- 38 Kms
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Location: Near Pune
Located 38 km away from Pune, the historical Sinhagad Fort or the ‘Lion’s Fort’ is a popular destination for a refreshing weekend getaway.
Info
Located around 38 km southwest of Pune, Sinhagad Fort, which literally means the ‘Lion’s Fort’ is a favourite weekend getaway and trekking spot for Punekars and visitors to Pune. Besides trekking, the fort which is situated at 4000 ft. above sea level is accessible by cars and bikes.
Sinhagad was previously known as Kondhana, named after sage Kaundinya. Steeped in history, the fort is reminiscent of the glorious days of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An important military outpost, Sinhagad has witnessed several battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad, which was fought between Tanaji Malsure, a brave general of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Singh Rathod, a Rajput sardar who had taken control of the fort. Tanaji lost his life in this battle but his brother Suryaji was successful in recapturing the fort. Today, you can visit Tanaji’s memorial inside the fort alongside that of Chhatrapati Rajaram Raj Bhosale, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sinhagad’s steep slopes and rugged pathways which were strategically built almost 2000 years ago to protect the fort have now become a beloved hiking trail for trekking enthusiasts. The bird’s-eye views from the top of the fort are simply breathtaking. You can visit the fort at any time of the year, but if you want to experience a truly unforgettable walk in the clouds, the best time to visit the fort is during monsoon. The beautiful rain-drenched ruins of the fortress, the lush greenery of the hills and the valley below, the cool raindrops hitting your face, the magical mist and foggy atmosphere create an experience you will want to keep revisiting.
During the trek, you can grab a bite along the way and enjoy a wide array of delicious berries, tangy raw mangoes, sweet corn, spicy cucumber slices and refreshing buttermilk sold by friendly locals from the village below. Even more exciting are the mouth-watering food options available once you reach the fort. Try the authentic Maharashtrian delicacies like kanda bhaji (onion fritters), pithla -bhakri (gram flour curry and flatbread) and wangyache bharit (roasted brinjal gravy), which taste especially divine after a strenuous trek!
A perfect blend of history and natural beauty, Sinhagad is must-do destination for every Punekar and every tourist visiting Pune.
Facilities
- There are a variety of delicious and authentic Maharashtrian dishes available at the top of the fort.
- While hiking up the fort, you can eat sweet berries, tangy raw mangoes, sweet corn, spicy cucumber slices and drink refreshing buttermilk sold by local vendors.
- Mode of Transport : The best way to reach Sinhagad is by car. You can also travel to the fort by MSRTC buses and two-wheelers/bikes.
Things to do
- Visit the historical fort of Sinhagad for an exciting weekend outing with family or friends.
- Enjoy an adventurous trek all the way up to the fort. Sinhagad is also accessible by cars and bikes till a certain point.
- Marvel at the breathtaking views and stunning scenery all around as you hike up the rugged paths.
- Try visiting the fort during monsoon, when the entire landscape around Sinhagad is covered in green and the fog and mist create a magical atmosphere.
- While trekking make sure to eat some delicious berries, tangy raw mangoes, sweet corn, spicy cucumber slices and refreshing buttermilk sold by friendly locals.
- Don’t forget to eat authentic Maharashtrian delicacies like kanda bhaji (onion fritters), pithla -bhakri (gram flour curry and flatbread) and wangyache bharit (roasted brinjal gravy), which are available at the top of the fort.