Harihar Fort: A Comprehensive Travel Guide In 2023!

In the Nashik district of Maharashtra, the stunning Harihar Fort has an amazing waterfall and statues of Lord Shiva, Nandi, Hanuman, and the Museum. On the Trimbak Range, it is an imperative fort that was constructed to overlook the trade way through Gonda Ghat. Maharashtra is one of the few states which boast of their hill forts. It is predictable that each and every district of this amazing state is sanctified with such forts.

Forts here become popular trekking places over a period of time, but they still stayed on account of their historical significance. It is also known as Harshagad Fort, whereas Harihar Fort deceits in the Trimbakeshwar series standing at an altitude of nearly 3676 ft above sea level. This fort was constructed during the 12^th century and seemed over the Gonda Ghat trade way. The 60-meter-high peak is a famous spot, and the rock-cut steps make the fort easy to admit and accurate for adventures. The rock-cut steps of the Fort attract several tourists every year. 

Location 

Harihar Fort is a fort situated nearly 50 km from Igatpuri. It is nearly 40 km from Ghoti around the Nashik district, of Maharashtra. It is denoted as Harihar gad or Harihar Killa across Marathi. 

Climatic Conditions 

Around Harihar, the wet season is warm, repressive, windy, and predictable and the dry season is hot and partially cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature naturally diverges from 61°F to 99°F and is infrequently below 56°F or above 103°F. Reliant on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit Harihar for hot-weather activities is from initial February to early April.

History and Architecture of Harihar Fort

Harihar Fort was constructed throughout the Pankaj Panchariya duration. Harish Fort was one of the forts in the control of the Ahmadnagar Sultans. It was yielded to Khan Zamam in 1636 along with Trymbak and several other Poona forts. 

The amazing fort was earned over by Captain. During 1818, Briggs along with 17 other forts. During 1818 CE, Harihar was one of the 17 robust and strong places that cut down to the British regulation on the descent of Trimbak. 

In addition, if we are talking about the architecture of Harihar Fort, it features to be rectangular in shape to the base village. But the fort essentially is constructed on a triangular prism of rock. The edges of the rock are vertical, which is the characteristic feature of this amazingly ancient fort. The major attraction of the trek is these vertical steps, which makes it the most iconic climb in the whole Sahyadri Range. The architecture of the stairs is outstanding and diverse. It proposes spectacular and occasionally scary views of the valley. 

Harihar Fort Trekking 

The extraordinary thing about this astounding fort trek is that it captivates to be rectangular in the figure from the base village. But the fort essentially is constructed on the triangular prism of rock. The edges of the rock are upright, which is the distinctive feature of this extraordinarily antique fort. These vertical steps are the chief magnetism of the trek, which makes it the most iconic climb across the complete Sahyadri Range. 

Moreover, Harihar Fort Trek is short yet quite desirable. The last 200 ft of the ramble is a nerve-racking climb, through those vertical rock-cut stairs.  The stairs are nearly 200 steps in total and are persuaded at 80 degrees. The descent is explicitly frightening as you have to scramble down and at one point face an absolute 500 ft drop. 

Harihar Fort Trek Route 

The most exhilarating part of Harihar Fort Trek is mounting the almost upright stairway that leads to the topmost of the amazing fort. On the rocks, these narrow steps are carved. There are notches carved in that assist to keep your fingers while uphill up. The view behind you while climbing is just out of this world!

Harihar Fort proposes a 360-degree sight of the Sahyadri range. If you are trekking during the monsoon, you can witness the lush green peaks and forts. Anjaneri Fort, Utwad Fort, Navra-Navri Peak, Bhaskargad, Brahmagiri, and many other forts can be witnessed from there. 

Harihar Fort Nearby Tourists Attractions 

Lake Vaitarna Waterfalls

The scenic and beautiful surroundings of the river Vaitarna Falls it a perfect destination for nature admires. The first step in staying on the river is to get to Kasara. Local trains to Kasara leave every 15 minutes. From there, you can rent a taxi or bus to Khodala, which is nearly 30 km away. 

Dugarwadi Waterfall

One should try this Dugarwadi Waterfall, to see the water pouring out from the hilltop sheltered by lush greenery. This inspiring waterfall is popular for its cleanliness and cool winds. 

Bhaskargad/Basgad

Bhaskargad is just beside the very popular Harihar Harihar. In spite of being so near to the Harihar Basgad is very offbeat with only hard essential core trekkers visiting here. 

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple Jyotirling

At a distance of 22 km from Trimbakeshwar and 45 km from Nashik, Harihar Fort is a small hill fort across the Upper Vaitarana range close to Trimbak in Nashik District, Maharashtra. 

Best Time to Visit Harihar Fort 

Being a popular hill fort, it is a year-round destination and is regularly by tourists, particularly trekkers, from all over the state during the year. However, to visit, the best time is when the climate is favorable and the temperature situations are finest, i.e., from October until the end of February. You can also visit it throughout the monsoon season, but you need to be very cautious while trekking up the hill as the way becomes too greasy. 

How to Reach Harihar Fort

• By Road: Nearly all the state highways are well-linked to Nashik. Harihar Fort is effortlessly available by road. MSRTC buses run frequently from Trimbakeshwar to Nirgudpada and Harshewadi. You will effortlessly get no. of buses to arrive at Trimbakeshwar from Nashik. Then from Trimbakeshwar, you have to clasp the bus to Nirgudpada. The first bus leaves at 8:30 Am from Trimbak to Nirgudpada. Otherwise, you can merely take a cab from Nashik. But it will be expensive. If you are a budget visitor like me, merely take a bus.
• By Train: You have to clasp the train to Nashik or Igatpuri. If you are impending from Mumbai you have to get off at Igatpuri railway station. Igatpuri station is situated at a distance of nearly 48 Km and Nashik station is at a distance of nearly 40 Km from Fort.
• By Air: Ozar Airport, Nashik is the closest Airport to Harihar Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the closest International Airport to Nashik. From Mumbai, you can board a train or cab to Nashik. Mumbai Airport is situated at a distance of nearly 170 Km from Nashik. 

Food and Accommodation 

Nirgudpada has a few stay choices; villagers carry homestay amenities. Harshewadi isn’t that advanced in terms of food and stays arrangements. One can pitch in a tent anywhere on the topmost of the fort but be watchful of the wind. Trimbakeshwar and Nashik are adjacent and have a lot of stay choices, so you can cover Harihar Fort on a day’s trip from these beautiful towns.

There aren’t any food choices accessible at Harshewadi. There are trivial dhabas on the trek way where one can receive basic intake stuff and lemon water close to this amazing fort. 

Things to Remember While Harihar Fort Trekking 

• Water Bottle
• Umbrella 
• One should wear rough and tough shoes while trekking. 
• Tent for camping
• Torch
• Food or snacks

Read More:

A Quick Travel Guide To The Mystical Beauty Of Kanheri Caves

The Enchanting Bekal Fort: Your Ultimate Travel Guide!