Harihar Fort, Hill fort in Nashik district, India

Harihar Fort is a hill fortification in Nashik district, sitting at 1100 meters elevation in the Sahyadri range. Triangular rock formations with vertical walls shape the structure, whose western edge rises at a 75-degree angle.

Harihar Fort was built during the Seuna (Yadava) period. In 1636 it was surrendered to Khan Zamam along with Trymbakgad and other Pune forts. In 1818 John Briggs captured it together with 17 other forts.

A Vetala temple stands on the fort, and in May visitors can pick karwand (bush plum) fruit growing wild along the paths. After the climb, a small pond lies to the east, with a Hanuman temple on its bank and, on a platform beside it, a Mahadev pindi with a Nandi. Four or five rock-cut cisterns filled with water are visible around this area.

Two base villages serve the climb: Harshewadi, about 13 km from Trimbakeshwar, gives the easier route, while Nirgudpada (Kotamvadi) lies 40 km from Ghoti. From Nirgudpada a path runs through scrub forest up a hillock to an open ridge linked to the fort. Allow about an hour to walk around all the sites on the summit.

The rock-carved staircase has holes on both sides that help climbers during the ascent. These holes allow visitors to pull themselves up along the steep passage at a 60-degree angle.