Prabalgad Valley Tourism- Prabalamchi Camping And Trek To Prabalgad And Kalavantin Durg

Dear Tourist,

Machi Prabal is an ancient and beautiful village. It is situated half-way up a mountain (such a plateau or ledge is called a "machi" in Marathi) at the base of the fort Prabalgad. Because of the two forts Prabalgad and Kalavantin and the natural beauty of the surrounding regions, many visitors and fort-enthusiasts are attracted to this place.

To fully explore this area, you will need at least two days. However, many visitors have had some difficulty in finding food and lodging near this village. Some visitors would return home after one day tour and others would spend the night sleeping outdoors on the grass and eating whatever they could bring or manage to obtain. It is also hard for ladies and children to stay here comfortably.

My name is Nilesh Bhutambre (I am called "Bhau" by those close to me, especially by everyone in my village). I’m the only “Adivasi" boy to graduate from my village. One day, while i was searching for information about my village and the fort of Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad, i saw that there are lot of tourists who visit this fort and report on their blog or website. Some of these tourists motioned that there is no facility available for food or accommodation. That is when I decided to provide these facilities to Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg tourists. My BA graduation and Diploma in Programming Language helped me make web page to spread the word about my idea and services.

I am providing these facilities with due support of my family, the Bhutambare family.

Our services include Kalavantin Durg & Prabalgad Dharshan Guide, Food & Accommodation. We are also offering a tour package including everything you would require. The Bhutambare family provides these services using their own home as the base of operations.

Dear Guest,

Thanks for visiting our page, we are looking forward to see you at the Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg Tour.

Please contact the following members if you require any further

details :-Mr.Nilesh Bhutambara- Mob:-08056186321 All Information )

Mr.Sandip Bhasma- Mob:-9028570190 ( Tour Guide )

Mr.Namdew Bhutambara-Mob:-9209461474 ( Hotel And Lodging

Service )

Mr.Balu Bhutabmbara- Mob:-8879473282 (Hotel And Lodging

Service )

Mail-ID : kalavantinprabalgad@gmail.com

Mail-ID : neel.nilesh0506@gmail.com

Website : http://prabalgad.jigsy.com/

Blog : http://prabalgad.blogspot.com/ ( Blog In Marathi language)

Geographical Location of Fort:

Fort Muranjan or Prabalgad can be seen from Mumbai-Pune express highway. On the East side of fort you will find Ulahas River, Matheran, on the west side Gadhi River, Chanderi and Peb forts, the city of Mumbai, on the south side, the Patalganga river, Manikgad and on the north side, the Karnala fort. You can experience the twinkling lights of Mumbai city, Rasayani, Panvel and nearby areas from the height.

Do you want to enjoy this ancient and naturally beautiful trek?

Do you want to enjoy this scenic trek to ancient areas of historical significance? Do you want to experience this fabulous, exciting spot? Then let me tell you about this place which will make you forget your age. You can experience the chilled air, forceful wind which is far better than AC. Have a bath under the natural shower of waterfall and you will definitely forget zakuni, and sauna baths. Experience the sunset from the peak of hill it and will show you its different shades on the water of river. Experience the twinkling lights of Mumbai city, Rasayani, Panvel and nearby areas from the height. So come, experience this exciting package of fun, happiness and refreshment and that too not far from Mumbai city.

How to Reach To the Fort?

This fort is visible from Mumbai- Pune highway. There is a way to fort from Shedung village which is at the point where the Kalamboli-Mumbai bypass road meets the Mumbai-Pune highway. 6 seater Minidor auto-rickshaws are available from Gandhi Hospital and Old Panvel to Thakurwadi. For a group of 10 people the auto-rickshaw (Minidor) fare is around Rs. 200 to 250. Another choice is to catch the hourly State-Transport bus at the Panvel Bus Depot. The bus fare from Panvel to Thakurwadi bus is Rs. 14 per person. Thakurwadi is the terminal stop of this bus, and from Thakurwadi onwards you can complete your journey to the fort on foot.

PrabalGad (fort):

This fort was built to keep an eye on the ancient ports of Panvel and Kalyan situated in North Konkan. From the study of the caves in this fort it is estimated that it belongs to the time of Buddha. The Shilahar and Yadav dynasties made it an army camp because of the strong man-made caves engraved in this fort and named it ‘Muranjan’. It was built at the time of the Bahamani Empire. Afterwards it came under the Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmednagar. When the Nizam Shahi dynasty was on the verge of collapse, Shahaji Raje came to their support, but the Mughal emperor Shahajehan and Adil Shah of Bijapur both sent their army separately to defeat Shahaji. When Shahaji came to know this, he moved his army to fort Kondhana and fort Murumbdev. He then requested help against the Mughal and Adilshahi forces from Siddhis of Janjira, but was refused. So Shahaji tried to get help from the Portuguese in the city of Chaul, but failed again. Finally Shahaji, with his wife Jijabai and son young Shivaji moved on Muranjan fort along with army. Later in 1636 Shivaji left Muranjan fort. In the same year 1636 the Agreement of Mahuli was made according to which the North Konkan went under the Mughal Empire who granted authority to Adilshaha of Vijapur to rule the area in return for tribute. Shivaji grabbed this opportunity. He defeated More of Javli and captured the Javli area. At the same time a brave Sardar of Shivaji, Abaji Mahadev won the area of Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Rayri. That time fort Muranjan came under swarajya of Shivaji. Shivaji changed the name of this fort from “Muranjan" to "Prabalgad" (Prabal means "strong"). Later on, in 1665, according to Treaty of Purandar, Prabalgad was one of the twenty-three forts which were handed over to the Mughal empire. The Mughal Sardar Jaysingh placed a Rajput named Kesarsingh Hada in charge of the fort Prabalgad. In 1658, the Marathas under Shivaji re-took the fort once again. The Mughal Sardar Kesar Singh committed suicide realising that defeat was imminent. The Rajput ladies in the fort commited Jauhar (self-immolation) to escape dishonour. The mother and son of Kesar Singh who had hidden themselves in the fort were granted freedom by the order of Shivaji. In the investigation of the fort great amount of wealth was found.

Prabalgad Bhatkanti:

The flat top area of the fort is covered by dense forest. There is a Ganesh Temple at the top. There are also some scenic ruins of old buildings and a few water tanks. In order to explore them you will need a local guide. The British Government wanted to develop Prabalgad as a hill station like Matheran but were thwarted in this plan on account of the difficulties caused by the lack of water which, though sufficient for the existing residents, would not have met the requirements if more people had come to stay as per their plan. Because of the dense forest it is not always easy to find paths for walking, but if you persevere and reach the top of the fort you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the of different points of Matheran, the neighbouring hill-station.

Kalavantin Durg (Fort):

This fort is just opposite to Prabalgad. It is also visible from Mumbai-Pune highway. According to stories, the fort was built for a queen named Kalavantin. Steps leading up to the fort have been cut into the rock face of the hill. From the peak of this hill you can see Matheran, Chanderi, Peb, Ershal, and Karnala forts, and also the Mumbai city. The Adivasi People of Machi-Prabal village observe the custom of dancing on every Holi (Shimga) Festival at the top of Kalavantin fort. These people have a long-standing relationship with this fort and it has become a part of their heritage.

*PRABALGAD & KALAVANTIN MOUNTAIN TREKKING & TOUR GROUP PACKAGE* *( WEEKEND : 2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT)* *WITH FOOD, LODGING & GUIDE SERVICE FOR Rs.999/- Per person*
*TOUR - SITES:* Prabalgad, Kalavantin (Prabalmachi), Panvel, Raigad
*TOUR DURATION* : First day 6 AM to Second Day 6 PM
*INSTUCTIONS:* Please arrive on or before 10:00 AM on the first day at the below address: (Please make your own travel arrangements to arrive at Prabalmachi Village) Prabalmachi Village, Panvel, Raigad Maharashtra, PIN: 410206
*SCHEDULE OF DAY ONE :*
Before 10:00 AM - Reaching Prabalmachi Panvel Raigad (Hotel ) [Please ensure that you arrive at Prabalmachi in time.]
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Tea, Breakfast, Shifting* Luggage to Room*
11:00 AM to 01:00 PM - Prabalgad Room to Kalavantin Dharshan Tour
01:00 PM to 02:00 PM - Return Journey from Kalavantin ( to Hotel ) for lunch
02:00 PM to 03:00 PM - Lunch Time ( at Hotel)
03:00 PM to 05:00 PM - Rest in alloted room ( Lodging )
05:00 PM to 07:00 PM - Experience the sunset from the peak of hill point With Tea & Snacks
07:00 PM to 07:30 PM - Experience the twinkling lights of Mumbai,Rasayani, from the height
07:30 PM to 08:00 PM - Evening Break to freshen up.
08:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Games & Activities (Carom or Chess Game)
10:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Dinner Time (At Lodging)
11:00 PM to 11:30 PM - Few Tips on Trekking, and Briefing about next day’s program
11:30 PM to 06:00 AM - Good Night and Sweet Dreams
*SCHEDULE OF* DAY TWO :
06:00 AM to 07:00 AM - Good Morning & Bath
07:00 AM to 07:30 AM - Tea, Snacks
07:30 AM to 01:00 PM - Tour from Lodging to Prabalgad [Breakfast in Prabalgad at 11AM]
01:00 PM to 02:00 PM - Return Journey Pabalgad (to Hotel )
02:00 PM to 03:00 PM - Lunch (at Hotel)
03:00 PM to 03:30 PM - Rest (at Lodging)
03:00 PM to 04:00 PM - Games, Prize Distribution, Tea & Snacks and Taking-leave.
04:00 PM - You can start your return Journey to your Homes
*TOUR PACKAGE : Rs.999/- Per personINCLUSIVE OF FOLLOWING SERVICES/THINGS***
HOTEL SERVICE :
2 Lunch Unlimited (With Rice, Dal, 2 Veg Dishes, Bhakari or Chapatti, Papad, Pickle )
1 Dinner Unlimited (With Rice, Dal, 2 Veg Dishes, Bhakari or Chapatti, Papad, Pickle )
2 Breakfast ( Kanda Poha , Upama )
4 Tea
3 Snacks (Three varieties of Biscuits )
*LODGING SERVICE*	*GUIDE SERVICES AND GIFTS*
General Room	2 Day’s Guide Service
Mat	1 Night Guide Service
Chadar	3 Photos of God Hanuman as prizes. (1st, 2nd, & 3rd prizes for each group)
Bed sheet, Pillow
*OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS* *FOR PARTICIPANT AND TOUR ORGANIZERS :NOTE : WE ARE NOT TOUR ORGANIZERS WE PROVIDE ONLY GUIDE, FOOD, AND LODGING SERVICE PACKAGE FOR TOUR ORGANIZERS . THINGS / ITEMS TO CARRY:*
A Good Backpack (which should carry all things, Avoid extra luggage)
Water Bottles (1Litre Each)
Good Trekking/Sports Shoes + 1 Pair Socks (Avoid Jogging shoes or shoes with spikes)
Floaters (in a polythene Bag)
Cap/Hat/Buff
Full Sleeved T-Shirts, Full Cotton/Trekking Pant (Avoid Jeans or Heavy Cloths)
Extra Pairs of clothes + Inner Wears + Bed Suit
Fleece Jacket / Pullover
Dry Snacks/Biscuits/Choco Bars/Dry Fruits to munch
Towel, Napkin, Toiletry Items (toothbrush, paste, soap etc.)
Big Polythene Bags (one to carry Used Cloths, other for Dry items and Extra)
Mobile + Charger
Torch + Fully Charged Batteries
Notepad + Pen
Identity Card
Personal Medication (if any)
Hobby kit e.g. Camera, etc.
Please avoid carrying Valuables
(All the above things are to be carried at your own risk)
[The total weight of the Backpack should not be more than one-third (1/3) of your own weight.]
*RULES & REGULATIONS :* *NOTE TO ORGANISERS:* *Please ensure that the participants in the tour organised by you are made aware of the below rules and regulations.*
1. Every participant must carry all the things/items mentioned in ‘Things/items to Carry’.
2. Every participant joining the tour must carry the Tour Schedule. All are advised to entrust a copy of the same to someone at their homes.
3. The participants must follow the instructions and orders given by the Tour Leader.
4. The participants will be divided into groups and they must follow the instructions given by their group leaders.
5. All the participants are expected to stay friendly with one another during the Tour.
6. No participant is to go anywhere without prior permission of the Tour Leader
7. Smoking, consuming Alcohol, Drugs, Gutkha, Paan Masala etc. are strictly prohibited.
8. Nothing is to be left behind or discarded at the trek spot. Carry an extra plastic bag for wrappers, waste, etc. Do not litter around the trek spot.
9. Please do not to comment anything negative about any Historical Character, Buildings, Place, Villagers and their life etc.
10. No refund or transfer of fees shall be made in any case.
*11.* Please be advised that the mobile network may not be very strong in certain areas.
12. The Guide & Lodging service provider does not accept any liability for damage, loss, injury, accident, delay, breakdowns, irregularity which may occur on account of any cause whatsoever.
*13.* Strict action will be taken in case of any indiscipline reported against the participants in the Tour.
*14.* Participants, who are allergic to anything or suffering from any disease or illness must inform the Tour Leader(s) before participating in the Tour.
*15.* Participation Certificates will be issued only for the purpose of self-progress review by the participant and not for presenting anywhere else as merit card.
*16.* Participants will follow all rules, regulations and instructions given by the Guide & Lodging service and its leader during the Tour.
17. At any stage, if you feel unwell, inform the Group Leader or Tour Leader immediately.
18. A trek is by nature an adventurous activity. Every participant will sign a ‘Risk Form’. This form states that the participant participates in the Tour at his/her own risk. Ensuring that the participants sign such a document is the responsibility of the Tour Organisers, and not that of the Guide & Lodging service providers.
*19.* The Guide & Lodging service reserves the right to add, modify, or delete any rule/regulation at any time, without notice to the participant and he/she will be liable to follow the same during Tour. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Guest, Thanks for visiting our page, we are looking forward to see you at the Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg Tour. Please contact the following members if you require any further details :-Mr.Nilesh Bhutambara- Mob:-08056186321 Dial with “zero" (Inquiry, For All Information ) Mr.Sandip Bhasma- Mob:-9028570190 ( Tour Guide ) Mr.Namdew Bhutambara-Mob:-9209461474 ( Hotel And Lodging Service ) Mr.Balu Bhutabmbara- Mob:-8879473282 (Hotel And Lodging Service ) Mail-ID : kalavantinprabalgad@gmail.com Mail-ID : neel.nilesh0506@gmail.com Website : http://prabalgad.jigsy.com/ Blog : http://prabalgad.blogspot.com/ ( Blog In Marathi language)

PRABALGAD HOTEL SERVICE
1 .Veg Lunch/Supper Unlimited - Rs. 90	*5. Breakfast Items – Rs.25*
Rice	Upama
Dal (Lentil)	Shira
2 Bhakari or Chapatti	Kanda Poha
2 Veg Dishes	6. Hot Drinks –Rs.10
Papad	Black Tea
Pickle	Milk Tea
*2. Broiler Chicken Plate Unlimited –Rs.120*	7. Half Litre Cold Drinks –Rs.50
Chicken	Pepsi
Broth (Gravy)	Sprite
2 Bhakari or Chapatti	Thumb-up
Lemon	8 .Village Food for sale 1 Kg–Rs.50
Salad	Nachani
3. Country Chicken Plate Unlimited -Rs.200	Vari
Country Chicken	9. Village Fruits for sale
Broth (Gravy)	Karwand (In Season) Rs 50 / Kg
2 Bhakari or Chapatti	Village Jambul(Plum) (In Season ) Rs 50 /Kg
Lemon	Toran- Rs.200 /Kg ( In Season )
Salad	10. Village Crabs for sale
4 ) Pithala Bhakari Plate Unlimited Rs -90	White Crabs 5 Nos – Rs. 100
Nachani or Rice Bhakari	Black Crabs 5 Nos- Rs. 200
Pithala	Note 1: Please inform us inform at least one day in advance of your arrival about your requirement of items 9 & 10, so that new stock can be procured if needed.
Salad	Note 2: If you require any other type of food than those listed here, please inform us in advance. All items listed here will be always available.

PRABALGAD LODGING SERVICE
1)Family Room 2 Days 1 Night Time: first day 6 AM To Second day Evening 6 PM - Rs. 375	3) General Room 2 Days 1 Night Time: first day 6 AM to Next day Evening 6 AM - Rs. 90
Master Bed	Mat
Bed Sheet	Bed Sheet
Bed Mattress	Chadar
2 Pillows	Pillow
2 Chadars
2 Sofa chairs
2) General Room 2 Days 1 Night Time first day 6 AM To Second day Evening 6 PM -Rs. 125	4 ) Open Space ( Angan ) (Level floor overlaid with marble tiles.) 1 Night 6pm to 6am (Rs.50)
Cot	Mat
Pillow	Bed Sheet
Chadar	Chadar
Cot Mattress	Pillow
Bed sheet