If you’re a thrill-seeker and adventurous person then you should definitely visit Harihar and give yourself that adrenaline rush. Harihar Fort Blog will help you explore one of the stupendous forts of Maharashtra.

Harihar Fort Information

Harihar fort, also known as Harshagad, is a fort located 48 km from Igatpuri, Nashik District Maharashtra. Harihar lies at an altitude of 3,676 feet. The intrinsic rock-cut steps of the fort attract visitors the most. The phenomenal thing about Harihar fort trek is that it appears to be rectangular in shape from the base village, built on a triangular prism of rock the edges of this spectacular fort are precisely vertical, adding to the idiosyncratic of this striking ancient fort.

How to Reach Harihar Fort Base Village

There are two base villages of the fort, Harshewadi, and Nirgudpada. From Harshewadi the way to the fort is easy and can be climbed within an hour. You can reach Kasurli by boarding the ST bus of Igatpuri – Trimbakeshwar – Khodala. From Kasurli one has to climb a small hill where Harshewadi is located.

For Nirgudpada one can get down at Kasara or Nasik which is the nearest railway station and then can take an ST bus for Trimbakeshwar or a private vehicle to Nirgudpada. From here the route leads up to the rock-sheet from where the steps begin. One can reach the fort-top within about two-three hours from this route.

Best time to visit Harihar Fort

It is a moderate difficulty level, one day trek which is open throughout the year. Some prefer it in monsoon as the experience is more thrilling and the fort is draped with fog and clouds. Some prefer winter to avoid the slippery rocks and strong winds during peak monsoon.

Harihar Fort Blog

The trail moves away from the village towards the range passing the paddy fields. It goes through a bushy forest until it reaches an open ridge that is connected to the fort. It takes about an hour to reach the steep slope on which the fort is positioned.

The ascent through the 60-meter rock-cut steps is challenging. It is like a rock ladder elevated at 60 to 80 degrees along the rock face. The steps are worn out in many places. For convenience, they have a pocket like grooves which you can use to get a better grip while climbing.

After reaching the main entrance, the path takes a left pass through and another set of spiral rock-cut steps are to be climbed, which are steeper than the previous ones. The steps finally end with a narrow entrance. At many places, the steps are very narrow that, only a single person can climb at a time.

Fascinating Things to See on Harihar Fort Trek

The fort has got a tapering plateau with a raised level in the middle. There is a temple of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva on the plateau that is painted saffron. A small pond is there in front of this temple which is filled with fresh water during monsoon. Once you make it to the top, get absorbed in the mesmerizing beauty of the elongated plateau which holds a breathtaking view of the Vaitarna reservoir and Brahmagiri. You also get a wonderful 360-degree view of the Sahyadri Trimbakeshwar mountain ranges from here.