Asherigad Trek, Khodkona, Palghar, Maharashtra

Asherigad is a easy trek near Palghar region in village of Khodkona or Khadkawane. It is a 510m tall mountain with a mountain pass in which ladders are placed. It is an 800 year old fort. The route is well marked and stone paved. Locals are helpful. Rice fields are plenty at the base. It is a 2 hour climb through dense forest cover throughout which provides shade. However the top plateau is exposed with only the cave as a shelter. Asheri Fort was built by Bhoj Raja and went to many hands of rulers.

Asherigad Fort Pass Ladder

Asherigad Cave is a small cave dug inside a rock which has pillars and idol of Hanuman etched on rock. This is a small cave and small group of people can shelter. A sadhu used to stay here but was driven out.

The view of Medhwan or Medhvan Khind which lies in between the Adsule Peaks and Asherigad through which NH48 (Former NH8) passes connecting Mumbai to North of India.

There are around 3 big lakes, 17 water cisterns, 1 lotus pond at top plateau of Asherigad.

NH48 (Former NH8) seen from Asherigad.

Another pass or col which is fortified by high walls to prevent enemies from invading.

Pinnacle of Asherigad 

HOW TO REACH:

It is just aside the NH48 (Former NH8) highway near a bustop with the blue board in above picture.

One has to alight at Palghar railway station and board tum tum or ST bus going to Surat direction. Palghar - Manor - Khodkona. Parking space available at base village.

ASHERIGAD TREK VIDEO

ASHERIGAD FORT SUMMARY

Harihar Fort Trek, Trimbak, Maharashtra

Harihar Fort is situated in Trimbak range in Nasik, Maharashtra. Harihar Fort is famous for its rock cut steep steps which is the only way to enter the fort. The beautiful piece of engineered architecture attracts people from all places towards the fort. Harihar Fort was built during Yadava period. Its total height is around 1000m where as climbing height is around 380m. It is a short trek and can be completed under 3 hrs. Capt Briggs captured the fort in 1818. The fort is in ruins now. Harihar Fort is accessible from two villages Nirgudpada or Harshewadi.

Harshewadi climb is easy as it is situated at a high altitude than Nirgudpada. However climb from Nirgudpada is also easy and gradual. No steep climbs except at the steps part. Overall climb to Harihar fort is medium. The steps are steep but easy to climb as slots on the steps are provided. One can even do this trek in monsoon but with a slow pace.

The access to Harihar fort is through a khind and not direct. Reaching the khind opens up into a wide plateau and wide ridge takes you to the base of forts where steps start. The route is wide and well laid so no chance of going in circles. However one can even hire guide from local village.

The rock face on the steps side are steep at about 60 to 70 degrees. This is a thriller as it gives an adventure while climbing and descending. 

The rock steps are in two half where the first half will take you to the main gate painted in orange towards the fort which then passes through the internally cut pass which then takes to second half of the steps which are more steep around 70 to 80 degrees which will take you to the second main gate towards the fort plateau at top.

The second half of the steps passes through internally cut steps like the ones in Kothaligad / Peth. The passage after the first steps also has a nedhe or a hole in rock. This part is very beautiful.

Harihar Fort at top part is in triangular shape having an area of appx 20 acres. There are many water cisterns as well as two big lakes. The biggest lake is around 30m in length and has a Hanuman temple and Shivlings. Also there is one intact structure or Kothi for ammunition storage. The top most point of fort is a rock strucuture or Ballekilla where saffron flag is hoisted. Lots of monkeys at the fort. Also there is a small open room with a window facing the valley just after the second main gate.

Harihar Fort is indeed a must visit fort for its beauty and rock cut steps. One can view all the surrounding mountains like Brahma parvat, Brahmagiri, Fani, Mt Utwad, Bhaskargad, Bhandardurg, Anjaneri.

How to Reach:
1) Kasara - Khodala - Nirgud Pada (Local transport jeeps)
2) Igatpuri - Nirgudpada (Local transport jeeps or ST bus)
3) Igatpuri - Trimbak - Harshewadi

HARIHAR FORT VIDEO

Harihar Fort Summary