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KALASUBAI HARISCHANDRAGAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

About Kalasubai

The peak of Kalasubai is situated in Nagar district. This is apex, highest peak of the mountain range of Sahyadri. It is a dream of every sincere mountaineer to climb it at least once. Its height is almost 5,500 feet.

The Legend

It is said, that in the ancient times, a lady named “Kalsu” came to nearby Indorey village to work. However, somebody forced her to clean utensils and clean up the residence by force. So she left the place and eventually died at this spot. So comes the name, Kalasubai. A small temple is built here, in her memory.

About the Sanctuary

The sanctuary area spreads from Kalasubai to Harischandragad in Akole Tehsil of Ahmednagar district. The area is part of Sahyadri hill ranges. The Kalsubai sanctuary is challenge to trekkers as it is most rugged, hilly area and difficult to get accessibility. Kalasubai is the highest (1646 m) peak of Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is also a paradise for nature lovers. Flora

The vegetation type is southern moist mixed deciduous. The part of Sahyadri that is close to West Coast is semi evergreen forest and semi deciduous shrub savanna. The main tree species that are seen in this area are Hirda, Jambhul, Chandawa, Bahava, Kumbhal, Gulchavi, Kudal, Siras, Kharvel, Karap, Avali, Aashind, Lokhandi, Beheda and character worth noticing.

Species that are undergrowth are Mandar, Kadipatta, Ghaneri, Chilhar, Parjambhual, Karvi, Karwand, Ber, Dhaiti, and Rametha. There are large patches of grasslands mostly of Marvel, Dongari, Pawanya, Ber, Surad, Harali etc. You can also see Bamboo in this region but rarely. Fauna Tourists can find wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The mammals found here are Leopard, Jungle cat, Palm civet, Mongoose, Hyena, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Hare, and Bats etc. The most attractive animals are Indian Giant Squirrel and Porcupine.

The reptiles found in this sanctuary are Monitor Lizard, Fan-Throated Lizard, Turtles and many species of snakes. Among the birds are the common hill and grass land birds. One can also spot water birds such as White Necked Storks, Black Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Water hen's, etc

Main Attraction

Adventure Spot For Trekkers

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

The hilly terrain of sanctuary has many peaks, forts and temples such as Kalasubai, Harischanragad, Ratangad, Ajoba, Kulanggad, Alang, Madangad, Bahiroba, etc. Because of these peaks it is considered as Trekker's paradise.

Bhandardara dam is constructed across Pravara River in 1926 and is one of the oldest dams and is famous for its Umbrella fall. The architecture of Shiva temple at Amriteshwar is worth seeing. Randha fall cascading 45m down in Pravara riverbed is the splendid spot.

Location: Akole Tehsil Of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra

Tourist Interest

In 1860, an Englishman named Arch DiCken Gale ascended Kalasubai at night. He was extremely pleased by the sunrise and the view he saw in the morning. He termed Kalasubai as the King of Deccan Hills. From the top, on the northern side one can view Ramsej, Deher followed by the forts Saptasringa, Markanada, Dhodap, Chandwad. From the Northeast side Bitangarh, Aundha, Vishramgadh forts are visible. On the east, the view is unrestrictedly vast.

From the southern part on the side of Bhandardara dam, one can view Ratangadh, Harischandragadh, Alang, Kulang, madan. Torrential winds make it difficult to stand near the temple of Kalsu sometimes.

If you have more time, nearby lies Amruteshwar Temple, Ratangadh fort, Randha waterfalls etc.

How to go there?

On the Igatpuri Bhandardara road, a village “Bari” is situated to ascend the peak. Usually the normal way from East goes with a chained way. Also one can proceed from a cattle-trail. North of the peak can be attained through village Indorey. Al most 3000 feet height is already gained once you come to village Bari. So the real steep slope of 2500 feet only remains to be covered.

As we proceed there are two iron ladders raised. Just before the peak is a small water well. Here a small shade shelters the wanderers.

Best Time To Visit

August To December

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road :	The nearest bus station is situated at Bhandardara
By Rail :	Nearest Railway Station is Ghoti on Mumbai - Bhusaval rail line and is on the Mumbai Agra National Highway No - 3.
By Air :	Nearest Airports from the sanctuary are situated in Pune and Mumbai.

WHERE TO STAY

There are numerous accommodations are available in the nearby towns/cities of the sanctuary. The options vary from irrigation bungalows, MTDC resorts and private hotels.