Harishchandragad is a pride of Maharashtra and also an ancient fort. If you thinking of where to go for trekking? Then the Harishchandragad is the best option for any season. This fort is undoubtedly one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra offering an experience that makes you feel as you are in heaven. This variety of adventure is unique in that it is ideal for every season and caters to all levels of trekkers whether you are first timer or experienced.
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What to see on the Harishchandragad?
Various places on the fort will give you an experience of diverse cultures. Like Kedareshwar cave, harishchandreshwar temple, Ganesh Temple, Saptatirtha Pushkarni, King Harishchandra temple, and so many caves.
1. Kokankada (cliff) is the hot spot of the Harishchandragad. It faces west and looks down upon kokan. The sunset from this place looks so amazing. In monsoon seasons like in September and October, there will be an awesome experience to watch indrawajra (circular rainbow around the human shadow) on kokankada. It is visible when the sun is perfectly positioned behind the person, casting a mesmerizing shadow on the fog in the valley. This place heals your mind and you are completely lost in nature. It is an amazing experience that every trekker needs to feel. Another experience sight here is the vertical clouds burst, where clouds approaching the cliff draw into the deep gorge and shoot upward in a spectacular display, rising over 50 feet and creating the illusion of a towering wall. If you feel this experience you need to reach in April and May, toss your Panama cap from the edge and watch as it floats upward before gracefully drifting back to the plateau.
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2. Harishchandreshwar temple is a fabulous example of fine art and sculptures on the stone. This temple is sculpted in one single rock. We can see there are different beautiful caves around the temple. Also, we can see the water storage technique created by ancient engineers behind the temple. Harishchandragad has so many temples on the top. They all represent different cultures from the 6th century.
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3. Kedareshwar cave is located next to the harishchandreshwar temple or right of the King Harishchandra temple. In this cave, the shivlinga is surrounded by water. It is difficult for beginners to reach the shivlinga because the water in the cave is always ice-cold. There are 4 pilers behind the shivlinga and that represents 4 yugas (as per villagers).
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4. Saptateertha Pushkarni is the small lake on the Harishchandragad. It is a well-constructed water body surrounded by temple-like structures that once housed idols of Lord Vishnu. These idols have since been relocated to the caves near the Harischandreshwar temple.
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5. Taramati Peak also known as taramanchi, this peak second largest peak after Kalsubai Peak in Maharashtra. This stands as the highest point of the Harishchandragad. The surrounding forests, rich in wildlife, are home to leopards that can be seen very often. From Taramati Peak, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Naneghat range, Malshej Ghat, Pimpalgaonjoga Dam, Bhairavgad and nearby areas.
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Harishchandragad is located in the Ahilyanagar (previously Ahmednagar) district. It is 180 km from Pune and around 200 km from Mumbai. There are many routes to reach the top of the fort, including Khireshwar, Pachnai, Naneghat Gate, Nalichiwat, and Makadnaal. Pachnai is the best and easiest way to reach the top of the fort.
How to reach?
There are 3 base villages of the Harishchandragad. You need to get there.
1. Khireshwar/Belpada:
- From Mumbai: Reach kalyan and get public transport (Bus) which goes to Alephata via Malshejghat. You can go to khireshwar or belpada on the same bus. Reach khubi phata if you want to start the trek from khireshwar and belpada or walhivale to Strat trek from Belpada.
- From Pune: Take the bus from Shivaji Nagar to Alephata. From Alephata, catch a bus to Kalyan.
- From Mumbai: Reach Kasara via local train to kalyan. After reaching Kasara, you can take a private vehicle, such as a jeep, to Rajur. Once you arrive in Rajur, take a bus to Pachnai village.
- From Pune: Get the bus that goes towards Otur from Shivaji Nagar. Take another bus towards Ghoti village. After reaching Ghoti village take a private vehicle or bus towards Pachnai village.
What to carry?
- Proper backpack or rucksack with 2-3 liters of water, trekking shoes with good quality grip, or sports shoes, also you can use running shoes for trekking.
- Extra clothes, some packed food like biscuits, energy drink (not alcohol), torch, not need to carry food there are hotels available on the fort they can provide you lunch, breakfast as per your requirement.
- Medications if required, blankets or sleeping bag, trekking pole if you are a beginner.
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