Harishchandragad is a hill fort situated on the border of three districts of Pune, Ahmednagar and Thane in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular trekking destination and a historic site known for its natural beauty and ancient temples.
Harishchandragad is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, approximately 90 kilometres from the city of Pune and 170 kilometres from Mumbai. The fort stands at an elevation of about 4,671 feet (1,423 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest forts in the Western Ghats.
The best time to visit Harishchandragad is during the monsoon (June to September) and post-monsoon (October to November) seasons when the landscape is at its most beautiful. However, trekking during the winter months (December to March) is also possible, but it can be quite cold.
To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha”. On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of Lord Vishnu. Recently these idols have been shifted to the caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar.
Harishchandreshwar Temple is a famous and ancient Hindu temple located on the Harishchandragad hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.
This temple is a marvellous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16m high from its base. Around this temple, there are a few caves and ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple.
Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar, in which there is a big Shivling, which is totally surrounded by water. The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivling because the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. In monsoon, it is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the way.
The Shivling is surrounded by four pillars that essentially represent the four yugas of life on Earth. The general belief is that the current phase is Kaliyuga. The day the fourth pillar breaks down will be considered the end of this era.
Balekilla is the highest peak on Harishchandragad after the Taramati peak. Many trekkers come from different directions and go directly to the Harishchandragad temple or cave. Very few people know where Harishchandragad Fort is and they return without going to Balekilla.
The Balekilla is elevated at the southern end of ‘Ganesh Sond’, which extends to Pachnai village in the north. The top of the fort is not very high so you can reach the top in half an hour. The top of Balekilla holds long walls all around the top and a ruined gate, the palace of Fort Chief, and water tanks also damaged to keep water till summer.
The fortification is believed to have been built under the Shilahara dynasty of Maharashtra to build a watchtower and to guard the Shiva temple.
A little further away on the mountain is Taramati Peak, one of the highest peaks in Maharashtra, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges and an ideal setting to bask in the golden canopy of the rising Sun.
From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad.
The major attraction of Harishchandragad is Konkan Kada, an almost 1,423 m concave fall. It is a vertical overhang, like a cobra’s hood, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and an enchanting sunset. It’s beyond description, one should actually see it to experience nature’s architecture. The view from here is awesome and unimaginable.
Also, there are colonies of vultures in the huge crevices. You need a pair of binoculars to watch them a little closer.
