Introduction
About the Harishchandragad Trek:
Harischandragad, located in the Malshej region of the Western Ghats is one of the most famous hilltops in the region. Located in Ahmednagar, the castle is adorned with lush greenery and a sheet of clouds. Take a fun-filled trip to Harishchandragad castle and meet the Saptatirtha Pushkarni Temple and the Kedareshwar Cave where the large Shiva Linga, surrounded by water, is located. Also, witness the Harishchandreshwar Temple and the Konkan Kada which offer a beautiful view of the surrounding region.
- An overview of the Harishchandragad Trek
- Travel Destination: Pachnai
- Departure Days: Every Saturday
- Start Time: 4:30 PM (Saturday)
- End Time: 4:30 PM (Sunday)
- Meeting Place:
- 12:00 PM: Kasara station ticket counter (via transfer package)
- 04:00 PM: Pachnai Village (Without transfer package)
- Trek Difficulty: Medium
- Travel distance: 2-3 KM
- Travel Time: 2 hours
Attractions during the Journey:
- Saptateertha Pushkarni, Kedareshwar cave, and Harishchandreshwar temple are some of the historical sites you should visit in this castle.
About the Trek:
- Start this weekly drive and travel times are from 4:30 PM on Saturday to 4:30 PM on Sunday.
- The destination of the trip is the Kasara railway station for those who prefer a transport package. Those who opt-out of the transport packages will have to report to the Pachnai district, the base province itself.
- Travel well in transit areas or arrive at the base area alone and meet your guide that will help you throughout the journey.
- Accommodation will be provided in tents on the basis of the sharing of sleeping mats over Konkankada.
- Both variations include dinner on day 1, breakfast in the morning, and tea, followed by lunch on day 2.
- You will find the help of a guide during the work to alleviate the obstacles so that you can enjoy every part of the Harishchandragad tour.
How Can You Reach?
- Get on the Mumbai CST to the local Kasara train.
- When you arrive at Kasara Railway Station, you will find many jeeps heading to Rajur. They charge about Rs. 100-120.
- From Rajur, one has to take an ST bus or private car to the village of Pachanai. From here, the trail goes straight to the highest point.
- If one is approaching from Pune / Nashik, one can reach Pachnai from Rajur, Kotul, Akole, or Sangamner.
Journey of the Harishchandragad Trek
Day 1 – Saturday
- 08:00 PM – Join the Team at BORIVALI, SGNP.
- 08:15 PM – Sit in a private car as we begin our journey to the base.
- 08:45 PM – Download at Bisleri Factory in Andheri.
- 09:15 PM – Taken to the Kalanagar bus station in Bandra.
- 09:45 PM – Download at Sion Circle.
- 11:00 PM – Download at Teen Hatt Naka, Thane.
- 11:30 PM: I went to the tents to get a good night’s sleep (for those who sleep a lot.
Day 2 – Sunday
- 05:00 AM – Get up early and relax before you reach the low point and enjoy the first view of the castle.
- 05:30 AM – Relax, refill your stomach, and get ready to start the journey.
- 06:30 AM – Listen to your guide as it provides your short cycle and introduction.
- 07:00 AM – Get ready, pack your bags and get your shoelaces! You will be starting your journey at this time.
- 10:30 AM – As you reach the top, you can explore and entertain views from above.
- 11:30 AM – Take a few photos with your friends and acquaintances, and after that, you will start your descent back down to the ground.
- 02:30 PM – Improve and stabilize to have a local Maharashtrian lunch.
- 04:30 PM – Jump into your private car as we begin our journey to Mumbai.
- 09:30 PM – Time to say Byeee, but with a promise to meet again.
Know Before Taking the Harishchandragad Trek
- For safety purposes, this activity is not recommended for women who are pregnant for more than 3 months, anyone who has had major surgery, a broken leg, an arm with chronic back or neck pain, etc.
- The instructor has the right to refuse any participant who is deemed unfit to be part of the activity.
- Work may be delayed or postponed due to weather conditions. In that case, the next best time will be announced.
- Participants are not allowed to carry any sharp object, stretcher, luggage bag, alcohol, knife, etc.
- Participants should pay attention to the instructions given by the facilitator before and after the activity.
- ID proof is mandatory for each visitor upon arrival. The PAN card will not be considered valid proof of address.
- All foreigners must share their passports and visa details upon arrival.
- Washrooms and changing areas are available in Base Village.
- Floaters and Sandals are not permitted, please wear sports shoes or high-quality walking shoes.
- Avoid carrying heavyweight on the go.
- Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in this activity and people over the age of 16 will be considered adults and charged with adult rates.
Embark on this exciting journey to Harishchandragad castle located at an altitude of 4650 ft. Visit the Konkankada rock, ‘Saptatirtha’ Lake & Harishchandreshwar Temple up. Witness and capture spectacular sunrise views from the Taramati exit Enjoy a hot night session while camping high in Konkankada
