Harishchandragad Fort
Information:- Harishchandragad Hill fort in the Ahmednagar region of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in 14th century.
Extra Places To Visit:- Saptatirtha, Kedareshwar, Konkan Kada, Taramati peak, Caves on Harishchandragad, Nageshwar temple near Khireshwar, Temple of Harishchandreshwar.
Type:- Hill Fort
Fort Range:- Malshej
District:- Ahmednagar
Height Above Sea Level:- 4000 ft
Difficulty Rating:- Medium
Base Village:- Khireshwar
App Time To Reach Top:- 5 to 6 Hours
Water Availability:- The water tanks near the caves.
Food:- In summer & winter, arrangement for food is available on the fort. However, in monsoon, one should make the arrangement himself.
Shelter:- 1) Ganesh caves & caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar.
2) Accommodation in Khireshwar:
In Khireshwar, local school is the best for a night’s stay. In this village, we can see the beautiful temple of Nageshwar as well as ancient caves of the Yadav era.
Best Time To Visit:- Any time, In monsoon, proper care should be taken.
How To Reach:- “Harishchandragad lies where the boundaries of Thane, Pune & Ahmednagar districts converge. There are 4 – 5 known ways to this fort, the most usual being the following ones:
1) From Thane District :
One has to board the bus for Nagar from Kalyan & alight at ‘Khubi Phata’. From there we reach the village of Khireshwar by bus or private vehicle. This village is at 4km from the foothills of the fort.
Way from Khireshwar:
The way beside the caves, where water tanks are seen, proceeds further to Junnar Darwaaja (Entrance From Junnar). From here, the route goes straight to Tolar Khind. Walking a few minutes from Tolar Khind, we come across a rock-patch on which railings are fixed. After ascending the railings, we come to the plateau region on which less dense forests are seen. From here, we have to cross 7 hills & after a walk of 2-3 hours, we reach the temple of Harishchandreshwar, the temple of Lord Shiva.
Note: On this way, many arrows help in indicating the way.
Way from Belpada:
The third way is specially meant for hikers, which is via Sadhleghat. One should board the bus for Malshej Ghat & go to the village of Belpada. From here, the route goes through Sadhleghat. Here one has to climb a straight rock patch on which grips are provided. The temple is situated at a height of about 1km from Belpada. The total distance is about 19km.
2) From Ahmednagar District :
One has to board the bus for Nasik or Mumbai & alight at Ghoti village. From Ghoti, we have to board another bus to Sangamner via Malegaon & alight at Rajur village. From here, 2 ways diverge to the fort.
1) From Rajur, one has to board the bus or a private vehicle to the village of Pachanai. From here, the way is straight to the topmost point.
2) Recently, the way from Rajur to Tolar Khind has been made available. From Tolar Khind (Tolar valley), the temple is about 2-3 hours by walking.”
Also there are two ways to reach the summit of Sudhagad from Pachhapur-
ThakurwadiS.T. buses are available for Pachhapur-Thakurwadi from Pali. The first bus to Pachhapur-Thakurwadi leaves Pali at 7:15 a.m.One and half hours trek from Pachhapur- Thakurwadi will take you to the top.
DhondseS.T. buses are available for Dhondse from pali. The first bus to Dhondse leaves Pali at 8:15 a.m. This way to summit takes more time than the first way.
