Beautiful Short Trek To Harishchandragad and Kokankada

With ruined fortifications and ancient caves tracing back to the Microlithic age, Harishchandragad fort is a perfect trekking destination in the Sahyadris. There are several different paths up to the fort. It has 3 main routes from which one can reach the fort, they are Nali chi vat (very difficult), Khireshwar (difficult) and Paachnai (Easy).

Pachnai is the simplest route to Harishchandragad. Pachnai is village near Sangamner. From the Pachnai village, it takes around 2 hours to reach Harishchandragad.

Trek route is stiff initially but moderately simple with splendid and spectacular views of Sahyadri ranges all around. This is an amazing experience of short trek to get relaxed from busy schedule.

The trekking path is cut into an almost vertical rock face. We have to pass through from the stomach of this concave rock. This is an ideal point for selfie and photography.

This rock cut face is magnificent in Monsoon with misty droplets of a majestic waterfall.

As we climbed higher, dense forest starts and the ground started changing colors. Harishchandragad forest is declared forest century with full of fauna and flora.

As we reached the Harishchandragad fort, we get small hemadpanthi temple of Lord Shiva

As we reach plateau, we saw the top of the Harishchandreshwar Temple nestled in the green and yellow of the surrounding flowers. This temple of Harishchandragad Fort is sumptuous example of the Hemadpanthi Architecture.

This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16 m high from its base. These are built by well-finished arranging stones one on top of the other. There are entrances from all four sides

On the main entrance there are sculptures of faces. These are faces of guards of the temple. On the left side of the entrance is a Devsnagsri inscription, which is about saint Changdev.

Next to the temple is the Saptatirtha Pushkarni lake. On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of Lord Vishnu. Recently these idols have been shifted in the caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar

Towards the right of Harishchandreshwar temple, there is the huge cave of Kedareshwar , in which there is a big Shiva Linga , which is completely surrounded by water. Its height from the base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. The water is ice-cold.

There are sculptures carved out in the cave. Actually this is the origin of River Mangalganga. As can be seen from the picture, there is a huge rock above the Shiva Linga. There were four pillars built around the Shiva Linga to support the cave. This is one of the most picturesque attraction of Harishchandragad Fort.

Kokankada: Kokan Kada is a semi circle overhanging cliff offering jaw dropping views of vast fields and on a clear day even mountains far away. This is a biggest attraction of Harishchandragad. It is a dream of every trekker to reach here once in a life.

Kokan Kada cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan. It provides views of the surrounding region. This overhang cliff has been climbed many times. One phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below and are thrown vertically into the sky.

Magnificent and spectacular view of Sahyadri Mountain ranges from Kokan Kada

Wonderful breathtaking view of valley at the left side of Kokan Kada. These scenic beauty is real paradise for all trekkers. These spectacle view from Kokan Kada is to witness a thousand miracles.

The Art of Nature

Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn. How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!

There are two peaks on this tabletop, namely Taramati which is the highest point on the fort at 1429 m and the balekilla which is at 1390 m, also there is Rohidas peak nearby which is at 1412 m. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and forts near Murbad.

Caves are spread out all over the fort. Many of these are situated at the foot of Taramati peak and are the place of accommodation. This is best experience for night camping. The water tanks near the caves provide water all round the year for basic needs.

About Harishchandragad Fort: Location: In the Ahmednagar district of India and has three routes. Best Time To Visit: July to March is the best time to visit the fort. Difficulty Level: Easy grade trekking routes from Pachnai , Difficult through Khireshwar, And Very Difficult through Nalechi Vat. Elevation/Formation: 4671 feet (1422 meter) above mean sea level

History of Harishchandragad 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 the 6th century, during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty.

Detail Map of Harishchandragad Fort

Map sowing different routes for Harishchandragad Fort.