Mt. Kalsubai fireflies trek

15 june 2018 

Night trek to Mt. kalsubai

Ever since I started trekking I always wanted to go to the Mt. Kalsubai which is the highest peak in maharashtra and also called as everest of maharashtra. Its summit situated at an elevation of 1646 meters (5400 feet).Finally the moment had come for which I was dying. I got a call from my friend stating we are going for it and no excuses to be entertained and then the journey starts. It was Night trek to Kalsubai with few trekkers united by my friend. This was a pre monsoon trek to experience the mesmerizing view of fireflies in harischandragad-kalsubai wildlife sanctuary. Fireflies mate during the pre monsoon period and the best way to witness these creatures is by going to a fireflies trek. Western Ghats are filled with places where these shiny creatures come out in millions at night.

The name Kalsubai has given to the mountain on the woman who used to live in this mountain according to the villagers living at the base of Kalsubai Mountain. It is said that a woman name Kalsubai was punished by the villagers and forced to leave the village, that woman climbed this mountain and started living on it and died there. That's how the name of this mountain Kalsubai came. It is visited throughout the year by various trekkers, Kalsubai temple devotees and wildlife enthusiasts

Kalsubai temple (5400 ft) 

We all gathered at my friends place. And the journey started to the base village bari at 2.30 pm. I had the company of my newly made friends and we indulged ourselves into funny conversations during journey. 

As we reached near Harishchandragad - kalsubai wildlife sanctuary we were not alone. To welcome us, the forest was lively with millions of fireflies. On each tree, thousands of fire flies glowed simultaneously. It was something I had never experienced before.There was a millions of fireflies in the forest and around us. We tried to catch some of them. You will see fireflies everywhere in this region.

Catching fireflies 

We reached the base village baari at 8 pm. You will find small hotels near base village where you can get some food. The villagers are extremely hospitable and helpful towards the trekkers. One of the villager provided us stove for cooking. After relaxing a bit we started cooking. After dinner and some rest we started our trek at midnight with fireflies by our side. I could not find any word that can express the feeling of trekking with fireflies by your side. 
Stars up in the sky, stars on the earth below too!

When you trek in the dark, a good torch with bright light is a must. You got to pay attention on the road which is full of rocks, stones, and broken tree branches. We climbed wrong part of the mountain initially. As it was difficult to choose right trail in the dark we decided take rest. We pitched our tent at 3 am. 

After a very short sleep, we began ascending at 6.30 am. Once you start the trek, the first landmark you witness is the village temple followed by a stream that is to be crossed to begin the trek. From here trail is well defined and least confusing.

Base village temple 

The view becomes more and more beautiful as you move further. There are four ladders on the way with railing. These ladders are usefully placed so as to make the trek more accessible to common people, they are placed where there are rocks and one can overcome this rocks by crossing on the stepladders From here on the route is straightforward, just follow those series of ladder till you reach a table top from there just follow in the direction of the peak which becomes visible and reach the final ladder which will take you to the top of the mountain. Though the trek looks easy but you must have good endurance level, prepare to walk at least for 3 hours from the Bari village. We all walked with good pace without taking many breaks. After 2-3 hours of trekking we reached at the top of the mountain. 

Ladder to the highest peak in maharashtra 

The view from the top is breathtaking, could see mountains all around you. You can see Bhandardara backwaters and the peaks of Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai, to the north; Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the east; Alang, Madangad, Kulang, to the west; Ratangad at south-west and to the south you will be able to see Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar and Harishchandragad. At the top there is a small temple of kalsubai.

View from the highest peak in maharashtra 

After clicking many pictures we had our lunch. After lunch and relaxing a bit we started descending at 12 pm. Within 2 hrs we reached base Village bari. Soon we reached our sweet home with sweet memories. Overall we had a wonderful trek and enjoyed each and every moment in sahyadri.