π° *Harishchandra Gad β Trek & Camping βΊπ₯ Ultimate trekking destination!!*π°
π*Outing Date π:13th-14hAug 2022*
πCategory : Trekking + Camping π
πDuration : 1 Night /2 Days*
πType : Hill fort
πHeight : 4671ft
πGrade : Medium
πEndurance: Moderate
*Trek Cost: Rs.1800/- per person (Estimated)*
π° *Ξ±Π²ΟΟ
Ρ ΡΠ½Ρ βΡΡΡΞΉΞ·Ξ±ΡΞΉΟΞ·* π°
Harischandragad, situated in the Maslej region of the Western Ghats is one of the most famous hill forts. Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, this quaint sleepy region is known for its scenic beauty and alluring charm! It is an an ancient fort from the Medieval period where the Great sage Changdev (Writer of the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate in the 14th century. Situated at a distance of approximately 90km from Kalyan, Harischandragad trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Western Ghats.
Konkan Kada: One of the biggest cliffs of the sahyadris, fascinating many people from years together. Facing towards the konkan side, the cliff looks down upon the Konkan with a breathtaking view of the surrounding region. Not only vertical, but it has an overhang, almost like a cobraβs hood.
*Fort: Harishchandragad-* https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harishchandragad/108154939217284?ref=br_rs
*π²Join WhatsApp group-* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DW0eETQKFCBLJbTZ3BW3Pu
*Trekking till Harischandragad and camping βΊ at this historical location is indeed an experience worth remembering.*
π° *ΠΌΞ±Χ ΟΡ Ξ±ΡΡΡΞ±Β’ΡΞΉΟΞ·* π°
~ Scenic View of Sunset-Sunrise π from Kokankada is absolute divine
~ Well built lake ‘Saptatirtha’ and Harishchandreshwar Temple
~ Medieval era Kedareshwar Cave and interesting predictions of Local Legends!
~ Whole plethora of Peaks : Taramati, Ajoba Fort, Kulang and many more..
~ Night camping βΊ and bonfire π₯
π° *Π½ΞΉΡΡΟΡΡ*π°
The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic βTatvasaarβ), used to meditate here in 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.
π° *ΠΊΟΠΊΞ±Ξ·ΠΊΞ±βΞ±* π°
The major attraction of Harishchandragad is Kokan Kada. This cliff is not just vertical, it is an overhang, almost like a cobraβs hood. It has been climbed twice so far. Its beyond description, one should actually see it to experience the natureβs architecture.The view from here is awesome and unimaginable. The sunset is gorgeous. There are not many places from where u can see the sun setting below ur eye level. And the reflection of the rays from the river flowing below gives it an orange outlining. Its too cool, hard to describe it in words. Also their are colonies of vultures in the huge crevices. You need a pair of binoculars to watch them little closely.
π° *Π½Ξ±ΡΞΉΡΠ½Β’Π½Ξ±Ξ·βΡΡΡΠ½ΟΞ±Ρ ΡΡΠΌΟβΡ*π°
This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16 m high from its base. Around this temple there a few caves & ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple. The top of the temple resembles construction with the north-Indian temples. A similar temple is situated in Buddha-Gaya. Here we can see many tombs, in which a typical construction is seen. These are built by well-finished arranging stones one on top of the other. There are three main caves near the temple. The cisterns near the temple provide drinking water. A short distance away, another temple called Kashitirtha is located. The fascinating thing about this temple is that it has been carved out from a single huge rock. There are entrances from all four sides. On the main entrance there are sculptures of faces. These are faces of guards of the temple. On the left side of the entrance is a Devnagri inscription, which is about saint Changdev.
Saptatirtha Pushkarni
To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called βSaptatirthaβ. On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of Lord Vishnu. Recently these idols have been shifted in the caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar.
π° *ΠΊΡβΞ±ΡΡΡΠ½ΟΞ±Ρ Β’Ξ±Ξ½Ρ*π°
Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar (see picture), in which there is a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water. The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivlinga because the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. In monsoon it is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the way.
π° *ΞΉΡΞΉΞ·ΡΡΞ±ΡΡ* π°
*Day 1 β Saturday*
6:00 am β Pickup Point:
6:15 am β Leave Pune by Car/Bus π
β Breakfast: Enroute βπ
11:00 am β Reach Base village Khireshwar Village and Introduction Session
β Lunch in village
12:15 pm β Start the hike πββ to the Harishchander It will take 3 Β½ -4Hrs to reach the top (6 Km )
16:00 pm β Reach top and occupie Caves
17:30 pm β Reach Kokan kada and Enjoy the Sunset . π
8:00 pm β Rest ,campfire ,Dinner at Lord Shiva Temple on the Fort.
9:30 pm β Retire for the Day π§π»ββ
*Day 2 β Sunday *
5:30 am β Wake up Call β°
6:00 am β Get Ready
6:30 am β Will Visit Taramati Peak in the morning and then we will visit the Kokankada again if time permit.
9:00 am β Breakfast β and Start descending towards khireshwar by Tolar khind route
12:00 pm β Reach khireshwar , Lunch on the Way
6:00 pm β Reach Pune
π° *ΡΠ½ΞΉΞ·gΡ ΡΟ Β’Ξ±ΡΡΡ* π°
β‘Face mask π·
β‘Hand sanitizerπ§΄
β‘Good Sport shoes π prefer Trekking Shoes which provide more grip and comfort on the trek
β‘Sleeping bag/ sleeping mat π«, Blanket π
β‘Extra Pair of cloths, Towel, napkin, socks.
β‘Water (3ltr minimum)
β‘Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars ππ
β‘Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets, lemon
β‘Cap / Gog / Camera π· (optional). πΆ π§’π
β‘Extra pair of clothes, napkin.
β‘Winter jacket, cap, muffler.
β‘π¦Torch with Extra Batteriesπ( Compulsory)
β‘Personal small medical kit. (If u require usually/Optional)
β‘Identity Proof
β‘Wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
β‘Haversack to put all these things.
βPlease do not expect hotel kind of food service in trekking events.
βRemember we are not organizing picnic.
*Includes:-*
β
Travel from Pune by car/bus π as per govt COVID guidelines
β
Dormitory /Tent stay on sharing basis
β
Food:
β Day 1 – 1 Breakfast , 1 veg Lunch, 1 tea & Snack, 1 veg dinner
β Day 2 – 1 Breakfast, 1 veg lunch
β
Entry Charges.
β
First Aid Charges.
*Excludes:*
βMineral water.
βAny kind of insurance, Soft-drinks, etc.
βAnything other than above-mentioned inclusions.
βAny medical / Emergency evacuations if required Insurance
πΈBook seat for you and your family/friends immediately!!
βοΈ Contact following Trek & Tour leaders for more Enquiries and confirm your seats:
Super Trekkers : β +919881499913
β Bank Account Details β
β
Google Pay : 9881499913
β
UPI : supertrekkers@icici
Do visit Youtube, Facebook & Instagram page for more Information of Upcoming Tours & Treks.
βοΈUse: #SuperTrekkers
βοΈTag us in your best photos to get featured
πππππ ππ :
π *FB:* https://www.facebook.com/SuperTrekkers
π *Instagram:* https://www.instagram.com/supertrekkers/
π *Telegram:* https://t.me/joinchat/TNqO1ODNUNySjqkl
π βΆοΈ*Youtube :* https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHGHH7U-spaHIelp0WEzIA
ππ¬ *WhatsApp group :* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DW0eETQKFCBLJbTZ3BW3Pu
Thanks,
Keep Trekkingπ©
https://www.facebook.com/events/425275739558084/