Prabalgad is a distant and forgotten cousin of Matheran. At 2300 ft above the sea level, with a forest atop with a variety of birds and animals, it has all the ingredients for the making of a hill station. Thanks to the lack of resident water sources, this forest remains pristine and an ideal destination for true nature lovers and adventure seekers. The gigantic V shaped mountain (which is to the west of the fort) cannot be missed while traveling through the Mumbai Pune Express way of high way. It is also visible from the Matheran Sun Set point.
Prabalgad is accessible from the Konkan by taking a turn at the Poinje Phata. This road branches out from the Panvel road, just six kilometers short of the Panvel crossing. From Poinje, you can trek to the top of the fort, passing Thakarwadi. The fort has some ruins of stone walls and ramparts. There is a small water tank and a Ganesh temple. Still, it is wise to take the help of a local guide at Thakarwadi. This way, you can be assured of finding your way amidst the wild tracts of Karvy. The only traces of humans are cowherds who take their cattle and goats to graze in and around the fort. A tiny lake also provides these animals with drinking water. There are few records mentioning the historical or geographical importance of Prabalgad, save that in 1826, the freedom fighter, Umaji Naik, along with his companions, had made the fort his home for a brief period. The fort is close to Mumbai as well as Pune, making it an excellent place to go for a weekend trek. With its misty monsoons and cool summers, a trek to Prabalgad is adventurous and memorable.
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Prabalgad Photos from 2005 TrekLabels: Prabalgad
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