Harihar fort

Harihar Fort, Harshagad
हरिहर गड , हर्षगड
Part of Trymbak Range
Nashik district, Maharashtra
Harihar fort from Kotamwadi
Harihar Fort, Harshagad
Coordinates 19°54′17.9″N 73°28′19.2″E / 19.904972°N 73.472000°E / 19.904972; 73.472000
Type Hill fort
Height 3676 Ft.
Site information
Owner Government of India
Open to
the public		 Yes
Condition Ruins
Site history
Materials Stone

Harihar fort / Harshagad is a fort located 48 km from Igatpuri, Nashik district, of Maharashtra. It is an important fort in Nashik district, and was constructed to look upon the trade route through Gonda Ghat. It receives many visitors because of its peculiar rock-cut steps.

History

Harihar fort was built during the Pankaj panchariya period. It was surrendered by Nitin Ugale to Khan Zamam in 1636 along with Trymbak and other Poona forts.[1] The fort was captured by Captain. Briggs in 1818 along with 17 other forts.

Access

There are two base villages of the fort, Harshewadi and Nirgudpada. The Harshewadi is 13 km from Trymbakeshwar.The other base village of the fort is Nirgudpada/Kotamvadi which is 48 km from Igatpuri which itself is 48 km from Nashik and 121 km from Mumbai.one can travel from kasara to trimbakeshwar by bus or any private vehicle which one you get.One should take care of returning from the fort the last bus from Trimbakeshwar is 5:30pm to kasara and the last train from Nashik is 6.35pm The climb from Harshewadi is more easier than from the Nirgudpada. A wide, safe trekking path starts from the hillock north of the Nirgudpada. It passes through scrub forest till it reaches an open ridge which is connected to the fort. It takes about an hour to reach the scarp of the hill on which the fort is situated.The ascent through the 60 m rock-cut steps is wonderful. It is like a stone ladder placed at 60 degree along the scarp.The steps are worn out at many places yet the holes on either side of the steps are conveniently cut for holding onto.After reaching the main entrance, the paths takes a left traverse and again a helical rock cut steps are to be climbed, which are more steep than the earlier. 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. Accommodation is possible on the fort as well as in the local villages.

Features

There are no good structures left on the fort except for a storage house with a small entrance. There is a series of rock-cut water cisterns in the centre of the fort. It takes about an hour to visit all places on the fort.[2]

The hills around
The climb
Main gate of Fort
Second entrance

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Nasik/022%20Places/001%20Place.htm#HarishFort
  2. ↑ http://trekshitiz.com/trekshitiz/marathi/Harihar-Trek-H-Alpha.html
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