Harishchandragad trek and camping Fireflies Indravajra

Harishchandragad trek and camping best weekend outdoor plan in this pre-monsoon period, get ready to witness fireflies, indravajra, and floating clouds at kokankada . Three different phenomena will just put you in awe of nature. We are talking about the circular rainbow called indravajra, floating clouds and tiny little twinkling fireflies, who come out in millions at night in a breathtaking phenomenon.

Fireflies or lightning bugs make light within their bodies. This process is called bioluminescence and is shared by many other organisms, mostly sea-living or marine organisms. Fireflies light up to attract a mate. To do this, the fireflies contain specialized cells in their abdomen that help to create light. Ever imagined what it would be like to watch a million twinkling stars in the open sky above your head? Add a dash of a spectacular light show orchestrated by the humble fireflies.

Nature awe called indravajra the full circle rainbow with broken with your own shadow. This extraordinary phenomenon is observed every year from the mid-end of May till June first week. Fireflies, Indravajra & cloud special Harishchandragad trek & camping is the best way to witness nature’s extraordinary phenomenon. Harischandragad, situated in the Malshej region of the Western Ghats is one of the most famous hill forts in the region. Located in Ahmednagar, the fort is decorated with lush greenery and a sheet of clouds. Embark on a fun-filled trek to Harishchandragad fort and come across Saptatirtha Pushkarni Temple and the Kedareshwar Cave where resides a big Shiva Linga, which is completely surrounded by water. Also, witness the Temple of Harishchandreshwar and Konkan Kada which provides a scenic view of the surrounding region.

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 to Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 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 “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in the 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing in 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. The last warrior named Joshi became a martyr in the fight against the English in 1818.

Note: Fireflies sightseeing, Cloud formation & Indravajdra are natural phenomena it based on weather conditions. 

Harishchandragad trek and Camping Cost:

• Cost: 1999/-  Jeep Travel From to Kasara

The itinerary for the trek will be as follows:

Day:0 – Friday night 26 May 2023 (Batch-1) | 09 June 2023 (Batch-2)  

• 21:00pm – Mumbai Participant
• Catch CSMT-Kasara train from your nearest station as per the below timetable.
• CSMT: 21:32PM | DADAR: 21:50PM | KURLA: 22:00PM | GHATKOPAR: 22:06PM | THANE: 22:27PM | KALYAN: 23:03PM | KASARA: 00:13AM
• Do not miss the train, as no alternative travel option is available onward. Missing trains mean missing trek and no refund will be provided.
• Common meeting point at kasara railway station ticket counter in the middle. Coordinators/Leader details will be shared post-confirmation. 

Day:1 – Saturday 27 May 2023 (Batch-1) | 10 June 2023 (Batch-2)  

• 00:15 am – Regroup at the station and head to jeep parking. En route short halt for a quick washroom and tea. ( Strict 10-min)
• 00:30 am – Start travel to the base village will take halts for fireflies sightseeing. Rest will be in the vehicle only.
• 04:30 am – Reach base village. Rest in a villager house (common dormitory type.)
• 06:30 am – Wakeup call have bf/tea and freshen-up. Get ready with bag pack. We will commence trekking after a short brief and intro. via pachnai route, it will take 2 hrs to reach at temple and caves area.
• 10:00 am – Explore the temple and cave section, refile your water bottle, and head to Taramati peak which are 6th highest point in Maharashtra. Explore the 360 degrees surrounding the view from the top.
• 11:30 am – Descend down toward kokankada direct from the ladder route, where you can witness a gigantic size of c shape cliff called kokankada. Due to the tricky route, it will take 1hr to reach.
• 13:30 pm – Reach Kokankada, drop your bags in the local hut freshen up and have lunch. Post rest till evening into the shadow of trees.
• 17:30pm – Wake up have a cup of tea and head to kada for a beautiful sunset view. 
• 19:30 pm – Back to the tent camping area where sharing basis tent are allotted. Further bonfire-chitchat-antaskhari.
• 21:30 pm – Dinner call, due to limited options we have to wait for some time. 
• 23:30 pm – Back to camping, the fun continues, if in case clear sky Milkyway photography. Retire of day 
• Note: Night will be cold as winter so bring a jacket and chaddar/sleeping bag.

Day:2 – Sunday 28 May 2023 (Batch-1) | 11 June 2023 (Batch-2)

• 05:30 am – Wake up call, get freshen up (Open washroom) have a cup of tea.
• 06:30 am – Head to Kokankada sit in a safe place and wait for cloud formation and indravajra sightseeing. 
• 09:00 am – Bf at local hut start to descend back. En route visit the caves section and refile water bottles. 
• 11:00 am – Reach base village change clothes and start to travel back. In route short halt for snacks.
• 14:00 pm – Reach Kasara, catch an available train and trek concluded with memories.

Include:

• Jeep Travelling from-to Kasara
• Sat: Bf/Tea, 1 Lunch, Sharing tent camping (Veg Basic Village Food)
• Sun: Bf/Tea
• Guide and Expertise Charges
• Village and Forest entry fees
• Guide and expertise. 

Exclude:

• Personal Expenses of any kind.
• Sleeping Bag / Bedding
• Anything which is not mentioned in inclusion.
• Medical / Insurance.

Things to Carry:

• Rucksack or bag to carry all things (Compulsory)
• ID Card
• Extra pair of clothes if required by you.
• A jacket or extra lightweight chaddar (Night will be very cold as winter)
• 2 Chaddar or Sleeping bag
• Some ready-eat food like plum cake, biscuits, fruits Paratha/Thepala/Boiled Eggs/Dates Etc. (Compulsory)
• Glucon-D or Electrolytes (Compulsory)
• Drinking water min 2/3ltr
• Personal medicine if any
• Headlamp or Torch (Compulsory)
• Good grip shoes (Compulsory)
• Full Sleeves Shirt & Full Pants.

Harishchandragad trek and camping recommended visiting Point.

Saptatirtha :
To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha”. 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. These days many trekkers have been responsible for the sad plight of this beautiful place, as they throw plastic wastes and other things in the pond.
Kedareshwar :
The most scared point in Harishchadragad trek Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar, 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, as 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.
Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff) :
The most interesting point on Harishchadragad trek is this cliff, which has always fascinated many people from many years. From here, one can have a breathtaking view of the surrounding region & the setting sun. This cliff is not straight, but concave in its topmost approach. This feature renders it distinct. It has been accessed by rock-climbers only twice till now. Members of Pinnacle group recently ascended this cliff, after 12 years it was ascended for first time. A youth from Pune fell in love with this cliff & jumped from here. A monument is built here in his memory. It is said that a rainbow as a circle is seen from here.
Taramati peak :
This is the topmost point on the fort and sixth highest peak of maharashtra. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak in the surrounding jungle of aadrai trek.. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole 360 degree range of sahyadri.
Caves on Harishchandragad :
These caves are situated all over the fort. Many of these are situated at the foot of Taramati peak & are the place of accommodation. A few are near the temple, whereas some are near the citadel and some far away in the forests. A natural cave is on the northwestern side of the fort, to the right of Kokan Kada. It is about 30 feet deep. The folks must know many such caves. Many of these may be remaining undiscovered.
Nageshwar temple near Khireshwar :
This is a great antique construction, and diverse artistic works are seen on this. On the ceiling of the temple are beautiful carvings. There are caves near the temple.
Temple of Harishchandreshwar :
This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16m high from its base. Around this temple there a few caves & ancient water tanks. Near the temple, the river Mangal Ganga originates. 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 arranging stones one over the other. The stones are well finished. There are three caves near the temple. The cisterns near the temple provide drinking water. Here 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.

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If your looking for one day trek then visit https://offbeatwanderers.com/tours/trekkers-paradise-harishchandragad-one-day-trek/

Find more details about harishchandragad trek at http://trekshitiz.com/Ei/Harishchandragad-Trek-H-Alpha.html

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Frequently asked questions:

Q. Harishchandragad trek available from Mumbai or Pune.
Ans: Yes. We have pickup-drop facility at multiple location from Mumbai as well as Pune. You may visit itinerary field for details or call-WhatsApp at at +919075431016

Q. Harishchandragad trek distance.
Ans: Driving distance from Mumbai 205km and Pune 161km with around 5/6 hrs driving. Trekking distance around 12-13 km round trip with paachnai route.

Q. harishchandragad trek difficulty level.
Ans: This trek can be done through multipal route which graded Moderate to Difficult and easy catagory such as Naalichi vaat, Makad naal, Sadhade ghat and Medium graded Tolar khind mostly known as khireshwar route, Junner Darwaja or Rajmarg, Bail dara, Vetaldhar, Ganesh dhar and easy grade paachnai route through with kids and elders can also reach on top in 2hr of easy trek.

Q. Harishchandragad trek height.
Ans: Harishchandragad height is around 1422 mtr 4665 ft. Taramati Peak/Shikhar will be 6th highest point of Maharashtra. But via paachnai route we have to height gain only 1200/1500ft.

Q. Harishchandragad trek time.
Ans: Due to multipal route and grade diffrent time span required to reach top. Paachnai route 2hrs, Naalichi vaat 8/9hrs depend upon group size, Makad naal 12-14hrs, khireshwar or junner darwaja 5/6hrs. Harishchadragad Easist route will be paachnai only.

Q. Washroom are available at harishchadragad.
Ans: Basic indian type washroom available at base village but at top of fort no washroom.

Q. harishchandragad trek camping available.
Ans: Yes after trek if wanted to spend night atop of fort then shared tent camping available at kokankada or near temple area.

Q. Best time to visit harishchandragad.
Ans: Pre-monsoon which is may to june first week and post monsoon oct mid will be best time to visit but remember in such time rain unpredictable. Prepare for the same.

Q. Harishchandragad trek in winter.
Ans: Yes entire year it can be possible to visit but be note in winter night camping will be very cold. Temperature down at around 8/9 degrees in top camping area.

Q. harishchandragad trek in monsoon.
Ans: Yes. Most over in year trek is open but in monsoon over a day trek recommended. Night stay not possible in tent due to harsh weather. You have to spend night in caves section which will be very cozy and smelly but if your okay then go for and experience the raw stay.