Kalsubai, according to local legend, was a tormented daughter-in-law. To escape harassment from her in-laws, she ran away to the top of a hill and, to be really effective, she disappeared. On the summit, the local people have built a temple in her memory and named the hill Kalsubai after her. At 5,400 ft, Mt Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and the Western Ghats, and it served as a watchtower in Maratha times. For trekkers, Kalsubai is the ultimate challenge. Bari Village (12 km from Bhandardara ) is the starting point. Little or nothing is available here, so bring everything you need for your comfort and well being, including water.

Just behind the bus stop, a road leads into the village. From here, a trail climbs up the hill and emerges half an hour later, on a flat stretch. This is the site of the temple. Don?t be fooled into thinking you have reached the top. Some interesting stone pillars and carved Nandi bulls are scattered in the courtyard. The trees around the temple make this an ideal oasis to take a break before continuing the climb up. From here, the trail gets steeper and iron ladders have been installed at three points as aids.

After many false summits, you will come to the welcome sight of a small well. It?s cold water will make even the most fastidious hiker throw caution to the winds and take a long drink. Kalsubai?s summit is now clearly visible, and appears to be a huge boulder. The easy route to the top is via the long iron ladder that stares you in the face. For the more adventurous, there is an iron chain on the left that leads to the top. The small temple to Kalsubai greets you at the summit. The vistas from the top ? of the shimmering expanse of Bhandardara Lake surrounded by the peaks and valleys of the Sahyadris ? make all the sweating seem like a small price to pay for the tough climb.

If you thought the worst was over, think again. You still have to get back to where you started. The descent is often tougher than the ascent, so start early and avoid racing down.