A Less known wonder in Maharashtra- The Harishchandragad
Harishchandragad
Harishchandragad is a hill fort located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats range and is known for its historical significance, trekking trails, and natural beauty. The fort was built during the medieval period and has seen many rulers, including the Marathas, Mughals, and the British. It is known for its many temples and caves, including the Kedareshwar cave, which has a Shivlinga and a naturally formed Lingam.
The fort is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. There are several trekking trails leading to the fort, including the most popular route which starts from the village of Pachnai. The trek is considered to be moderate to difficult and takes around 4-5 hours to reach the fort.
Harishchandragad Maharashtra is also known for its scenic beauty and is a great place to experience nature. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills, and the Konkan Kada cliff, which is a major attraction, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
Harishchandragad Fort
Harishchandragad Fort is a hill fort, situated in the Western Ghats and is famous for its ancient architecture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history. The fort is believed to have been built during the 6th century during the reign of the Kalchuri dynasty. It was later ruled by various dynasties including the Mauryas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Marathas, and British. The fort played an important role during various battles and was used as a strategic military base.
Also read- Malshej Ghat Hill station-A Picturesque destination in Deccan Plateau
The fort is surrounded by lush green forests, valleys, and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The fort is also home to many ancient temples, including the Kedareshwar Cave Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture. The fort also has several other trekking trails, including the Tolar Khind, which is a challenging trek that takes you through steep and narrow pathways.
Harishchandragad Trek
The Harishchandragad trek is a popular trekking trail that takes you to the Harishchandragad Fort. The trek is a moderate to difficult level trek that takes around 4-5 hours to reach the fort. The trek starts from the village of Pachnai, which is the base village for the Harishchandragad trek. From there, you will trek through lush green forests, rocky terrain, and steep ascents to reach the top of the fort.
One of the highlights of the Harishchandragad trek is the Konkan Kada, a cliff that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The cliff is also known as the Cobra’s Hood due to its unique shape. The view from the Konkan Kada is breathtaking and is definitely worth the effort of the trek.
The trek also takes you to several ancient temples, including the Kedareshwar Cave Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture. The Harishchandragad trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of adventure, nature, and history.
Harishchandragad Camping
Camping at Harishchandragad is a popular activity for trekkers who want to spend more time exploring the fort and the surrounding areas. There are several campsites located near the fort that offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
One of the most popular campsites is located near the Konkan Kada cliff, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The campsite is located on a flat plateau and is perfect for setting up tents and spending the night under the stars.
Another popular campsite is located near the Taramati peak, which is the highest point on Harishchandragad. The campsite is located in a serene location and offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset.
Camping at Harishchandragad is a unique experience, offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. It is a great way to spend a peaceful night under the stars and enjoy the beauty of the Western Ghats.
Harishchandragad from Pune
Harishchandragad is located around 170 km from Pune. One of the easiest ways to reach Harishchandragad from Pune is by road. You can take a bus or drive yourself to the village of Pachnai, which is the base village for the trek to Harishchandragad. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach Pachnai from Pune.
Another option is to take a train from Pune to Igatpuri, which is the nearest railway station to Harishchandragad. From Igatpuri, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Pachnai. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach Pachnai from Igatpuri.
If you prefer a more adventurous route, you can also opt for a trek from Pune to Harishchandragad. The trek starts from the village of Khireshwar and takes around 2-3 days to complete.
