# Hargad

- **Country:** India

Hargad Fort is a historic hill fort situated in the Baglan area of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India. Perched on the Selbari hill range at an elevation of 4,450 feet, this stone structure was strategically built to monitor the ancient commercial road connecting Burhanpur and Surat. Although the exact year of construction is not explicitly recorded in available texts, its classification as a 16th-century fort suggests it played a vital role during the era of the Maratha Empire. The fort lies parallel to the Dolbari hill range and serves as a key defensive point between the fertile lands of Khandesh and the port city of Surat, operating in close conjunction with the neighboring Mulher Fort.

Currently, the site exists as ruins under the ownership of the Government of India and remains open to the public. The architectural remnants are sparse, featuring rock-cut cisterns, caves, and a pathway composed of stone steps leading to three gates that are now in a dilapidated state. A notable artifact remaining on the premises is a fourteen-foot-long cannon, which stands as a testament to its military past. There are no significant standing constructions left, and visitors are advised to carry their own water as there is no reliable source on the summit. Despite its ruined condition, the fort offers panoramic views of surrounding landmarks including Mangi-Tungi, Salher, Salota, Mora, and Nhavigad forts.

Reaching Hargad Fort involves a moderate trekking grade, beginning with a motorable road up to the base village of Mulher. From there, it takes approximately two hours to reach the col between Mulher and Hargad, followed by a one-hour climb to explore the fort itself. While no separate detailed history distinguishes it from its neighbor Mulher, its presence highlights the extensive network of fortifications maintained to protect trade routes in the region. Today, it serves as a destination for history enthusiasts and trekkers interested in the rock-cut architecture and military heritage of the Maratha dynasty.

![Photo of Hargad](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Hargad_fort.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hargad (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)