Myself, Vipul and Vivek visited Harishchandra on 17th-18th Dec weekend. Though, this was my fifth visit to this legendary fort, I didn't feel bored at all. Actually, even after visiting this place 100 times, I will be equally thrilled to visit it again.
This time we left home by car around 8am, had brealfast cum lunch at Alephata and started the climb at noon. It took us hardly 3.5hrs, which was definitely early considering others had not done a trek in recent past. Also, contrary to our expection, afternoon walk was very pleasant because of cool breeze.
After reaching there, visited Kokankada and dipped ourselves in the grand beauty of it for more than an hour. That night couldn't get good slip because of stupid revellers in the cave. They drunk a lot, then started making loud noises, prepared food in the cave itself and when they were done with the fire, they poured water over it - makeing it impossible to sleep in the cave filled completely with smoke. Only after the smoke receded after an hour, we could breath easily.
Anyway, next morning went to Taramati and after coming back had breadkfast and started our return journey by 11:30. We were back in Khireshwar by 2pm. Thanks to Vivek for getting his car, we were back in chinchwad by 5pm.
BTW, the road from Khubi phata to Khireshwar is under construction - so once it is completely done, it will be beneficial to the villagers and all trekkers.
FYI - tonight (23rd dec), I will going to Vasota via Bamnoli and will be back tomorrow night. So, hopefully will put a blog for it by next weekend.
