Maharashtra has a long history of forts which it's fortunate to have. It has grown to be a well-liked trekking and hiking location over time. One such fort is the Harihar Fort, 3676 feet above sea level, also known as Harshagad, which is perched atop the Western Ghats' Sahyadri range of lush green hills. Many tourists seeking a short getaway in the wilderness are familiar with the Harihar trip. Every trekker benefits from the activity's relaxing ambience of lush green foliage and panoramic views of stunning surroundings. As soon as you get to the hilltop of Harihar Fort, the breathtaking views of the lovely extended plateau will leave you speechless.Located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, 40 kilometres from Ghoti and 48 km from Igatpuri. This important fort was constructed to keep an eye on the trade route that runs through Gonda Ghat and connects Gujarat and Maharashtra. With its 80-degree steep slope of natural, oddly shaped rock-cut steps, it now draws brave hikers.Location: Harshewadi, Maharashtra&nbsp;Distance from Nashik: 42.2 KM

Though most of the fort has deteriorated over time, the structure remains impressive. The access is manageable until halfway up. Several paths from the bottom of the hill connect there, as do a reservoir and some wells.The real ascent to the scarp begins here, and the dreadful steepness is truly breathtaking. For about 60.96 metres (200 feet), the slope is perfectly straight, just like a 200-foot-high ladder set straight against a wall. However, the steps are uneven and in places broken. Holes are drilled into the rock to support the hands, giving the steps their unusual shape.A door, now partially dismantled, is at the top of the steps. There is a walk through the door beneath a rock-cut traverse with no wall along the outer edge. The second flight of stairs follows the gallery. This flight is even worse than the first, with only enough room to crawl through a trap door at the top. This leads to a cave-like structure, which eventually opens up to a vast field at the top with breathtaking views.The highest peak is another 10-15 minutes ahead of you. In the centre of the fort, there is a series of rock-cut water cisterns. Unfortunately, these no longer hold portable water.

Harihar Fort Trek is remarkable in that it appears to be rectangular in shape from the base village. However, the fort is actually built on a triangular prism of rock. The vertical edges of the rock are the distinguishing feature of this strikingly ancient fort. These vertical steps are the main draw of the trek, making it the most recognisable climb in the entire Sahyadri Range.The final 200 feet of the hike are a terrifying climb up those steep rock-cut stairs. The stairs have about 200 steps in total and are inclined at an angle of 80 degrees. The staircase architecture is diverse and outstanding. It provides spectacular if occasionally terrifying, views of the valley below.

The magnificent Harihar Fort is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The steep slope's time-worn staircases are steeped in a century-long history of invasion, resistance, and surrender. If you enjoy history and don't want to miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime experience of an adrenaline-pumping 200-foot vertical trek through rain-washed lush greeneries in monsoon, Harihar Fort should be on your dream bucket list.

Highlights of Trek to Harihar Fort, Maharashtra

India > Maharashtra

Muskan Choudhary 17 Jan 2024

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