History

Anjaneri Fort holds a special place for worshippers of Lord Hanuman because it is believed that the mountain is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. It is here that he spent his childhood. Lord Hanuman, as per mythology, is the son of Anjani Mata and Vanara Prince – Kesari Maharaj. He is also known as the son of God of Wind (Pavan Dev). This is because the God of Wind gave the prasad of Lord Shiva to Anjani Devi and after taking the prasad, Lord Hanuman was born. That’s why Lord Hanuman is popularly referred to by the following names: “Pavan Putra” (Son of God of Wind), “Kesari Nandan” (Son of Kesari), and “Anjani Nandan” (Son of Anjani).

The mountain is named after Anjani Mata.

As per historians, one Veersen Ahir (sometimes spelled Abhir) ruled this area briefly and had made it his capital.

What’s Special

Anjaneri mountain is abundant in natural beauty. The trek route here is filled with thick bushes, lush greenery (especially after monsoon), lakes, caves, and waterfalls. This trek is regarded as one of the most spectacular ones in the state of Maharashtra.

The following are the extra ordinary things you will find at this place:

• The mountain has total 108 caves, believed to be built in the ancient times by Jain monks. These caves feature ancient art and exquisite designs and architecture. The caves are said to date back to 11-12^th
• You will find Anjani Mata temple here. This is the only temple in the world dedicated to the Mother of Lord Hanuman – Anjani Mata.
• One of the most extra ordinary features is a huge foot-shaped lake here. It can be seen clearly from the top. Legend goes that it is the footprint of Lord Hanuman.
• One of the rarest flowers in the world is found here – Cape York Lily. It belongs to the species Curcuma, which means “turmeric” in Sanskrit. The flower harbors food and medicinal properties and is abundant on Anjaneri mountain.
• The place is also abundant in other lovely wildflowers such as Sonki flowers.
• Scientists have discovered a rare plant on Anjaneri mountain – Anjanerika soparia. This plant grows only here.
• During the trek, you come across a big meadow sprawled over 4 km. It has a carpet of lush greenery and pretty flowers.
• The spectacular view of Vaitarana dam backwaters can be seen from the top of the mountain.

Things To Do

Trekking is the main thing to do, besides visiting temples and basking in the beautiful nature. The picturesque Anjaneri village is the base site for the trek. From here, you can glimpse at two pinnacles called “Navra” and “Navri.” You must proceed towards these pinnacles.

• The trek is of one day.
• Trek duration: 3 to 3^1/2 hours ascend and 3 hours descend
• Entry fee and car parking fee: Rs. 50/- total
• Trek level: Easy
• You need no guide for this trek.

The trek begins with stone steps. As you climb them, the trail narrows down and you come across a boulder section featuring muddy and stony lanes just 6-7 inches. This trail is between two hills. You can see lots of caves here. There are also signboards, so don’t worry; you won’t get lost. You must wear proper trekking shoes for this.

This trail has lots of monkeys. They are looking for food. Please cover your food packets, lest they may snatch them. Do not react to them and continue walking.

As you walk, you come across a Jain cave on your left. You may explore the cave. After that, you ascend for another 15 minutes and come to a huge meadow area. This is a breathtaking area filled with beautiful blooms. Rest a bit here and enjoy the beauty. See if you can spot the rare flowers.

Once you cross the meadow, you reach Anjani Mata temple. Do the “darshan.” There is a small house near the temple. Residents of this house sell tea and snacks to visitors. This is the sole tea stall in the entire trek. Rest a bit here, have tea, and then proceed.

You come across a big lake. This is the foot-shaped lake, but you cannot figure out the shape from here. You must go further up to see “Lord Hanuman’s foot.”

Now comes the forest part. Again, monkeys!

The forest trail begins with rock-cut steps. The area is enveloped with tall trees and green shrubs. This is a bit steep ascend. As you walk silently, you would hear the soft rustling of leaves.

If you come here in monsoon, you need to be extra careful during the trail, as it gets slippery due to the moss that covers the rocks.

After ascending for around 20 minutes, you reach a boulder. Rest a bit here and drink water. You need to keep yourselves hydrated throughout the trail.

After another 10-15 minutes of crossing the boulder, you, finally, reach the highest point, which is a plateau area.

The aerial view from here will take your breath away! Now you can see the foot-shaped lake and you will be astonished. It really is a foot!

There is yet another lake just behind the foot-shaped lake. This is Anjaneri Lake.

Just a few minutes away from this spot is Hanuman temple built by locals. This temple is different. It represents the child form of Lord Hanuman.

Do the “darshan” and spend some time enjoying the spectacular view of the Nashik-Triambakeshwar area. Catch a glimpse of the Godavari Dam and the Brahmagiri mountain. Relax a bit here. Feel the strong vibes of Mother Nature and her vastness.

Descend through the same path.

Other Nearby Attractions:

1. Seeta Cave:

As you begin your trek and ascend through the steps, you come across two paths. The left turn takes you to Seeta Cave. The right turn is from where you proceed further on your trail. Spare some time and take a left turn to explore this interesting cave dotted with carvings. The cave has two rooms and can accommodate a total of 10-12 people. Visitors use this cave as accommodation.

2. Lord Hanuman Temple:

Locals of Anjaneri village have constructed a Hanuman temple inside the village. It harbors 10-feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman. It is said that you must visit this temple and take the Lord’s blessings before starting the trek and visit again after successfully completing the trek.

3. Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga:

If you come to Nashik, particularly to Anjaneri Fort, you should not miss visiting Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the only one that honors the Holy Trinity – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma. The temple is in Triambak, 11 km from Anjaneri Fort.

4. Brahmagiri Mountain:

Brahmagiri mountain is at the Western Ghat in Nashik district of Maharashtra. After trekking to the Anjaneri Fort, you can stay for one more day and trek to Brahmagiri mountain. It is just near to Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple. Godavari River originates from Ganga Dwar on the Brahmagiri mountain.

5. Hairhar Fort:

Harihar Fort is a watch tower located 18 km from Anjaneri village. This is a one-day trek. The tower provides spectacular view of the surroundings.

Accommodation

Plenty of hotels are present around the Anjaneri Fort, from budgeted to luxurious. Those who feel adventurous can stay at Seeta Cave.

Essentials To Carry

• Identity card
• Atleast 2 liters of water
• Comfortable, full-sleeved clothes and pants that cover your body to protect from insects on the trail
• Lemon water with salt added to it or electrolyte powder or Glucon D to keep yourselves energized during trek
• Calorie-dense snacks like cakes, nuts, dry fruits, and others
• First aid kit
• Good trekking shoes
• Trekking poles (they are available at the base site and prove to be handy during descend)
• Sunscreen
• Litter bag to keep your trail clean
• Camera

How to Reach?

Nashik is well connected through air, road, and rail to other cities. The nearest airport is in Nashik. It is 50 km from Anjaneri Fort.

You can get down at Nashik railway station and hire a jeep or cab or bus to reach Anjaneri Fort. Or you can drive your own vehicle to the fort. However, parking is done at the base site at your own risk. There is a parking fee.

Another way is to reach Kasara station through Kasara local from Kalyan/CST and then take a jeep to Anjaneri village. State transport (MSRTC) buses are available to Anjaneri Phata from where Anjaneri Fort is just 20 km. You can even walk your way down to the village from Phata. It will take around 15-20 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

June-February is the best time to visit Anjaneri Fort. Avoid summer, as it gets too hot to trek. Winters are clear. Monsoon can be a bit risky, as the trail becomes slippery. Pack your gadgets in plastic wraps, as it rains heavily during monsoon. Post-monsoon gives a spectacular view due to lush greenery and blooming flowers.

Time to visit the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.