the main road. Once we get down on the road, Kalsubai peak appears right infront of you when you face towards the village.

I have started walking towards Bari, there were multiple vehicles passed by where i didn't make an atttept to ask for lift since the way was more beautiful and i was mismerised by imagining my trek. With in few mins, i have reached Bari and locals guided towards the starting point fo the trail. It won't be that difficult as there is only one way which leads to this trek starting point.

Please watch the complete trek experience on Batasari travel tales:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNHCCKEW_Bk

Here are some of memories captured during my trek.

View of mountain

Mountain summit view from Main road

Mountain Maggies are always special

View of surrounding mountain range from trail

Summit moments. Kalsubai temple.

Breathe taking moments from Summit.

Parvathamalai Trekking

2000 years old Lord Mallikarjuna swamy & Bramarambika Devi temple is on top of the hill. Parvathamalai is 4560 feet (1390 Meters) above the sea level. Lord Siva stepped on this hill when he returned from Himalays and heading to Thiruvannamalai.

Lord Shiva footprints

Parvathamalai is about 35 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai and it is located closer to the villages Thenmadimangalam and Kadaladi in the Jawadhu hill range a part of eastern ghats in TamilNadu of South India.

Please watch my Parvathamalai Trekking vlogs while you progress reading this article.

Topographics:

Parvathamalai is about 35 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai and it is located closer to the villages Thenmadimangalam and Kadaladi in the Jawadhu hill range a part of eastern ghats in TamilNadu of South India. Polur is about 20 kilometres from Parvathamalai and 35 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai.

From Polur, take NH 234 upto Kalasapakkam. From here take Kalasapakkam and Vilvarani link road to reach Parvathamalai.

View of Parvathamalai in the shape of Shiva lingam

How did i get to know:

First i got to know about this trek from one of the social media posts. I haven't heard of this place before, hence i was like, let me plan some time in the future and not to rush. But i always had a feel that, there is some magic around it and i must go. While days passed, i have encountered some of the youTube videos i watched turned out to be this place is must go. Especially the path & powers of this mountain which people have spoken greatly. At last the day has come and plan executed with help of 2 amazing folks (Dev & Suresh).

Parvathamalai Trekking Vlog part 1:

Route & Mode of transport:

i have travelled through my own transport for better convenience and benefit of time.

If someone wants to opt for public transport, please follow this: Chennai or any place you travel from, take a bus to Thiruvannamalai. There are three routes to Parvathamalai.

1. Through Thenmadhimangalam Village (new way): Take a bus or share auto to Polur (30 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai). From Polur, Thenmadhimangalam Village is about 18 kilometres. Most of the devotees come this route. We can also visit Pachaiamman, Veerabhadra & Vana Durga temples while coming this way.

2. Through Kalagadi Village (Trekking route & Old way): Take a bus or share auto from Tiruvannamalai to Polur & then Kadaladi. Polur to Kadaladi is about 27 kilometres and appx. 45 mins travel time. There will be ashram of Swami Mouna Vithoba at starting point of the trekking. This route is preferred for trekkers and we have trekked through this route.

3. Kandha Palayam (Not Known by many): Kandha Palayam village is about 10 kilometres from Kadaladi Village. There was a Saint who used to live in this village and climb the hill regularly. Even now there is a path but its very steep. There is an Ashram and Temple in this village too.

Nearest Railway station is Thiruvannamalai & Nearest Airport is Chennai & Tirupati.

Trek length & Duration:

Trek distance is 5.5 kilometres (one side) and altitude of 4560 feet (1390 Meters). The one with normal fitness can complete the Uphill in 3 to 4.5 hours and Down hill 2.5 to 4 hours. This is one day trek and can be done in two days too.

Half way through the trail

Fitness:

Prepare yourself physically for better trekking experience. May be about 4 to 5 kilometres per day.

View of trail which will challenge your fitness

Age groups:

Kids minimum of 10+ years who may not insist parents to carry them.

Upper age, no limitation unless you are young at heart.

Visiting hours:

Monday to Friday - Devotees or trekkers allowed only during day time. Morning till evening 3 to 4 pm. Night climbing / trekking is not allowed.

Weekend (Saturday, Sunday) - Trail is open for during day and night.

Full, No moon & Festive Days - Day and night. No restriction.

Board out side the temple

Parking:

Thenmadhimangalam - Parking place is at the footsteps. Its a paid parking and rest assured.

Kadaladi - Vehicles can be parked inside the Ashram compound and its paid parking. We may also leave outside the Ashram. I left my car there for overnight and it was safe.

Parking place at Kadaladi Ashram

Stay:

There is an Ashram (Mounayogi Vidobanadha Ashrm) on top of the Hill. Annadanam happens during day and night as per allowed hours to visit temple. It can accommodate around 50 to 100 people Maximum. Remember, it's an Ashram! only shelter with no other amenities (not even washroom). You will be asked to leave by 5 am in the morning.

Pitching tent or staying at temple is not allowed as climate gets harsh in the night. During rainy season heavy storms and lightening takes place.

Washroom - Temple premises has a washroom. No other apart from this one.

Ashram on top of the Parvathamalai

Check my Vlog here for night stay:

Climate:

Windy most of the times & Cold. Strong winds during night time. Heavy lightening and storms when rains. Temperature falls drastically during night. Temple will be covered in the clouds frequently or mostly during night. Even Summer temperature will be pretty under control during summer since entire mountain covered with wide range of plants.

During rainy season, trail becomes muddy and hard to trek. Short spell of rains, need not to worry.

Top of the mountain covered in clouds

Top 1/4 of the mountain covered in clouds

Food & Water:

Till base camps - For day treks, Plan to take your lunch pack from home or There are good restaurants / hotels in Tiruvannamalai. You may opt to take parcel from here too.

Small road side hotels are available till the base camps.

During trek - Stalls are there throughout the trail, however, only snacks and thirst busters, fruit's and water is available. These are open mostly during weekends, full and no moon days.

On top of the hill - Small stalls (very few) are available for snacks and water. Food will be provided by Ashram. You may need to go on time.

Carry dry nuts, instant energy chocolates depending on your appetite.

Water - One must carry Minimum of 2 litres. Avoid carrying plastic - strictly. Already lot of plastic waste is thrown. You may buy water from small stalls and refill your bottles.

Sipping tender coconut on my way back

Clothing & Trekking equipment:

Carry a spare quick dry or cotton T-shirt. Avoid shorts and wear full length bottom as the trail is covered with small plants when you come from Kadaladi route. For night stay, take a Jacket or think cotton T shirt as temperatures fall low, blanket & towel.

Most of the devotees climb the hill with bear foot. Its completely on you. For better trekking experience and safety, wear ankle covered trekking shoes. No need to carry any trekking pole as last part of the trail has to be climbed only with help of Iron chains & rods.

Pro tip - Carry very less luggage hassle free trek.

Which route to take:

This is purely based on your agenda. Devotees Prefer Thenmadhimangalam as there are three more temples can be visited (Pachaiamman, Veerabhadra & Vana Durga) also this route is considered to be the easy one comparing with rest two. If you simply ask locals about the route, they will guide you to this one.

For Trekkers, Kadaladi is the best route. Total trekking distance will be appx. 11 kilometers (both sides together). Overall 6 mountains to be crossed to reach the top.

Both of these routes will join after a while.

Our journey from foot of the hill to the top will have three different stages. First stage (Half of overall distance), Steps or trekking route will not be much difficult as you already read and made up your mind before getting there. Trail will be muddy.

Second stage (1/4 of overall distance), trial will be full of rocks and steep.

Third and the most difficult part of this journey, Climbing steep rock with help of Metal rods and chains, almost vertical. Its also called "Kadaparai malai". There will not be any other support apart from these. Need to watch every step, may need to remove the trekking shoes and climb with bare foot.

Kadaparai malai, Most difficult path of the trek

Don't forget, trail is so amazing throughout the trek

Place where both the trails merge

Most difficult part of the trail

History & facts of Parvathamalai:

It is believed that, Siddhas have build this temple for Meditation. Divine light can be often seen on cheeks of Bramarambika devi. There are no doors to this temple nor a Priest. You need to worship and perform your own Pooja at this temple. Yes, you read it right!

While history hails from Ramayana. One of the most popular theories attributed to the formation of Parvathamalai is that, part of Sanjeevani mountain fell off when lord hanuman carried it. The hill carries about 100 + medical herb plants.

View of temple during sunrise

According to the regional history, the devotees reaps the benefit of visiting all Shiva temples when he/she visits Parvathamalai.

Paranormal activities reported by many devotees. Some of the devotes have reported seeing Siddhas. You may hear Chanting or blowing Shankam (Conch) sounds in the night along with Jyothi darshan. Idol in the temple has dazzling beauty which can not be seen anywhere. Amazing fragrance of flowers will be experienced around the temple.

Sri Kanchi aadi Shankaracharya saw this hill as Shiva lingam and didn't want to keep his foot on the hill. He worshipped by going around the hill. Ramana Maharshi said, there is no need for Guru who lives in and around of 30 kilometres of Tiruvannamalai and he will guide them.

Also history of Parvathamalai interconnected with Lord Mallikarjuna swami temple in Srisailam, Andhra pradesh.

Powers of Parvathamalai:

It is said to be that, Many gods and Goddess from other lokas visit this place. One who visit regularly gets positive energy and blessings.

Parvathamalai temple is the only one in India where anyone can climb the hill and perform their own pooja.

Lord Mallikarjuna swami at Parvathamalai

Climbing the Parvathamalai and offering pooja to the lord reaps the benefit of visiting and seeking the fortune of visiting all the Shiva temples on this planet.

Pilgrimages visiting the Parvathamalai for 48 full moons and no moon days continuously reap the benefit of going to Mount Kailash and getting the darshan lord, Shiva

This is the mountain with more than 100+ herbs after Himalayas in India. You will pass through most of these herbs plants while you trek and their fragrance will amuse you. It is believed that, some of the diseases in the body will be cured when we smell them and also reduces stress levels and lot of miracles took place.

Parvathalamai is spiritual place of its rare kind. It is believed to be the one who climbs this mountain will be gain a power to activate all 7 Chakra's in human body

Those who stay over night may experience or witness miracles from Siddhars and some of them have witnessed paranormal activities.

Having said, this is the toughest mountain to climb, no deaths happened at this mountain.