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Harishchandragad Trek: Adventure Meets History

Explore the Majestic Fort of Harishchandragad with Stunning Views, Challenging Trails, and Rich History

Harishchandragad Trek: Adventure Meets History

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, Harishchandragad is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling trails, this fort offers an unforgettable trekking experience. The trek takes you through dense forests, rocky patches, and scenic plateaus, culminating in the iconic Konkan Kada – a vertical cliff with mesmerizing views of the surrounding valleys. The height of Harishchandragad is 1,424 meters (4,669 feet) above sea level.

Also Read: Discovering Tirthan Valley: A Hidden Gem in Himachal Pradesh

Harishchandragad is not just a trek but a journey into the past, with ancient caves, temples, and legends waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner seeking adventure, this trek has something for everyone. Join me as I recount my exhilarating experience of conquering this majestic fort, one step at a time!

Harishchandragad Trek Adventure

Routes to Reach Harishchandragad:

There are three different routes to reach the fort.

1. Pachnai / Easy Route

This is the easiest route to the fort. Compared to other routes, it takes less time to climb, approximately 2.30 hours (one way). Most people prefer this route to reach the fort. Children and beginners can easily climb the fort via this path, taking breaks along the way.

2. Khireshwar / Moderate Route

It takes about 3 to 4 hours (one way) to climb the fort via this route. Some sections of this path are challenging. This route is suitable for individuals with good stamina and prior trekking experience.

3. Nali Chi Vaat / Difficult Route

This is the most difficult route to climb the fort. It typically takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach the top. Every skilled trekker dreams of conquering this challenging route at least once.

Best Time to Visit:

The beauty of this fort changes with every season, and you can visit it at any time of the year. However, during the monsoon, the rain and mud make the trails slippery. In summer, the intense heat makes the climb uncomfortable. Winter is the best season to visit. You can plan your trip anytime between October and the second week of March.

Trek Experience

The village at the base of the fort is called Pachnai. The villagers here provide accommodation and meals for trekkers in their homes. Additionally, on the fort, there are facilities for staying in tents, as well as options for meals, snacks, and tea.

We traveled to Harishchandragad from Panvel via Karjat and the Malshej Ghat route, reaching Pachnai village. The journey of 205 kilometers took approximately 5.5 hours. Malshej Ghat is incredibly scenic, and the drive towards Otur through this route is refreshing. You are greeted by lush green fields on both sides of the road, along with tall mountains. During winter, this region is often enveloped in mist, adding to its charm.

Parking facilities are available at the base of the fort. While ascending, it’s best to carry minimal luggage to avoid any discomfort during the climb. Many people complete the trek and return the same day. However, we had already decided to spend the night in a tent at the top. We had made prior bookings for this. During winter and on holidays, there is often a crowd staying overnight on the fort, so it’s advisable to arrange for meals and tent accommodation in advance.

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Essential Items for the Trek

Carry a water bottle, dry snacks, and a trekking stick with you. For mobile charging, bring a power bank. Since most phones have an in-built torch, a separate flashlight is not necessary. The winters on the fort are extremely cold, so wear thermal clothing and carry a warm shawl or blanket for extra comfort.

Harishchandragad trek adventure homemade lunch

At around 2:30 PM, we finished the homemade lunch we had brought with us and began our climb to the fort. Our group consisted of 13 people, including friends and kids. The journey was filled with chatter and frequent breaks, and we reached the top of the fort by approximately 5 PM. On the way, you’ll find vendors selling lime juice, buttermilk, and cucumber, which are refreshing during the climb.

After reaching the fort, it takes another 30-35 minutes to walk to the Konkan Kada. As the sun began to set, we witnessed the mesmerizing view of the Konkan Kada. The exhaustion of the climb disappeared in an instant. The view was absolutely amazing! We sat there for half an hour, soaking in the beauty until the sunset.

After that, we contacted the person we had booked our tents with and located our tents. Several tents were set up near the base of the Konkan Kada, including ours. Each tent could accommodate three people. At night, we lit a bonfire for warmth. Later, the person who arranged our tents brought us dinner. The meal was simple but delicious because it was served hot.

We spent the night chatting and eventually fell asleep, huddled in the cold. The place where we stayed also had a small mud house that served as a basic hotel, offering sleeping and dining facilities. For those who prefer not to stay in tents, this is a good alternative. The hotel serves hot Maggi, some breakfast items, tea, and full meals as well.

Konkan Kada views

The next morning, we woke up early and headed back to Konkan Kada for a photoshoot. After capturing some memorable moments and bidding farewell to this beautiful spot, we visited Harishchandreshwar Temple, Ganesh Mandir, and Kedareshwar Cave for darshan.

Harishchandragad trek Ganesh Mandir

For breakfast, we stopped at a small eatery on the fort itself. We enjoyed hot tea and poha, while the kids indulged in Maggi. After this refreshing break, we began our descent, taking short stops along the way.

Harishchandragad Mahavishnu Mandir

For lunch, we stayed at Pachnai village, where the locals warmly prepared and served hot meals for tourists. The villagers often invite visitors for lunch, ensuring a homely and satisfying experience.

Thus, after an extraordinary trekking experience and learning a bit about the historical legacy of this place, we bid farewell.

Also Read: Exploring Udaipur: Top 6 Must-Do Experiences in the City of Lakes

Must visit places at fort

Harishchandragad is an ancient fort in Maharashtra with origins dating back to the 6th century. It features historical caves, including Kedareshwar Cave, and the Harishchandreshwar Temple built in the Hemadpanthi style. The fort has been ruled by the Mauryas, Chalukyas, Mughals, and Marathas. It holds mythological significance, with links to the Puranas, and is now a popular trekking destination.

1. Harishchandra Temple

This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcases stunning Hemadpanthi-style architecture. The intricate carvings and the temple’s spiritual aura make it a historical gem. The temple also has a cistern that never runs dry.

2. Ganesh Caves

These are small caves near the Harishchandreshwar Temple, believed to be carved by monks during ancient times. They were possibly used for meditation and shelter.

2. Kedareshwar Cave

Kedareshwar Cave houses a magnificent 5-foot Shiva Lingam, surrounded by icy cold water on all sides. This cave stands supported by a single pillar, while the other three have already collapsed. These four pillars are said to symbolize the four yugas (ages). The lone remaining pillar is believed to represent the Kaliyuga. It holds deep mythological significance and is a must-visit spot.

Kedareshwar Cave Shiva Lingam

3. Konkan Kada (Konkan Cliff)

Though not a man-made structure, this massive cliff is a natural marvel with historical and geographical significance. It offers panoramic views and is often associated with adventurous legends and stories. Don’t miss the sunset here.

Harishchandragad Trek Views

4. Taramati Peak

This is the highest point on Harishchandragad and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ranges. It is historically significant as a watchpoint during ancient times.

5. Cisterns and Water Tanks

Several ancient water tanks carved out of rock can be found around the fort. These cisterns are examples of advanced water conservation techniques used in earlier eras.

Each of these places adds a unique layer of history and mystery to the Harishchandragad trekking experience

What do you think?

Written by Bhakti D

Bhakti is a dedicated full-time certified yoga instructor and follows yogic teachings as a way of life rather than a fitness goal. Yoga has helped her lead stress-free life for herself as well as has a calming influence on the family. After she realized the goodness of Yoga, she decided to pursue Yoga more seriously by building on Yoga related competencies. She has done a number of classrooms as well as one to one teaching sessions in Mumbai, helping her clientele achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle.

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