Monsoon Destinations: Harishchandragad Fort
The Harishchandragad fort, situated in Ahmednagar district is one of the hot spots for trekking. The fort stands at a height of about 4,671 feet above the sea level and look down the Konkan kada. This fort is well known for its height and its heavy fortification. Accessible through the picturesque Malshej Ghat, Harishchandragad is a great place to trek and take in the panoramic view it offers from the top.
The fort is quite ancient and this fact is supported by the remnants of the Microlithic man which have been discovered here. The fort is believed to have been built around the 6th century during the reign of the Kalchuri Dynasty. It features a number of caves which are said to have been carved out during the 11th century and which house the idols of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, the carvings found inside the temples and the caves of the fort indicate its development in the medieval era and its relation to Shaiva, Shakta and Naath Pantha. It is also believed that Sage Changdev, author of the “Tatwasar”, meditated on the fort during the 14th century. In the years that followed the fort came under the Mughal rule before the Marathas captured it 1747. However with the decline of the Maratha kingdom in 1818, Harishchandragad again went into the hands of the Mughals.
The fort has three important peaks: Taramati, Rohidas and Harishchandragad. Of these the Taramati peak is the tallest. Owning to its strategic location, the fort offers a spectacular view of the Malshej Ghat, Ratangad, Jivdhan and Nane Ghat from the top.
The temple of Harishchandreshwar is one of the main highlight of the fort. It is situated about 16 kms from the base of the fort. Carved out of a single huge rock, the temple can be accessed from all the four sides. The main entrance of the temple features intricately carved sculptures and ancient Devnagiri inscriptions.
To the right of the fort, there is a huge cave known by the name, ‘Kedareshewar’. It houses a huge ‘Shivling’ which is surrounded by water from all sides. The water here is waist deep and hence reaching the Shivling or for that matter even entering the cave is impossible during the monsoon. A manmade lake called ‘Saptatirtha’ is located in close vicinity of the cave which is home to a number of temples like construction located on the banks.
The Konkan kada or the Konkan cliff is another interesting point to visit on the fort. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas which is indeed a truly mesmerising experience. This concave shape (top) of the cliff provides it with a very unique character and also makes it a very difficult destination for trekking.
FAQ’s:
How to get in?
One can take the Pune-Nashik road towards Ale Phata. Ale Phata is located about 2 hours and 30mins from Pune and just a few kilometres from Narayangaon. A left turn from Ale Phata will take you to Malshej Ghat from where you need to the take the road to Khubi Phata, which is around 40 kms from Ale Phata. A right turn from Khubi Phata will then take you to Khireshwar village which is the base village of Harishchandragad Fort.
When to go?
Monsoon and winters are the best time to visit this place.
Where to stay?
Either in the base village, Khireshwar or in the caves close to the Harishchandreshwar temple.
Where to eat?
Carry your own food along.
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