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.
Harishchandragad is 3 km away from Pachnai. Pachnai is surrounded by mountains and in monsoon, you can get a visual of five falls from the base. This is the easiest route to reach Harishchandragad. Might be the simplest route but it’s very scenic. Since it does not take out your breath, you are more appreciative of your surroundings. While we descend in full light and clear sky, time appears to be at a standstill. Those who are photographers can get extremely beautiful landscapes on this route.
The Khireshwar village route is the one that most people prefer as it offers a lot of scenic beauty while trekking.
Walking a few minutes from Tolar Khind, there is a rock patch on which railings are fixed. After ascending the railings, we come to the plateau region in which less dense forests are seen. From here, we have to cross approx. 7 hills and after a walk of 2–3 hours, we reach the temple of Harishchandreshwar, the temple of Lord Shiva.
Most local treks are not adventurous enough for experienced trekkers. But this route to Harishchandragad is physically daunting and visually rewarding!
This translates to ‘Passage Through a Gorge’, Also water water-curved valley between two mountains is a channel that lies to the extreme right of the Kokankada. It is one of the most difficult paths to the top. Popular among climbers and experienced trekkers, Nalichi Vaat involves nearly 80 degrees, involving steep rock patches. The trail begins on a stream bed filled with large man-sized rocks and eventually leads to the foot of the gorge. We will ascend this route while enjoying natural beauty and beast.
The view of Harishchandragad Kokankada from the base village Walhivare is one of the best views in Sahyadri. From here one can easily spot Naphtha, Ghodishep, Rohidas Peak, and Naneghat Panorama.
The oldest route to reach Harishchandragad is the ‘Rajmarg’. It is also known as ‘Junnar Darwaja’ as it connects to Khireshwar village in Junnar Taluka of Pune district. This way we can reach the fort in about 4 hours. Many trekkers climb the Harishchandragad via Tolar Khind or Pachnai route. They have completely overlooked this path.
The path of Rajmarg, through the bushes at the beginning, was difficult to climb due to the narrow route in the middle and last stage. Right now, there are huge boulders; we have to climb out of them.
In the last stage, some artificial caves and sculptures are carved on the stone walls. Also, Malshej Ghat and forts in the Junnar area are attracting our attention from this way of Harishchandragad. The ascent and descent of the ‘Rajmarg’ are challenging and adventurous. Experienced trekkers should try at least once.
Another way is specially meant for hikers, which is via Sadhale Ghat. From Walhivare village, the route goes through Sadhale Ghat. Here one has to climb a straight rock patch on which grips are provided.
