Table of Contents

Toggle

Harihar Fort Trek

Harihar Fort is a popular tourist dot in Nashik. Maharashtra’s forts are famous throughout India for their history and impressive structures. These forts, which are the pride of Maharashtra, still stand proudly, bearing witness to its history. Harihar fort in Maharashtra is one of them.

Also Check Out This Blog Posts : 

Bhairavgad Trek – One Of The Most Difficult Trek In Maharashtra

Harishchandragad Trek – Most Famous Trek In Maharashtra

Kumbhe Waterfall – Hidden Gem Of Sahyadri

This Fort is also known as Harshagad. It is located in Nashik district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is counted in the list of most visited forts in Nashik. Harshewadi and Nirgudpada/ Kotamwadi are the two villages located at the foot of the fort. It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Nashik, 14 km from Trimbak, and 70 km from Igatpuri.

Trek details : 

• Base Village – Harshewadi and Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi.
• Height – 3676 ft.
• Difficulty Level : Moderate.
• Trek Duration : From Nirgudpada –  2:30 to 3 hr. And from Harshewadi it will take only 2 to 2:30 hr to reach at the top of the fort.
• Nearest Bus Stand : Trimbakeshwar.
• Nearest Railway Station : Nashik and Igatpuri.

History Of Harihar Fort:

Harihar Fort was built by the descendant of Yadava. Later in 1636, the fort was captured by Zamam Khan. The fort was built to monitor the trade going on the Gonda Ghat route. In 1818, the fort was captured by Captain Briggs. He also captured 17 other forts along with this fort. 

Harihar Fort Trek Information :

The trek to the fort starts from Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi and Harshewadi. Trek route from Harshewadi is easier and short compared to the route from Nirgudpada. If you start the trek from this route, it will take 1:30 hr. to reach the fort. And the second route starts from the village of Nirgudpada or kotamwadi. Trek from this route is a bit difficult and also full of adventure. It will take 2 to 2:30 hr. to reach the fort.

Pro Tip: You can also start trek from Kotamwadi. You will see the Kotamwadi school. From School take a right turn to start the trek.

When you reach the base of the fort, you can see steps are carved on the almost  80 degrees vertical rock. Just take a break, explore the scenic beauty and get ready to climb these amazing steps. This is the main attraction of the fort. This is what makes the fort so unique. Notches are made on these steps to make hand grips. After climbing the steps, the trail takes you to the ‘Mahadarwaja’.From here you get an extended view of the surroundings.

Afterwards, you can see the Harshewadi village on the left and the wall of the fort on your right. Once you have crossed the traverse, you will see a set of steep steps. You will have to climb up around 80 steps in order to reach the top. The steep steps lead to a small cave to reach the top. There are ponds on the fort, as well as temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Shiva.

At the back of this, you can see the highest point of the fort. The highest point of the fort also means Balekilla. It will take 15-20 min. to reach the highest point of the fort.

Now sit here and relax. Just enjoy the beauty of nature while eating some snacks. From here you will get to see an extended view of the Sahyadri range.

Pro tip: 

If you are afraid of heights, please do not look down into the trenches.

How To Reach Harihar Fort:

By Road:

Almost all the state highways are well connected to Nashik. Harihar Fort is easily accessible by road. MSRTC buses run regularly from Trimbakeshwar to Nirgudpada and harshewadi. You will easily get no. of buses to reach Trimbakeshwar from Nashik. Then from Trimbakeshwar you have to catch the bus to Nirgudpada. The first bus departs at 8:30 Am from Trimbak to Nirgudpada.

Otherwise, you can simply take a cab from Nashik. But it will be costly. If you are a budget traveler like me, simply take a bus.

By train:

You have to catch the train to Nashik or Igatpuri. If you are coming from Mumbai you have to get off at Igatpuri railway station. Igatpuri station is located at a distance of 48 Km and Nashik station is at a distance of 40 Km from Fort.

1. From Nashik:

From Nashik railway station about 5-10 min. of a walking distance you will get Nashik bus stand. At the bus stand, you have to take the bus to Trimbak. From Trimbak, you can easily get buses to Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi.

2. From Igatpuri:

It will take you about 5 to 10 min. to walk from Igatpuri railway station to the Igatpuri bus stand. You will easily get buses to Trimbak, from where you can take a bus to Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi.

By Air:

Ozar Airport, Nashik is the nearest Airport to Harihar Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the nearest International Airport to Nashik. From Mumbai, you can take a train or cab to Nashik. Mumbai Airport is located at a distance of 170 Km from Nashik. And Ozar is at a distance of 21 Km from Nashik.

Also, you can take a bus to Nashik from Mumbai.

Places To Visit Near Harihar Fort:

• Anjaneri Fort
• Dugarwadi waterfall
• Brahmagiri Hill
• Trimbakeshwar Shiva Jyotirlinga Temple
• Salher Fort
• Bhaskargad

Also Read : – Best Trekking Places In And Around Nashik

Best Time To Visit:

Monsoon is the best time to visit this place. Along with the fort, you will get to see the supernatural beauty of the Sahyadri mountain range. Wandering in the monsoon gives next-level experience.

Also, it is very important to take care while climbing. Keep in mind that in the monsoon, the steps become slippery. But with taking  precautions we can easily climb this fort. Winter is also the best time to visit this fort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harihar Fort:

1. Where is Harihar fort located ?

Ans. It is located in Nashik district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar in Nashik is the nearest town to Harihar fort. From Trimbakeshwar you will easily get the number of buses to reach the fort.

2. How much time does it take to climb Harihar fort?

Ans. It depends on which route you take. If you start the trek from Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi, it will take 2:30 to 3 hours. And if you start the trek from Harshewadi, it will take only 2 to 2:30 hours to reach the top. I would like to suggest you to start the trek from Kotamwadi.

3. Is Harihar fort dangerous?

Ans. Yes. It is a bit dangerous in the monsoon. But if you take care while climbing, it is not so difficult.

4. Harihar fort trek difficulty level?

Ans. Moderate difficulty level.

5. How can I go to Harihar fort by train?

Ans. You have to catch the train to Nashik. From Station about 5 to 10 min. of a walking distance you will get the Nashik bus stand. From the bus stand, you will easily get buses to Trimbakeshwar. Now from Trimbakeshwar, you have to catch the bus to Nirgudpada. The Number of buses runs regularly to Nirgudpada from Trimbakeshwar.

 6. Which villages are at the foot of the Harihar Fort?

Ans. Harshewadi and Nirgudpada/Kotamwadi are two villages situated at the foot of the fort.

7. Which is the nearest railway station to Harihar fort?

Ans. There are three railway stations, which is nearest to Harihar fort.

1.Nashik Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 41 Km.

2.Igatpuri Railway Station: It is located at a distance of 68 Km.

3.Kasara Railway Station: It is located at a distance of 90 Km From Harihar fort.

8. Which is the nearest bus stand to Harihar fort?

Ans. Trimbakeshwar bus stand is the nearest bus stand to Harihar fort.It is placed at a distance of 13 Km from the fort.

Also read

Sindhudurg Fort

Raigad Fort

Daulatabad Fort