Sunday, September 2, 2012

A Fortress in Paradise - Harihar Fort

There are many forts lying in Nasik district too. Ranges like Selbari – Dolbari, Ajanta – Satmal, Trimbak have their origin in this district. The fort of Harihar, lying on Trimbak range, was of significant importance in earlier periods, as there used to be a route crossing this range connecting Maharashtra to Gujarat.

Trimbak range has spreaded its arms to the north of Igatpuri and west of Nasik. It is divided mainly in two parts, with forts of Basgad, Utvad, hill of Fani, Harihar and Trimbakgad on one part while the forts of Anjaneri and Hargad on the other. Vaitarna is the main river in this region. But due to the one – sided slope of Sahyadri, the water flows away from this region. There is an absolute shortage of water from January to March in this region.

The fort appears to be rectangular in shape from its base village.  Situated at an altitude of about 3, 676 ft above sea level, this unique fort is built on a triangular prism of rock. The three faces and two edges of the fort are completely vertical. Rocky steps with one meter wide at an angle of about 75 degrees are also found here. A small temple and a cave with water, situated on the top, are worth visiting. Utwad and Basgad fort can be easily accessed from the base of this fort.

While climbing the fort, we come across a rock-sheet, which has got steps carved in it. Also many grooves have been carved here for additional support. After climbing these steps, we get upto the entrance door. There is a cavern ahead of this door. Again we come across few steps after a short distance walk from this cavern. On climbing these steps we reach to the main entrance door of this fort. The fort has got a tapering plateau with a raised level in the middle.

One secret – door is located at the edge of this fort, but the way to this door has now got blocked. There is a small temple of Lord Hanumana and Lord Shiva on the plateau. A small pond is there in front of this temple. Water from this pond can be used for drinking. Making headway from here we come across a palace having two rooms in it. 10 to 12 persons can be accommodated in this palace. There are five cisterns along one side of the palace, one of which has water suitable for drinking.














































































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