The month of January, with its desirable weather, presents the perfect opportunity for trekkers to set out on a trekking adventure. And if you’re looking for an enjoyable, easily accessible trek in Maharashtra, the Prabalmachi trek is one of the most popular treks in the state.
Situated in the Ratnagiri district near the neighborhood in Panvel, it’s easy, finishes within half a day, and offers breathtaking views.
So without further ado, let’s get to know more about the Prabalmachi trek in Maharashtra.
Prabalmachi Trek: Distance, Route, Difficulty, And More
Prabalmachi: An Overview Of The Trek
Situated at an elevation of about 1,200 feet above sea level, Prabalmachi serves as the midway base for two famous treks – the Prabalgad trek and the Kalavantin Durg trek.
It is a scenic plateau offering panoramic views of these two forts as well as Panvel, Matheran, Irshalgad, and Morbe Dam. Passing through lush green forests, the trek is accessible and perfect for first-timers and casual trekkers.
How To Reach Prabalmachi From Mumbai
Trekkers interested in the Prabalmachi trek can start their trek from Panvel and make their way to the base village, Thakurwadi.
Once they reach the base village, trekkers can begin their trek to the Prabalmachi plateau. Here, you can get basic refreshments like breakfast and water, and rest for a while.
Prabalmachi is an accessible trek due to its proximity to Panvel, an important suburb in Navi Mumbai. There are direct trains available from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as well as Trans-Harbour connectivity to Goregaon on the Western Line. This makes Panvel an easy-to-reach destination from most parts of Mumbai.
Usual Itinerary For Prabalmachi Trek
Prabalmachi trek distance: 2.5 km one way
Prabalmachi trek route: Panvel (ideally) – Thakurwadi (base village) – Prabalmachi village and plateau
The Prabalmachi trek is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. It is safe and enjoyable and doesn’t require an exceptional fitness level.
Most trekkers setting out on this trek begin their journey early in the morning. Many recommend reaching the base village as early in the morning as possible.
7 AM to 8 AM is ideal for trekkers to reach the base village so that they can start their trek in the early morning hours. After a trek of about 1.5 to 2 hours, trekkers will reach the Prabalmachi village.
Most trekkers spend about a couple of hours exploring the plateau and the village, interacting with locals, and having lunch here. After these activities, trekkers begin their return journey, which takes about another 1.5 to 2 hours. Once they’re back at the base village, they start their return journey to their home.
Most trekking companies and organizations offer an all-inclusive Prabalmachi trekking package. It consists of to and fro travel from either Panvel or the base village, services like breakfast and group lunch, and the expertise of a trek leader.
Some packages also include accommodation in campsites at the base village.
Prabalmachi Night Trek: Ideal For Spotting Fireflies
While Prabalmachi is a popular day trek, it is gaining popularity as a night trek, especially during the firefly season. The overnight trek usually takes place only during a limited time period, in the few weeks just before the monsoon season (early May to early June).
During this time, many regions in Maharashtra, including the Prabalmachi vicinity, experiences firefly mating seasons. This is the ideal time for nature enthusiasts to spot fireflies, a rapidly dwindling bioluminescent insect species.
Prabalmachi, Bhandardara, Kothaligad, Rajmachi, and a few others places become firefly hotspots in this season. Trekkers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts flock to these places to catch a glimpse of these fantastical creatures!
Things You Must Carry To Prabalmachi Trek
- Reliable sport shoes: Ideal for the rugged terrain, walking for long distances, and getting a grip of the rocky landscape.
- Water bottle: Carry a refillable water bottle, as hydration during a trek is extremely important.
- Sunscreen: It will most likely be quite sunny, both during your ascent and descent, so having sunscreen (50 SPF or higher) is recommended.
- Energy bars: Carry energy bars during the trek to have when you’re feeling low on energy or feel hungry.
- Personal medication: Consult your physician before the trek and carry the prescribed medication with you. If you’re going on this trek with a trekking organization, keep the organizers informed about your health conditions (if any) as well.
Things You Must Not Carry To Prabalmachi Trek
- Chappals, flip flops, or heels: It is common knowledge that any of these footwear is not suitable for heavy-duty trekking or walking for a long distance. These footwear are prone to damage and can cause your feet to hurt.
- Large sum of cash: Carry loose cash with you; however, do not carry a large sum of money with you.
- Expensive jewelry: Wearing or carrying expensive jewelry on a trek is not really recommended. In instances of misplacement or accidental loss, it can cause you monetary damage.
- Alcoholic beverages: It is never advisable to consume alcohol during the trek or after you reach the trek summit. Doing so can affect your vision, cognitive abilities, and is a safety hazard overall.
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Summing Up
The Prabalmachi trek is a popular trek among trekkers, especially those looking to explore the beauty of Maharashtra’s terrain.
The approximately 5 km trek is ideal for beginners as well as experts. Ideally starting from Panvel and then to the base village, the trek offers panoramic views of the Sahyadris without much of a hassle.
