Place Details:
The fort of Harishchandragad in Ahmednagar is located in Malshej, and it has quite a rich history. Ancient scriptures mention the hill fort, which is said to have been built sometime in the sixth century CE under the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. Its caves, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is said to have been carved during the 11th to 14th century. Eventually, it came under the control of the Mughals before the Maratha Empire captured it in 1747. Today, the fort is one of the tallest in Maharashtra that you can trek up to. Considered a moderate to difficult level trek, Harishchandragad lies at the meeting point of the Ahmednagar, Pune and Thane districts. ALSO READ: Pune to Malshej: How to reach Malshej from Pune by road
There are routes up to the hill from Khireshwar, Belpada and Kothale village. Khireshwar lies around 7 km from the fort’s foothill, while the Belpada route takes you through Sadhleghat. From Kothale, Harishchandragad is around 3 km away. The Harishchandragad is actually one of the best established and probably one of the most exhilarating fort treks in Maharashtra, with plenty of places to see and explore. There are the temple ruins of Saptatirtha Pushkarni and the massive Kedareshwar cave with its imposing Shiva Linga. During the monsoon, the Shiva Linga becomes impossible to reach because of the stream that blocks the way. CHECK OUT: Mumbai to Harishchandragad: How to reach Harishchandragad from Mumbai by road
One of the most interesting natural features of the Harishchandragad hill is the Konkan Kada cliff overlook the Konkan region. It is said that when there is fog in the valley and the sun is behind you while you face the valley, you can a circular rainbow. Another point to visit is Taramati or Taramanchi, the highest point on the fort at 1,429 meters. From here, you can see the entire Naneghat range and the forts of Murbad, Siddhagad and even the twin peaks of Napta. Kulang fort, Ajoba and Ghodishep can also be spotted from here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALSHEJ
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Malshej is as given below. The best time to visit Malshej is also specified.