Satara's 11-year-old Raghav More scales Kalavantin and Prabalgad forts in two days

Raghav Kiran More, 11, of Satara has shown that age is no barrier when there is courage, dedication and a love of trekking. In a two-day expedition, Raghav reached the summits of Kalavantin Durg, considered a difficult climb in the Sahyadri, and the historic Prabalgad. The feat by the young boy from Satara is being widely praised.

On the first day, Friday, the climb began at the foot of the hill at 12 noon. Raghav and his companions reached Prabalmachi at 2.30 pm. After a meal, the ascent resumed. About half an hour into the climb, the steep and difficult steps of Kalavantin Durg began. Raghav covered these steps in just 20 minutes and touched the summit of Kalavantin Durg. The descent from the fort was then made safely at around 7.30 pm.

On the second day, Saturday, the climb to Prabalgad began at 6.30 am. Raghav reached the top of Prabalgad in just two hours, at 8.30 am. Through the steep climb, tricky steps and a night descent, Raghav's confidence and spirit held firm.

The expedition had the guidance and support of Ganesh Shinde, founder of Durganad Trekkers, and the Kolhapur and Satara teams of Durganad Trekkers. Raghav's parents also looked after his physical preparation and the safety of the expedition.

Kalavantin Durg is divided into two parts, Prabalmachi and the Kalavantin sulka (rock pinnacle). Prabalmachi has a settlement of tribal families. The path is wide and slippery. Beyond it are rock-cut steps, each one to one and a half feet high, that rise at an angle of 80 degrees to the summit. Below the Kalavantin sulka is a cave with a small entrance.

After the last stretch of steps comes the final 25-foot rock patch of Kalavantin, the pinnacle section. This rock patch of black stone can be described as a natural watchtower for keeping an eye on many surrounding forts and the areas below them. Kalavantin can be scaled by climbing this rock patch with the help of a rope.

Raghav is a student of Annasaheb Kalyani School and is in Class 6. His courageous expedition is being praised on all sides and is inspiring children to take an interest in forts.

Raghav has loved forts and nature since an early age, and his spirit has been especially praiseworthy. By scaling Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad at just 11, he has set a new example for child climbers. According to initial information, he is the first child so young to climb this difficult Sahyadri fort.