Harishchandragad Fort

Harishchandragad Fort is a hill fort located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. The fort is situated in the Western Ghats and is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the region.

The fort has a rich history dating back to the 6th century when it was built by the Kalchuri dynasty. It has been ruled by various dynasties over the centuries, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas. In the 14th century, the fort came under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire.


Harishchandragad Fort has several notable features, including the Kedareshwar cave temple, which is believed to be over a thousand years old. The fort also has a unique cliff called Taramati, which is named after a famous courtesan who is said to have jumped from the cliff. The fort also has a natural rock formation called the Konkan Kada, which is a major attraction for trekkers.

The trek to Harishchandragad Fort is challenging and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The best time to visit the fort is from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. The fort is also known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.


Getting There :

  • By Air: The nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is about 163 km away from the fort.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Igatpuri, which is about 40 km away from the fort. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the base village of the fort.
  • By Bus: There are regular buses that operate from major cities in Maharashtra to the base village of the fort. From Mumbai, you can take a bus to Kalyan and then another bus to Khubi Phata. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a private vehicle to the base village of the fort.
  • By Car: You can also drive to the base village of the fort from Mumbai or Pune. The drive takes about 5-6 hours from Mumbai and about 3-4 hours from Pune.

Once you reach the base village of the fort, you can start the trek to Harishchandragad. The trek is challenging and takes around 6-7 hours to complete, so it's recommended to start early in the morning.



Places to see nearby : 

There are several places to see near Harishchandragad Fort that are worth exploring. Here are some of the popular ones:

Konkan Kada: This is a cliff that offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills. It is located on the western side of the fort and is a popular spot for trekkers and photographers.

Taramati Peak: This is the highest point on the fort and offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is named after Taramati, a famous courtesan who is said to have jumped from the peak.


Kedareshwar Cave Temple:
This is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the eastern side of the fort. The temple has a naturally formed Shivling and is believed to be over a thousand years old.

Saptatirtha Pushkarni: This is a holy pond located near the Kedareshwar Cave Temple. It is believed that taking a dip in the pond can wash away one's sins.

Ajoba Hill Fort: This is another hill fort located near Harishchandragad and is popular among trekkers. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.





Pimpalgaon Joga Dam:
This is a popular picnic spot located near Harishchandragad. The dam offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and is a great place to relax and unwind.


Bhandardara:
This is a popular hill station located about 40 km from Harishchandragad. It is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and serene atmosphere.


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