Harishchandragad Trek

Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra (One Day)

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, kothale village and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region.

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. Towards the right of Harishchandreshwar temple, there is the huge cave of Kedareshwar, in which there is a big Shiva Linga, which is completely surrounded by water. Its height from the base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shiva Linga because the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out in the cave. In the monsoon it is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the way.Also known as Taramanchi. This is the top most point on the fort (1429 meters). Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad. From this Taramati point, we can have a glimpse of forts till Siddhagad near Bhimashankar in the south and Napta twin peaks, Ghodishep (865 meters), Ajoba (1375 meters), Kulang fort (1471 meters)in the north near the Kasara region.

This cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan. It provides views of the surrounding region. The cliff has an overhang, but has been climbed many times. Sometimes a circular rainbow can be seen from this point. It can be seen only when there is a bit of mist in the valley, and the sun is right behind the person facing the valley. One phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below and are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than 50 feet (15 m), creating the impression of a wall that is rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the landmass area.

Start from the village and follow the path in the direction of Tolar Khind. After reaching Tolar Khind start ascending for the rock patches, after the third rock patch is completed then you can find two paths one going to the base of the Ballekila and the other going to the seven hills.Pachnai is the simplest route to Harishchandragad and absolutely recommended for anyone of any age. From the Pachnai village, it takes around 1-2 hours to reach Harishchandragad.

Start ascending towards Konkan Kada from the base village and you will find steep slopes which are easy but you might require ropes but becomes difficult during monsoons. After reaching Konkan Kada you can have your lunch and is a good camping spot, villagers can aid you with food and tents. After camping you can head towards Taramati peak where you can find a small Shivling. From there you can descend to Harishchandragad temple where there a no. of caves which are sometimes full, as many trekkers visit this place. From here you can start descending from the same path or towards Khireshwar so that you can enjoy the full scenic beauty. You can also find a astonishing view of lake at the bottom.