Harishchandragad, a hill fort situated on the boundaries of 3 districts of Maharashtra i.e. Pune, Ahmednagar & Thane. The fort comes under Harishchandragad-Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most challenging treks in the Western Ghats. Harishchandragad fort can be visited all year long & known for its size and spectacular ‘Kokankada’- the cliff overlooking the Konkan belt has been a hot pick amongst adventure enthusiasts and trekkers for several years.
Harishchandragad fort is quite ancient, with its origin dating back to the sixth century. There are caves situated all over the fort, believed to be carved out in the eleventh century. The various temples and carvings in the caves indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later, the fort was under the control of the Moguls. And by 1747, the Marathas captured it.
This hill fort can be approached from multiple routes. Khireshwar Tolar Khind route & Pachnai route is the two normally used routes. While Junnar Darwaja & Nalichi Vaat route is the route rarely used. Among these, all route Nalichi Vaat route is the toughest one.
The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references for Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of the Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves, idols of Lord Vishnu were carved. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya.
Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in the 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing in the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.
Day 1: Highlights
• Altitude Gain / Loss (ft.): 1550/ 0
• Walk (approx.): 6-7 hours, 14 km.
• Accommodation: Test Stay
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2: Highlights
• Altitude Gain / Loss (ft.): 450/ 845
• Walk (approx.): 6-7 hours, 14 km.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Shivajinagar > Aundh > Nashik Phata > Ale Phata > Walhivare (Base)
22:00 – Shivajinagar
22:30 – Aundh
22:59 – Nashik Phata
Woww!! Great experience with group SG!😀 Amazing arrangements done for stay and food … Must try!! ☑
It was a thrilling experience to do this trek. I am having Acrophobia but SG team really take care throughout the trek. I am pretty sure that I would’ve not dared to do this trek with any other group. Now travelling with SG is like travelling with family.
It was really very nice experience with the SG team. They really helped to explore more with information as well as not with the traditional route. The whole group was awesome 🙂