Kavadia Mountain, a different ecosystem with unique basalt rock columns & history of volcanic eruptions
The wonders around Indore are endless, but they are hidden and covered in the secrets of the past. One such wonder for nature explorers and mystery lovers is Kavadia mountain.
Though there are several mountains and hillocks around Indore, this one stands apart because of rare and unique arrangement of rocks. What makes it more unique is the quantity of rocks that are found here, which is rare even on the world map.
Basalt columns, which look like manmade structures are found here in large quantity. What makes it a quick getaway is… the adventurous trek, fresh wind with unique natural scent of the trees, non-commercialised nature-escape and the perfect photography designation.
However, since it is not human occupied area, we suggest you go in large groups to this wonder to be on the safer side.
How to reach Kavadia mountain?
Set at about 75 kilometres from Indore, Kavadia mountain is not too far and can be visited over the weekend. It takes a little over two hours to reach the place and further trek up the mountain.
Starting from Indore, take the shortest route to Devguradia from your home. Continue straight towards Nayta Mundle square and take left from there to drive towards village Kampel.
You can stop over on this road for snacks and food, but remember that it would affect your travel time. You will come across several restaurant on your way to village Kampel crossing village Sanawadiya. From Kampel, continue straight towards village Pedmi.
Continue straight crossing hanuman temple, turn left for Udainagar road. Drive straight towards village Udainagar and further ahead towards village Peepari. From 1 kilometre ahead Peepari, it is a route for adventure seekers as one has to trek for 3 kilometres to reach Kavadia mountain.
You will see a range of 7 mountains with large basalt columns cut systematically in hexagonal shape and placed in interlocking all over the mountains.
How did the Basalt columns get up there?
Basalt columns were not carried up there by humans, as the common misconception. Basalt columns are large hexagonal structure, which are amazingly geometric in shape. They are formed when lava from an active volcano cools down over time and the cooling is uniform.
Wonder why it is hexagonal and not triangular or square? This was a mystery until recently, when some researchers found that cooling down lava at 90 degree cracks and hence, does not form these unique structures. The same goes for lesser degrees required to form other geometrical shapes. 120 degree angle being perfect for stability is the reason, why these rocks are found in hexagonal shapes.
What’s unique at Kavadia?
Most such basalt columns are found near large water bodies. However, this entire mountain is far from any water body and has its own ecosystem.
Explorer Zafar Shaikh, who was mesmerised by the place, said, “You can find unique birds, trees and experience unique scents on this mountain.”
Forest ranger Syed Imitiaz Ali having served at this area said, “The ecosystem of this forest area is much different from any other place in state, it is self-sustainable and seems to get unique minerals from these rocks.” The trees found in area have large leaves and thin trunks.
Travel Advisory
• You should carry packaged food or home cooked meal, as there are no restaurants or outlets. However, remember not to leave any trash behind as the entire mountain is a protected area under Indian Forest Act, 1927.
• Enthusiastic photographers should carry their cameras as there are various opportunities for clicking pictures.
• You must carry water and a little more than expected, since temperatures tend to vary here.
• You can carry picnic mat and sit around to enjoy your meal.
• Wear your walking shoes, as one has to trek for at least 3 kilometres to reach the place.
Though there are several mountains and hillocks around Indore, this one stands apart because of rare and unique arrangement of rocks. What makes it more unique is the quantity of rocks that are found here, which is rare even on the world map.
Basalt columns, which look like manmade structures are found here in large quantity. What makes it a quick getaway is… the adventurous trek, fresh wind with unique natural scent of the trees, non-commercialised nature-escape and the perfect photography designation.
However, since it is not human occupied area, we suggest you go in large groups to this wonder to be on the safer side.
How to reach Kavadia mountain?
Set at about 75 kilometres from Indore, Kavadia mountain is not too far and can be visited over the weekend. It takes a little over two hours to reach the place and further trek up the mountain.
Starting from Indore, take the shortest route to Devguradia from your home. Continue straight towards Nayta Mundle square and take left from there to drive towards village Kampel.
You can stop over on this road for snacks and food, but remember that it would affect your travel time. You will come across several restaurant on your way to village Kampel crossing village Sanawadiya. From Kampel, continue straight towards village Pedmi.
Continue straight crossing hanuman temple, turn left for Udainagar road. Drive straight towards village Udainagar and further ahead towards village Peepari. From 1 kilometre ahead Peepari, it is a route for adventure seekers as one has to trek for 3 kilometres to reach Kavadia mountain.
You will see a range of 7 mountains with large basalt columns cut systematically in hexagonal shape and placed in interlocking all over the mountains.
How did the Basalt columns get up there?
Basalt columns were not carried up there by humans, as the common misconception. Basalt columns are large hexagonal structure, which are amazingly geometric in shape. They are formed when lava from an active volcano cools down over time and the cooling is uniform.
Wonder why it is hexagonal and not triangular or square? This was a mystery until recently, when some researchers found that cooling down lava at 90 degree cracks and hence, does not form these unique structures. The same goes for lesser degrees required to form other geometrical shapes. 120 degree angle being perfect for stability is the reason, why these rocks are found in hexagonal shapes.
What’s unique at Kavadia?
Most such basalt columns are found near large water bodies. However, this entire mountain is far from any water body and has its own ecosystem.
Explorer Zafar Shaikh, who was mesmerised by the place, said, “You can find unique birds, trees and experience unique scents on this mountain.”
Forest ranger Syed Imitiaz Ali having served at this area said, “The ecosystem of this forest area is much different from any other place in state, it is self-sustainable and seems to get unique minerals from these rocks.” The trees found in area have large leaves and thin trunks.
Travel Advisory
• You should carry packaged food or home cooked meal, as there are no restaurants or outlets. However, remember not to leave any trash behind as the entire mountain is a protected area under Indian Forest Act, 1927.
• Enthusiastic photographers should carry their cameras as there are various opportunities for clicking pictures.
• You must carry water and a little more than expected, since temperatures tend to vary here.
• You can carry picnic mat and sit around to enjoy your meal.
• Wear your walking shoes, as one has to trek for at least 3 kilometres to reach the place.
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