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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name= Kalsubai
| photo= Kalasubai from base.jpg
| photo_caption= Kalsubai, highest peak in Maharashtra
| elevation_m= 1646
| elevation_ref=
| prominence= 1080 m
| listing= [[List of Indian states and territories by highest point]]
| map= India Maharashtra
| map_caption= Location of Kalsubai, Maharashtra
| map_size= 300
| label_position= right
| location= Border of [[Igatpuri]] Taluka, [[Nashik district]] and [[Akole]] Taluka, [[Ahmednagar district]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| parent= [[Western Ghats]]
| coordinates= {{coord|19|36|04|N|73|42|33|E|type:mountain_region:IN_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| range_coordinates=
| mountain_type= [[Flood basalt]]
| geology= {{enum|[[Basalt]]|[[Laterite]]}}
| age= [[Cenozoic]]
| topo_map=
| first_ascent=
| easiest_route= [[Hiking]]
}}
'''Kalsubai''' ({{lang-mr|कळसूबाई शिखर}}) is a mountain in the [[Western Ghats]], located in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Maharashtra]]. Its summit, situated at an elevation of {{convert|1646|m|ft}}, is the [[List of Indian states and territories by highest point|highest point]] in Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sharma |first=Sudhir |url=http://travelplay.in/trek-kalsubai-everest-maharashtra/ |title=Kalsubai – The Everest of Maharashtra | TravelPlay |website=Travelplay.in |date=2013-10-06 |access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>

The mountain range lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is visited throughout the year by avid trekkers, Kalsubai temple devotees and wildlife enthusiasts alike. It is named after one of the three sisters Kalsubai, Ratnabai and Katrabai. The other peak [[Ratangad]] is named after Ratnabai. {{Citation needed|date=April 2018}}

== Geology ==
The mountain range was formed by the same geological events<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,689645&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|title=Geological Survey of India(GSI), Ministry of Mines, Government of India - Indian Geology - Deccan Basalt Volcanism|website=Portal.gsi.gov.in|access-date=2016-02-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312013819/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,689645&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|archive-date=2012-03-12}}</ref> that gave birth to the [[Western Ghats]]. Resting on the [[Deccan Plateau]], a [[large igneous province]], it consists of solidified [[flood basalt]] dating back to the [[Cenozoic]] era.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/volcanic-eruption-dinosaur-extinction-1211| title=What really killed the dinosaurs? Before an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs, Earth experienced a short burst of intense volcanism| first1=Jennifer| last1=Chu| publisher=MIT News Office| date=11 December 2014}}</ref>

== Geography and topography ==
[[File:Kalsubai, Western Ghats.jpg|thumb|Kalsubai peak in [[Western Ghats]] - to the north of the Bhandardara backwaters (as seen from 20,000 feet)|left|235x235px]]
The peak along with the adjoining hills spans along a downward-slanting east to the west axis eventually merging with the formidable escarpment of the Western Ghats at almost right angles. Along its length, they form a natural boundary demarcating the [[Igatpuri]] Taluka, [[Nashik]] district at its north from the [[Akole]] Taluka, [[Ahmednagar]] district at its south. The mountain itself lies on the Deccan Plateau, with its base at an elevation of {{convert|587|m|ft}} above mean sea level.

The mountain along with adjoining hills forms an enormous catchment area for the Arthur Lake which it overlooks.

== Reaching Kalsubai ==

The mountain can be viewed in its entirety from Bari village located on its eastern side, about {{convert|6|km|spell=in|abbr=on}} from [[Bhandardara]]. It can be reached by road, via [[Igatpuri]] on the [[Mumbai–Nashik Expressway|Mumbai-Nasik]] route.<ref>How to reach Kalsubai from Mumbai by road :https://www.india.com/travel/articles/maharashtras-highest-peak-how-to-reach-kalsubai-peak-from-mumbai-by-road-3239348/</ref> Trains leaving from [[Mumbai]] provide an alternate mode of transport to [[Kasara]] railway station, with connecting [[Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation|State Transport buses]], plying on the Akole-Kasara route, leading up to the base village. Private vehicles from Kasara provide yet another alternative to public transport.

== Trekking ==


Kalsubai is a {{convert|6.6|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=mid|-long}} trek with an elevation gain of around {{convert|2700|ft}}. This is a one-day trek having a moderately hard difficulty level, with lush green landscapes and multiple waterfalls.<ref>Quick Getaway Trek at Kalsubai:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/travel/quick-getaway-trek-at-kalsubai-this-monsoon-feel-rejuvenated/articleshow/52971068.cms</ref> The peak attracts many trekkers and devotees determined to scale the mountain. To reach the summit there are well-designated trekking routes. The most popular route is through the eastern mountain face taking off from the base village Bari. The Waki river, a tributary of Pravara, takes origin on its eastern slope and flows like a stream through the outer fringes of Bari. A short distance away from the stream a [[Hanuman]] temple has been built. This provides an important landmark to commence the trek as well as a resting post for those nearing the final lap of their trek. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. The trek along this route is a mix of easy to ascend slopes as well as treacherous rocky outcrops overlooking the valley below. Considering the increasing footfall in recent years, the government has built iron ladders along the vertical hill slopes. These assist trekkers to allow for a convenient and safe ascent.

The route via Indore is relatively unexplored as not many people are aware of it. Unlike the regular route via Bari, which has fixed ladders, cemented steps and several people flocking during the monsoon, the route via Indore is raw with stone steps and a huge iron chain for support at the dangerous patches.<ref>{{cite web|author=Avril-Ann Braganza |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-discover-new-trekking-routes-this-monsoon-1997784 |title=Discover new trekking routes this monsoon | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |website=Dnaindia.com |date=2014-06-25 |access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>

== Kalsubai temple ==
[[File:Kalasubai top temple.jpg|thumbnail|right|Temple at the summit]]
The truncated summit provides a modest area of flat land which holds a sacred temple of a local deity.

A traditional prayer service is held every Tuesday and Thursday by a priest. During the festival of [[Navratri]] a fair comes to be organized each year with many stalls being set up near the summit to provide pooja materials to the devotees. On these special occasions, local villagers participate in this fair which helps to supplement their livelihood and as well as provides them an opportunity to revere the mountain.

== Ecology ==



Kalsubai comes to be protected under the precincts of a sanctuary. It nurtures nature in the vast stretches of forests nestled along their slopes and valleys. Open high-altitude forests dominate the scene. In the post-monsoon period, the region witnesses a dramatic makeover with flowers of different colors and varieties blossoming along the landscape. This attracts a hoard of butterflies, bees, dragon-flies, and other insects to feed upon the precious nectar.

During winter mornings, reptiles like lizards and snakes could be spotted sun-bathing near the ladders.

==Places of interest==

[[Bhandardara]] Dam, located 6 km away, impounds the Pravara river to form the Arthur Lake.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ismat Tahseen |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-24-hour-monsoon-getaways-1397518 |title=24 hour monsoon getaways | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |website=Dnaindia.com |date=2010-06-17 |access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>

Arthur Lake: The clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The Lake gets its water from the Pravara River. It also attracts one's attention from the summit.

Umbrella falls are formed as water from the Arthur lake is released periodically to drain downstream.

To the north of the mountain range forts such as [[Ramsej]], Harihargad, Brahmagiri, [[Anjaneri]], Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madangad, Kulang, [[Ratangad]] (southwest), and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, [[Harishchandragad]] can be seen.

== Culture and news ==
Touted as an unusual wedding, on 28 December 2014, in the presence of close family members, a couple tied knot at the temple situated on the summit.<ref>{{cite web|author=Anu James |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/unusual-wedding-couple-marries-top-maharashtras-tallest-peak-mt-kalsubai-photos-618646 |title=Unusual Wedding: Couple Marries on Top of Maharashtra's Tallest Peak Mt Kalsubai [PHOTOS] |website=Ibtimes.co.in |date=2014-12-29 |access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>

Celebrations for India's 69th Independence Day took place at the summit where the Navy unfurled the largest flag of India measuring 60 feet in length and 40 feet in breadth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navy-to-unfurl-massive-tricolour-at-highest-point-in-maharashtra-1207639 |title=Navy to Unfurl Massive Tricolour at Highest Point in Maharashtra |website=Ndtv.com |date=2015-08-15 |access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>

==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
File:Kalasubai.jpg| Kalsubai
File:Peak of Kalsubai in late evening.jpg| Peak of Kalsubai photographed in late evening
File:Kalasubai steps.jpg| Kalasubai steps to reach on top
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of mountain peaks of Maharashtra]]
* [[List of Indian states and union territories by highest point]]
* [[Salher]]
* [[Western Ghats]] (Sahyadris)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091027140711/http://geocities.com/kaushalchandak/kalsubai.htm Travelogue of Kalsubai trek]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110722025159/http://ahmednagar.gov.in/html_docs/KALASUBAI.htm Kalasubai]
{{Maharashtra}}
{{Western Ghats}}

[[Category:Mountains of the Western Ghats]]
[[Category:Ahmednagar district]]
[[Category:Mountains of Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Ahmednagar district]]
[[Category:Highest points of Indian states and union territories]]

Kalsubai - Revision history

imported>Prasad3484 at 06:19, 16 May 2021