Harishchandragad Fort Trek | Timings, History, Images, Best Time

Harishchandragad Fort Trek, Malshej Ghat Overview

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra situated at an elevation of about 4670 feet in the district of Ahmednagar. It is popular for the trekking trail and is one of the famous Bhandardara tourist spots. Harishchandragad fort complex also houses caves, temples and a lake which makes it an ideal tourist place.

Within the fort, there are several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Ganesh. The monument dates back to the 6th century and finds a home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area. The fort has the second-highest mountain in Maharashtra. Konkan Kada or the Konkan cliff is a semi-circular rock wall and resembles a Cobra's hood, occasionally sporting a rainbow.

Harishchandragad Fort Trek : Trek Routes

There are a number of routes to reach the top of the fort, but the one which goes through Tolar Khind is the most panoramic, and easiest. After getting off at Khubi Phata via Malshej Ghat, we need to travel for another 7 kilometres or so before reaching the base village of Khireshwar through a diversion at Khubi Phata. We may need to ask the villagers about the diversion from Khubi Phata which leads to the base village. From the base, we proceed towards Junnar Darwaza from where the caves are spotted. This route goes straight to Tolar Khind.

How to reach Harishchandragad Fort

Rail: Kalyan is situated between Mumbai and Kasara rail line, and is therefore connected well with Gujarat, north and south India.The frequent availability of passenger trains provide an additional benefit in the form of hassle free conveyance.
Road: The base village of Khireshwar is easily accessible through road. Frequent state terminal buses ply from Kalyan to Khubi Phata. From there, we need to walk for go further 7 kilometres ahead before we arrive at the base village. Besides, Kalyan is well connected to Mumbai through Nagpur-Aurangabad-Mumbai expressway.

Places of Interest in Harishchandragad Fort

The fort's highest point is called the Taramati peak or Taramachi and point provide a beautiful panoramic view of the nearby surroundings and the forest area. Find here, a brilliant Saptatirtha Pushkarni temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kalchuri dynasty.

Kedareshwar cave is a unique cave here which has a big Shivlinga surrounded by water. Shiva was probably the patron deity of the fort, as there are several Shiva lingams at the top of the fort. There are a few other temples, including Nageshwar temple and temple of Harishchandreshwar in this area. Other attractions in the vicinity are the Buddhist caves. Some of the caves here are suitable for camping. There are cisterns of water at the top in addition to a prominent pond.

More about Harishchandragad

Approx trek time : 5-6 hours

Availability of Night Trek: Available

Base Camp: Khireshwar

Days required for the trek: 1 day

Difficulty level: Medium to Difficult

Height above sea level: 4670 feet

Nearest Airport: Mumbai

Nearest Railhead: Kalyan

Starting point of trek: From the base village of Khireshwar as soon as we reach Tolar Khind

Type: Hill fort

Water availability

Water cisterns are available along with a pond atop the citadel. The water in them is not suitable for drinking. It is advisable to carry your own supply of water along with you.

Food availability

Homemade food is made available by the local villagers at the top of the fort. Food is available in the base village of Khireshwar as well. Since the trek is long, one should eat adequately before starting.

Accommodation

There are many caves at the foot of the highest peak on the fort. Only two of them are inhabitable though, and can accommodate around 70-80 people at once.