Harishchandragad Trek

Trek to Harischandragad is known to be one of the best treks in the Sahyadri ranges and is known as 'Trekkers Paradise'. Harischandragad is a hill fort in Malshej Ghat ranges, in the Indian State of Maharashtra.  There are  three routes to reach Harischandragad Temple . The first route is Nali chi vat- very difficult one, the second  ascends via Khireshwar- also a difficult one and the third ascends via Paachnai- the simple one.

DAY 1

ENROUTE TO KHIRESHWAR VILLAGE

Our route was Mumbai-Kalyan-Malshej Ghat-Khubi Phata-Khireshwar.

We started our journey from Kalyan to Khubi phata at around 10.30 PM by public transport .   At around 1 AM, we reached Khubi phata.  Then a 5 km walk through the mud roads beside Pimpalgaon Joge dam. It was a nice walkway with windy breeze. Reached Khireshwar village  at around 2.30 am and slept in an open space.

DAY 2

VILLAGE LIFE

The dam and the surrounding area offers a scenic view of the area. I walked through the village enjoying village life and sun rise. Farming is done  around the houses. The lush green fields and the houses in the village is a sight to behold.

THE TREK

Post breakfast at the village,  we started our walk.

Then the trek towards Tolar Khind began. There are rock patches in between. Soon we reached Tolar Khind. Tolar Khind also offers a great view of the Konkan hills.

The good thing about this trek is that the way to Harischandragad Temple is well-marked .

Next part of the trek is somewhat dangerous. Here you have to cross vertical rock patches and there are broken railing support in few areas. I had to climb this steep and elevated path .  I started my climb. My legs were shivering. But I managed to climb the path with ease.There was a huge valley beside me.  We were walking through a vertical path full of slippery rocks.

Once you cover the rock patch, a vast area will welcome you. Next part of the trek is a simple walk. It is the place worth visiting for all nature lovers. Its beauty enhances in monsoon season.

There are a couple of huts selling lemon water, buttermilk, snacks etc. The plateau is rich in flora and fauna, lots of wildflowers and butterflies can be seen. There are carpets of Sonki flowers all along the route in the month of October. Then the trek goes through a narrow foot path.  Though the trek is a test of your endurance, it is quite worth for the scenic view it offers. The long stretches of greenery is simply mesmerizing to watch.

As 2016 draws to a close, the mass flowering of Karvi (Strobilanthes callosa) that made the forest all the more special is a sight to behold. The next mass bloom is expected only to be in 2024 now. I have made enough memories of this mass blooming.

The forest  path is a paradise for nature lovers as it hosts several exotic species of wildlife.  Trekking with greenery and fresh wind is a remarkable experience. We identified snakes  butterflies, and birds on the way.

We reached the top of Harishchandragad at around 12.30 p.m.

We rested at a small hut specially made for trekkers.  They served local Maharashtrian food - rice, pittali and pickle. After lunch and rest, we started to explore the surroundings.

HARISHCHANDRESHWAR TEMPLE

Situated at a height of 4650 ft above sea level, this temple has been carved out from a single huge rock.

Legand says that Sant Dnyaneshwar had made the stone wall to walk. He rode the wall to meet Yogi Changdev who rode a Tiger. Changdeve, a mystical yogi turned saint who is believed to have stayed at Harischandragad. The inscription 'Changa Wateshwaracha' on the fort is prominent. 

Behind this temple, a huge Nandi is placed. Behind this Nandi, there is a small underground room.

Around this temple there a few caves and ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple.

SAPTATIRTHA PUSHKARNI

To the east of the main temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha Pushkarni” with temple like constructions on its bank.

KEDARESHWAR CAVE

To the right side of the temple is a huge cave called Kedareshwar. You can watch a big Shiv Ling surrounded by water inside the cave. Forests are nature's design of an efficient and time tested water harvesting system.

CAVES ON HARISHCHANDRAGAD

These caves are situated all over the fort. Many of these are situated at the foot of Taramati peak and trekker's using these caves as the place of accommodation. There are small water tanks associated with the caves.

KONKAN KADA (KONKAN CLIFF)

The most interesting point on Harishchandragad is this cliff, which has always fascinated many people for many years. The cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan.  It was also here that we enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunset. We sat at the edge of the valley. The climate was so cool, it felt so fresh. I, very conveniently immersed myself in the beauty of the valley. It was a beautiful evening and a memorable one too. And with a view like this, we spent around 2 hours .

It was getting dark and we headed back to the temple area.  It was a long day, indeed. After having dinner, we had fun time with  camp fire, guitar, and songs.

DAY 3

Woke up at 7 AM and our agenda was trek to Taramati peak. Harischandragad is an irregular tabletop with  two peaks, namely Taramati and the Balekilla. There is one more peak called Rohidas peak.

TARAMATI PEAK

This is the topmost point on the fort and is the second highest peak in Maharashtra. Walk uphill to the right of the point and one gets a fascinating view of the Naneghat, Malshej Ghat and the forts near Murbad. One can also see the highest peak Kalsubai, Ratangad, Bhairavgad and Nanacha Angatha from here. It took one hour for ascending and half hour for descending.

After having break fast, we started descending towards the base village. Upon reaching the base village, we had snacks and took a private vehicle to reach the bus stop on the highway.

Enroute passed through the beautiful Malshej ghat. Am sure that one can surely enjoy this adventurous trek.