Harihar Fort
Alike Pune district, there are many forts lying in Nasik district too. Ranges like Selbari – Dolbari, Ajanta – Satmal, Trimbak have their origin in this district. The fort of Harihar, lying on Trimbak range, was of significant importance in earlier periods, as there used to be a route crossing this range connecting Maharashtra to Gujarat.
Trimbak range has spreaded its arms to the north of Igatpuri and west of Nasik. It is divided mainly in two parts, with forts of Basgad, Utvad, hill of Fani, Harihar and Trimbakgad on one part while the forts of Anjaneri and Hargad on the other. Vaitarna is the main river in this region. But due to the one – sided slope of Sahyadri, the water flows away from this region. There is an absolute shortage of water from January to March in this region.
The fort appears to be rectangular in shape from its base village.
Type : Hill forts
Fort Range : Trimbakeshwar
District : Nashik
Fascinating Spots :
While climbing the fort, we come across a rock-sheet, which has got steps carved in it. Also many grooves have been carved here for additional support. After climbing these steps, we get upto the entrance door. There is a cavern ahead of this door. Again we come across few steps after a short distance walk from this cavern. On climbing these steps we reach to the main entrance door of this fort. The fort has got a tapering plateau with a raised level in the middle.
One secret – door is located at the edge of this fort, but the way to this door has now got blocked. There is a small temple of Lord Hanumana and Lord Shiva on the plateau. A small pond is there in front of this temple. Water from this pond can be used for drinking. Making headway from here we come across a palace having two rooms in it. 10 to 12 persons can be accommodated in this palace. There are five cisterns along one side of the palace, one of which has water suitable for drinking.
Ways To Reach :
1. Via Igatpuri – Trimbakeshwar – Khodala :
Ahead of Nirgudpada lies the village of Kasurli. One can alight here by boarding the bus of Igatpuri – Trimbakeshwar – Khodala. From this village one has to climb a small hill where Harshewadi is located. From Harshewadi the way to the fort is easy and can be climbed within an hour.
2. Via Kasara or Nasik :
One has reach Igatpuri via Kasara or Nasik. From Igatpuri board in a bus for Trimbakeshwar and alight at Nirgudpada, the base village of Harihar. From here a route leads us upto the rock-sheet from where the steps begin. One can reach the fort-top within about two hours via this route.
