About Harishchandragad Fort
One of the most interesting elements of the Harishchandragad trek and other treks in Maharashtra is the immense history and legend that exists all over the Sahyadris. Almost every trek you go on has sites or monuments built on them, with the ruins of ancient forts and ramparts waiting for you to explore them. The old hill fort of Harishchandragad is one such trek. At the top of the Harishchandragad fort, you’ll find a cave that houses an ancient temple with a Shivling structure.
About the trek
Considered to be one of Maharashtra’s more challenging treks, the Harishchandragad trek is not for complete beginners. The trail goes over rocky patches, steep inclines, and some scary drops. There are boulders of all sizes along your route, and you'll be clambering over them all the way up. The biggest attraction here is Konkankada. Also known as a 'Cobra's hood', the spot attracts a lot of adventure lovers throughout the year.
Other sites you will be able to enjoy while on this trek, will include the pristine and cool water of the Saptatirtha lake, the Kedareshwar temple that flaunts its old walls like armour and the Konkan Cliff, that is famous for its circular rainbow during the day caused by the sheer mist in the valley.
Route for the trek
You’ll set off early for the Harishchandragad trek, so that you can finish the ascent before the sun is too high in the sky. After breakfast and a quick briefing session at the base village, you’ll set off. The trail to Harishchandragad fort gets quite steep in sections, and there are rocks and boulders to be tackled. This section takes about 3 hours, but it’s great fun.
You’ll stop for lunch en route, and then carry on up to the top for another 3 hours. You should get to the top by around 16:00 hrs, in time to rest a bit, explore the area, and head to the sunset point to watch a spectacular sunset. After that, you’ll enjoy a campfire and a hot dinner, and then retire to your tents for the night.
The mornings are glorious on this trek. You’ll wake up to watch the mist lifting from the valley below. Eat a hot breakfast, and then begin your descent. By 13:00 hrs, you’re at the end point. The trip comes to an end here.
Best time to go
The trek takes place all year round, as the weather is never too extreme. However, the locals suggest not hiking on the rocky surface in the monsoons, particularly during the night, where one can experience heavy rainfall with thunder.
Harishchandragad trek summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai/Pune
- Total days: 2-3 days
- Grade: Challenging
- Max altitude:4665 ft
- Total trekking distance: 15 km
- Season: Around the year except for monsoons
- Avg temperature: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius