Harishchandragad

 

Harishchandragad is located on the western ghats of India in the Ahmedabad district of Maharashtra. It is hilly fort and one of the most famous trekking places in Maharashtra. The main attraction is the view from Kokankada. 

The fort is surrounded by natural caves. The biggest one is called the Nalichi Vaat, and it is located on the extreme right side of the mountain. The rocky patch is approximately 80 degrees in angle and is meant for the fittest and most experienced trekkers. There are many dhabas along the way to accommodate your party and enjoy the trek. You can also enjoy camping in the fort.

History:   

Harishchandragad is in the Kothale village of the Malshej region of Ahmednagar district in the Western ghats of Maharashtra. Historically, the fort is related to Malshej ghat that has played a pivotal role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. This fort was built in the 6th century, during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. This fort is historic for all city dwellers. The fort hosts various caves of the 11th century, temples that hold idols of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.In the later period, it came under the Moghul control from whom Marathas captured it. There is a huge rock above the Shiva Linga and four pillars around it support the cave in the pool of water. The legends say, these four pillars represent four Yugas of Satya, Treta, Dwarapura and Kali. It is believed that a pillar breaks off on its own at the end of each Yuga.

Accessibility:  The base village is Khireshwar village.

By train: The nearest railway station to Harishchandragad fort is Igatpuri Train Station at a distance of 41 km away from Harishchandragad Fort. However, to arrive here, you need to take a train from Kalyan Mumbai.                                       

By road: You can follow the NH3 to reach Ghoti-Shukl Tirth Road or the Nagpur-Aurangabad-Mumbai Highway at Khambale. 

By air: The Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport to Harishchandragad. The distance between the two destinations is 154 km.

Best time to visit: October to February

Trek level: Easy 

Places to visit:

Kokan Kada: 

This cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan. It provides views of the surrounding region. The cliff has an overhang but has been climbed many times. Sometimes a circular rainbow (the Brocken spectre phenomenon) can be seen from this point. It can be seen only when there is a bit of mist in the valley, and the sun is right behind the person facing the valley. One phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below and are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than 50 feet (15 m), creating the impression of a wall that is rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the landmass area. If you happen to visit this place in April-May, then throw your panama cap from the cliff and enjoy it rising high and falling back on the plateau.

Kedareshwar Temple: 

This temple is a marvelous example of fine art of carving sculptures out of stones of ancient India. The river Mangal Ganga is said to have originated from one of the tanks located close to the temple.

Kedareshwar cave- 

The Shivlinga in this cave is surrounded by ice-cold water. During the rainy season, this cave is not accessible as the surrounding area is submerged with water.

Taramati peak- 

Known as Taramachi, this is the topmost point on the fort. It is one of the highest peaks in Maharashtra. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. 

We can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad from this location.

Harishchandragad trek has multiple routes, and each route offers a surprise to the trekkers. It is also a complete package of views once you reach the top.

Sahyadri - A treasure of nature.