Harishchandra Gad
- chousalkarameya
- Nov 10, 2015
- 2 min read
HARISHCHANDRAGAD FORT
Basic Info: Harishchandragad is a beautiful hill fort in the Ahmednagar region and a very popular trekking destination. The fort mountain along with, TOLAR KHIND, MALSHEJ GHAT offers a lot for trekkers. The main attraction here is the KONKAN KADA which offers a spectacular view of Konkan. During the rainy season you'd be walking in the clouds on this fort.
Routes: From Pune: Head towards ALEPHATA on NH 50 (Nasikh highway) which is approx 96 kms from Pune. From ALEPHATA turn left to reach a small town named OTUR. From OTUR reach the village KHIRESHWAR which is the base village. THE ROAD FROM OTUR TO KHIRESHWAR IS ALONG THE WATERS OF PIMPALGAON JOGA DAM, here you will have a amazing view of natural beauty.
After reaching the village KHIRESHWAR you can start your trek through TOLAR KHIND. There are 2 more alternate routes to Harishchandragad, but we would recommend you go via Khireshwar coz this is the best route and offers good view while trekking and is a bit tough.
Difficulty Level and Other useful tips:
Difficulty level is Moderate. On a scale of 1 to 10, We'd say 8 with 1 being very easy. Height above sea level: 4710 feet.
It takes approximately 6 hours to reach to the top of Harischandragad where you'd find the Harishchandrareshwar temple. There are many rocky patches and steep climbs enroute. Carry plenty of water, the water tanks on the fort do not offer potable water except monsoons.
Camping Info:
Harishchandragad is the best fort in Maharashtra for camping. There are 2 caves which can be used for camping. These 2 caves can accomodate atleast 100 persons. Carry plenty of food and water with you as there's no source of anything edible on the fort. Also ensure that you gather enough firewood before nightfall as the temperature during winters is really low at Harishchandragad. Carry enough insulating material to keep you warm.
What to see on the fort:
KEDARESHWAR CAVE - This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple. KOKAN KADA - A huge cliff at Harishchandragad which offers spectacular view of Konkan and also the sunset. KEDARESHWAR CAVE: In this cave there is a Shivlinga which is surrounded by ice cold water. During rainy season this cave is not accessible as there's lot of water in the surrounding area.TARAMATI PEAK: Also known as Taramanchi. This is the topmost point on the fort. It is the 2nd highest peak in Maharashtra. 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.
हरिश्चंद्रगड हा सह्याद्री मधील अतिशय प्राचीन किल्ल्यांपैकी एक समजला जातो. मत्स्यपुराण, अग्निपुराण, स्कन्दपुराण सारख्या प्राचीन पुराणांमधे ह्या गडाचा उल्लेख केलेला अधळतो. 6व्या शतकात कलचुरी च्या काळात ह्या गडाचे बांधकाम झाले असावे. गड़ावरील लेण्या सुद्धा अति प्राचीन असून 11व्या शतकात कोरल्या असव्यात असा अंदाज आहे.
केदारेश्वराची गुहा, कोकण कडा, तारामतीचे शिखर हे हरिश्चंद्रगडाच्या ओळखी बनल्या आहेत.
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