This document provides a summary of a trekking trip to the Harishchandragad fort in Maharashtra, India. It describes the route taken from Kurla to Kalyan, passing through Igatpuri, Ghoti, Rajur, and Pachnai. Details are given about reaching the base village of Pachnai, and the 1.5 hour trek to the fort. Points of interest mentioned at the fort include the Harishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar Cave, Saptatirtha Pushkarni tank, and the scenic Konkan Kada cliff. The group then returned from Khireshwar to Kalyan via Malshej Ghat

1. Harishchandragad –
Ultimate trekking
destination!!
Date of visit: 4th Jan 2009
Route:
Kurla-Igatpuri-Ghoti-Rajur-
Pachnai-Harishchandragad-
Khireshwar-Kalyan
HEIGHT : 1424 METERS

2. 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 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. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions
on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of
diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in
Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of
Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is
related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of
Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

3. From Kurla
To Kalyan

4. Bhandaradara lake
Pimpalgaon lake
Harishchandragad

5. 2-1/2 hr Rail
Journey begins
from Kurla to
Igatpuri

7. Saumya, Sandesh, Amar and Hitest

8. Lunch of Misal-pav and Bhaji at Igatpuri

9. GHOTI
Bus from Igatpuri to ghoti

10. Ghoti to Rajur and then
to Pachnai (2-1/2 hr)

12. Pachnai village - at the
foothills of Harishchandragad

15. Dinner of Dal-Bhakri-Bhat at
Subhash Bharmal’s house

18. The lunch-room was shared with
Subhash’s goats due to winter

19. T.P.

21. Night outside
Subhash’s house

22. The ‘paar’ with
village gods

24. The ultimate
Catch by Saumya

25. Village women
carrying water
from nearby well

26. Morning tea

27. We are here

28. The 1-1/2 hr
trek begins

32. Pachnai Village

33. Yaad aa rahi hai, teri yaad aa rahi hai

34. Strong roots!
Earth vanished
below the tree

35. Gap inside the
mountain is a
road and also
a place where
one can spend
night

39. Honeycombs

43. Looking back after reaching the platee

44. Looking back after reaching the plateu

45. View after reaching the plateu -
Balekilla

46. View after reaching the plateu -
Taramati (2nd highest point after
Kalsubai) and Rohidas peaks
Harishchandeshwar temple

47. Where eagles dare

48. Temple of Harishchandreshwar
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. Around this temple there a
few caves & ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one
of the tanks located close to the temple. The top of the temple resembles construction
with the north-Indian temples. A similar temple is situated in Buddha-Gaya.

49. The ancient "SHIVA" temple is built up in "Hemadpanthi style" i.e. No sealing
component used between two stones on each other.

51. Saptatirtha Pushkarni
To the east of the temple is a well-built water tank called “Saptatirtha”. 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.

52. Saptatirtha Pushkarni
‘other side’

54. Entrance to Shiva temple

55. Ganesh

56. Kedareshwar Cave
This is the cave of Kedareshwar, close to the temple. There is a big
Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water. The total height from its
base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. The water is ice-cold.

58. Caves

61. View of the temple and
surround area
2-3 Tents for Rs. 300 a night/tent
available.
Courtesy: www.amezingsahyadri.com

63. Amar desperately checking
mobile range at Konkankada

64. We are here
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE

65. Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff) RIGHT SIDE
The most interesting point on this fort is this cliff, which has always fascinated many
people from many years. The cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan.

66. We were here in the
earlier photograph
Konkan Kada - MIDDLE ARC

68. Konkan Kada - LEFT SIDE

72. Saumya

76. Lunch (Batatyachi bhaaji, Bhakri, Zunka
Bhakar) locally prepared (Rs. 50 per plate)

77. Balekilla

78. Dried grass being
burnt in the forest (?)

80. 04-Jan-2009
09-Jul-2006

81. Lion’s statue at the Tolar Khind
junction where paths from Levali
and Khireshwar join

82. Rock patch with railing

83. Naturally formed orifice

84. From Khireshwar to Khubi
Phata (Malshej ghat) on tempo

86. Desperately checking mobile
range in Malshej Ghat while
waiting for bus for Kalyan

87. Bus from Khubi phata to Kalyan (2-1/2 hours)

89. Jai Hind
Jai Maharashtra