Harishchandragad Trek: Konkan Kada, Caves and Clouds
A guide to the overnight Harishchandragad trek from Pune: Konkan Kada, the Harishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar cave, the cloud season and what to pack.
Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, standing at 1422 m (4665 ft). It mixes a real climb with some of the oldest history in the Sahyadri, and it has the most famous cliff edge in the range: Konkan Kada.
A little history
The fort dates back to the 6th century, during the Kalachuri dynasty, and is mentioned in ancient texts like the Matsyapurana and Agnipurana. The caves and temples on top are believed to have been carved in the 11th century.
What you will see
- Konkan Kada: a huge, curved cliff with a view over the Konkan region. In the right weather it is known for vertical cloud bursts and the Indravajra, a circular rainbow.
- Harishchandreshwar Temple: an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with detailed carvings.
- Kedareshwar Cave: an ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How the trek works
- Pickups: 8:30 pm at McDonald’s, JM Road (Deccan Gymkhana) and 9:30 pm at Nashik Phata Metro Station
- Base village: Pachanai
- Grade: Easy on our five-step scale, but it is still a long night with a steady climb
- Back in Pune: around 10 pm the next day (a 1–2 hour delay is possible)
- Price: ₹1,399 per person at the time of writing, including transport, meals, a guide and the entry fee
We drive overnight to the base village, freshen up and start the ascent. The first big stop is Konkan Kada, to watch the clouds gather. Then we explore the fort, the temple and Kedareshwar cave, descend for lunch and head back to Pune.
The cloud season
Our Harishchandragad batches run as a pre-monsoon cloud special, when the clouds start rolling up the cliff. Konkan Kada is a sheer drop: stay well back from the edge, especially in wind and fog, and follow the trek leader.
What to carry
- Identity card
- Shoes with good grip, a torch or headlamp, and 2–3 litres of water (all mandatory)
- A jacket for the cold at the top
- Dry-fit full-length track pants and a full-sleeve T-shirt
- Snacks, personal medicines, and an extra set of clothes
- Raincoat or poncho (no umbrellas) and a backpack (no sling bags)
Book Harishchandragad
See dates and the full plan on the Harishchandragad trek page. Want the highest peak too? Read our Kalsubai trek guide.