INTRODUCTION.
Prabarmachi is a quaint little village tucked away in the hills of the old Mumbai-Pune highway. This village is the basis camp climbing the Prabal gad/Kalavantin fort. Located at an altitude of about 1200 feet above sea level, Prabarmachi is a village halfway between two famous treks near Navi Mumbai called Prabal gad and Karavantin. Prabalmachi offers stunning views of Prabalgad and Carabantine as well as beautiful valley views on the outskirts of Panvel. When it comes to location, weather and food, Prabalmachi is hard to beat.
It is one of the best campgrounds with the necessary basic facilities. We also offer small hikes through forests full of natural treasures. Visit this place just for the stunning panoramic views of Sahyadri. This plateau overlooks a beautiful valley that eventually descends into the shimmering Arabian Sea (visible from above on a clear day).
The view from the fortress is amazing. The campsite is equipped with quality tents and delicious food. You can spend the night around the campfire. See shooting stars and discover constellations.
You can climb the renowned Caravantin Durg in the morning. Villagers will help you expand your keep, as the last 15 feet of rock can be a challenge. You can also come to Prabalgad Fort Trek with
Caravantin Durg. There is a 50-rupee village entrance fee charged by the locals. They help keep fort and village areas clean and safe. After a night of camping on the Prabalmati plateau, calm and cool September dawn offers spectacular views of the Karabanthin Fortress.
How to reach?
The cheapest and most convenient way to reach base village of Prabarmachi in Thakurwadi and the Karabantine Trek to Mumbaikal is by local train (Harbour Railway). Panvel Railway Station is the closest train station to Thakurwadi Village and is well connected to rest of country. Regular buses run from Panvel to Thakurwadi village and you can choose shared/private car/rickshaw to reach the base village. We recommend that you carry your Autowala phone number with you for the return journey. Be sure to check return fare in advance. It takes about 25-30 minutes from Panvel Station to Base Village. You can drive from Mumbai (48 km – 2 hours) / Pune (115 km – 3 hours) to Thakurwadi village to avoid the hassle of changing public transport. Parking is available at the base village for a small fee.
Camping at Prabalmachi.
The difficulty is easy and most people should be able to complete the first phase. The first phase ends at Prabalmachi after about an hour of steady walking. Prabarmachi is flat and very picturesque. Prabalmachi is the base for his two mountain treks, Karavantin Durg and Prabalgad. The target is clearly visible from the base. It takes about 2-3 hours from the base to the campsite. The hike is easy with gentle slopes and steps (made of rock). However, people who don’t usually walk a lot will get a little tired.
Take short enough breaks to catch your breath and take pictures. Trekking to Prabarmachi can be easily completed without a guide. This is mostly because doing this on his weekend DIY will likely spot a lot of other hikers. Paths are also marked differently. If there are no difficult trails, it is almost impossible to get lost. The hike begins with a short walk-through meadow and reaches narrow paths in the mountains. At the beginning, you will come across a wide road, but the road will gradually become narrower and meander through the dense autumn leaves.
Large leaves protect you from the sun and rain. The fort was formerly known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha army under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its sister fortress is Irshargad. Just north of Prabalgad is the rugged Karabanthin Fortress. Prabarmachi his camping offers great views of his two towering forts facing each other. The gentle evening breeze and the traditional food of the villagers add to the experience. Things to bring when visiting the trek: clothes, windbreaker, sport shoes, floats, plastic bags, umbrellas, water bottles, chocolates, mints, personal medications if you have them, shoulder bags (avoid sling bags ) is.
Major Attractions at Prabalmachi.
Beautiful views and cool breezes of Prabarmachi/plateau
Enjoy panoramic views of the region and town
Amazing hikes in the forest
Amazing climbs
The top of the plateau is good for camping.
Prabalmachi is open all year round. Winter and summer for trekking and camping, before and after monsoons for fireflies.