Introduction
Harishchandragad is a beautiful holiday destination in the Malshej region of western ghats. Harishchandragad is a famous fort with beautiful mesmerising green lush views of western ghats and dreamy clouds above. Located at Ahmednagar district it is also a famous location for adventure seekers as its an awesome place to trek and explore nature and ancient heritage. Embark on this fun filled adventurous place next weekend and witness the beauty of hills and ancient forts. Besides forts and hills, Harishchandragad is also a spot where you can explore Saptarishi temple and Kedareshwar caves .
- How to reach?
- Different ways of trekking and reaching up the top.
- From Khireshwar
- Via panchai
- Via nalichi vaat
- Best season to trek
- Summary
How to reach?
So reaching Harishchandragad is very close to Thane, Ahmednagar and Pune. From Pune district one can reach there by taking a bus to Khireshwar village. And from Ahmednagar one has to travel from either Mumbai or Nasik to Ghoti village then to Sangamner and then to Rajur village. And then from Rajur village after taking a bus or private vehicle and crossing some villages one can reach the topmost of the fort. Reaching it from Thane is by taking a bus through Kalyan and then to Nagar and then to Khireshwar village.
Different routes of Trekking reaching up the fort.
Reaching above Harishchandragad can be done through one or more ways depending on the easy to moderate ways to do.
From Khireshwar
This route is quite moderate and can be done through 2 ways one is from Rajmarg and other is from Tolar Khind. The trail from Rajmarg is dangerous and is not recommended for trekking. Additionally, it has three portions.
Khileshwar village to forest khind
Trek distance:- 1.3 km
Duration:- 30 minutes
Starting from Khileshwar village first you have to cross pimpalgaon dam that will take half an hour from Khubi Phata and then you’ll finally reach the starting point. After reaching the starting point which could be obvious with the boards you can see on your left. You’ll be trekking to the paddy fields and the trails will lead to mighty mountains which will boost up your excitement.
Forest section to Kolar Khind
Trek distance:- 1.8km
Trek duration:- 1 hour 30 minutes
As you reach the first section you can explore various streams flowing where you can freshen up. During the monsoon the soil may tend to become a little slippery so make sure to take steps properly. After some distance you can see a tea stall where you can take a break and may drink or rest for a while. After this stop you have to start your adventure of trekking to Harishchandragad via Kolar Kund .
Tolar Khind to top of Harishchandragad
Trek distance:- 5km
Duration:- 3 hours
Starting from tolar khind here your real adventure starts as you have to climb a big rock patch that is 60 to 70 degrees. You’ll have poles and chains to support and make sure to reach this spot early as during afternoon especially in summer this poles and chains get hot to hold and climb. After an hour and climbing this rock you reach a plateau where you can see the routes and path you covered. Pimpalgaon dam and Khireshwar village are visible from above. As you move further there are two routes to be chosen from toward the right that will take you through seven hills to the temple and straight trail goes to dense forest.
Via Pachnai
Trek distance:- 3km
Trek duration:- 2 hours
This is an easy trek with an easy trail marked through which can be done without a guide or any other organisation. Starting from Pachani village you can spot a board guiding you to Harishchandragad which will lead you to stairs and railings that makes it easier to cover. After some minutes of this easy trek you’ll reach a plateau after crossing a big wall and then to the Harishchandragad fort.
lichi vaat
Nalichi vaat can be a difficult route for beginners as you have to climb 80 degrees over steep rock patches. This trek can be completed in 2 days involving crossing a trail with large man sized rocks and patches.
Belpada village to Konkan Kada
Trek distance – 6km
Duration- 9 hours
It takes nearly 9 hours where Belpada village is the base camp for this route. It’s advisable to start trekking in the morning where first you’ll come across streams near villages where you can take rest. As sitting in the greenery will bring you lots of peace as you walk ahead the track leads you to dense forest cover. And at walking distance you may reach the mainstream bed. After that, lead towards the upstream of the mainstream over large rocks. There you have to be careful as it’s a big rock and it will be slippery. While walking along this trail for 30 minutes or more you’ll reach the main water source which is actually in the form of patterns of rocks laid with tiny waterfalls flowing over it. After which the trail becomes uphill and you have to continue walking carefully over rocks. As you move further you’ll not come across any sorts of hoardings or boards or sing or even a landmark to lead you further. You have to keep going on your own for the next one and a half hours.
Location
Locate Nali which will appear right of the mountain that is actually a gorge and to reach Nali you have to follow a narrow channel which will be like a steep uphill climb. And after 20 minutes of climbing you’ll see a big rock patch in front of you which might be hard to climb for beginners as it is 25 feet high. And it is the most difficult section as it will take nearly 1 or 2 hours to cross this path. Getting over the nali you’ll witness a vast plain from where you can easily locate Konkan Kada. Following the trail after 15 minutes you’ll reach the main mountain Konkan Kand. So this was the day 1 destination which you were looking for where you can set your camp and relax.
To base visage Khireshwar
Trek distance:- 8km
Duration:- 4 hours
Starting early with a mesmerising view of sunrise will be a fresh start that will energise your energy for the next section of this trek. Start heading towards Taramati peak while visiting various temples and caves on your way. And as you move ahead there will be a downhill trail way from Tolar Khind to Khilwahsaw village. From where you can follow the above mentioned route which will take around 4 hours to reach Khileshwar.
Best season to visit
It is from August to February as weather can be extremely hot during summer so it will be hard to do a trek. Whereas in monsoon rocks become very slippery and it is not safe due the heavy rains over western ghats. Winter will be favourable to do trekking at Harishchandragad.
Summary
So Harishchandragad is a beautiful trekking spot both for experienced and beginners. As it also fills your heart with a beautiful green lush view of western ghats. And ancient caves and temples to visit that will provide you all over experience of exploring western ghats.
