Sinhagad Fort

Hikers, photographers, and history lovers often visit Sinhagad Fort, an old castle in Pune. It stands on a hill in the Sahyadri Mountains and gets its name, Sinhagad, which means "Lion's Fort". Some parts of this beautiful fort are in ruins, but adventurers still come to see it. It's famous for both its historical value and its beautiful architecture.

It is known as Kondhana Fort and has been the site of many battles, such as the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. This is why Sinhagad Fort, Pune, is an important place to visit in Pune.

What is the history of Sinhagad Fort?

Sinhagad Fort is thought to be a building that is 2,000 years old. It was first called Kondhana, after the sage Kaundinya. The Kaundinyeshwar Temple and some carvings on the caves point to this theory. Until the early 1400s, the fort was run by a Koli king named Nag Naik. But Muhammad bin Tughlaq took it over in 1328. Later, when Shahaji Bhosale took over Pune, he was in charge of the fort. Shahaji was in charge of his army during that time for Ibrahim Adil Shah I.

Shivaji, the son of Shahaji, started Swarajya around the same time when he refused to serve Adil Shah. He attempted to take over Kondhana by persuading Siddi Amber, an Adilshahi sardar, that he was capable of running and defending the fort more effectively in 1647. He seized the fort instead, though. Adil Shah put Siddi Amber and Shivaji's father, Shivaji Bhosale, in jail. He eventually gained Shahaji's freedom in return for the fort in 1649. Despite facing challenges, Shivaji was able to reclaim the fort in 1656 with the help of his trusted general, Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande.

The Mughals also tried to take the fort by attacking it from 1662 to 1665. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Jai Singh I signed the Treaty of Purandar in 1665. As part of the deal, Jai Singh I got the fort. Again, though, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took it over right away and ruled it until 1689. The Mughals took over after Sambhaji Bhosale died. The Marathas regained control in 1693, but Aurangzeb seized it again in 1703. From 1706 to 1818, it was again ruled by the Marathas. After that, the British took over.

Architecture of Sinhagad Fort

The Sinhagad Fort is set on a hilltop high above the Sahyadri mountains. The steep slopes of the mountains made them a better barrier against invaders. The old building is more than 1,300 metres above sea level and about 750 metres above the mountain's base. Today, all that's left of the fort are the walls that surround the huge building, some strategically placed bastions, and the old stone stairs that lead to one of the two entrance gates.

On the northeast and southeast sides of Sinhagad Fort, the Pune Darwaza and the Kalyan Darwaza are the two entrances. There is a temple to Goddess Kali, a brewery, some gun sheds, and the tombs of Rajaram Chhatrapati and Tanaji Malusare inside the fort. Inside the fort, researchers discovered a 350-year-old shrine to Tanaji Malusare, which they later repaired. It also has a place inside the fort.

How much time is required to see Sinhagad Fort?

Sinhagad Fort is just a one-day trip from Pune. It takes about an hour to reach by car and around four to five hours to explore the fort completely. Many Pune tour packages include Sinhagad Fort because of its historical value and scenic views.

At the fort, you can enjoy the beautiful views, learn about the past of the Marathas, and try some delicious Maharashtrian food. You can even spend the night in Lokmanya Tilak's bungalow, which is part of the fort structure.

Trekking Route

The Sinhagad Fort trek is one of the most popular and beautiful trails near Pune. It's ideal for beginners who want to enjoy nature and learn about history at the same time. The trek usually starts at Donje Gaon, the base village, and goes about 2.7 km in one direction.

The first part of the trail is a gentle climb along a tar road that leads to a parking lot. The path gets steeper from there and goes through rocky paths, stone steps, and patches of forest until it reaches the fort's entrance.

The top, which is about 4,320 feet high, has views of the Sahyadri hills and the city of Pune from all sides. This makes the climb even more worth it. On the way, hikers pass by Tanaji Malusare's memorial, which honours the famous Maratha warrior who was very important to the fort's history.

Don't miss the chance to try some local Maharashtrian snacks like Zhunka Bhakri and Kanda Bhaji that villagers make fresh for you. They're great for a snack after a walk.

Things to remember when going to Sinhagad Fort

•    The Sinhagad Fort in Pune is an excellent spot for hiking and taking in the scenery. To reach the summit, you only need to possess mental and physical strength.

•    Along your hiking path, you won't find any water sources. When you go hiking, ensure that you bring plenty of water with you, as the conditions may become challenging.

•    The Adventure Club of Pune has sent out a form that people who want to go on this climbing trip need to fill out.

•    If you want to go hiking in Sinhagad during the rainy season, make sure you pack twice as much.

•    Before you go on your Sinhagad hiking trip, you should make sure you have the right clothes and shoes.

•    We advise against other adventurous pursuits like rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling due to the high level of danger.

Activities and Attractions at Sinhagad Fort

In addition to tourism, many people like to go trekking at Sinhagad Fort. Those who enjoy thrilling experiences would love climbing the steep slopes of the hill. Many people from the Pune area who are new to or experienced with trekking go to Sinhagad Fort early in the morning for a walk. People who want to see the site can either park their cars at the base of the hill and walk up the steep slopes or use the stairs.

The food in Sinhagad Fort is also famous for being from Maharashtra. Nearby residents open up their shacks every morning and serve a limited but tasty menu that keeps people coming back every weekend. So, after a long walk in the mountains or a visit to Sinhagad Fort, one can stop by one of these shacks to enjoy some Pithla Bhakari or Zunka Bhakari, Bhaji (pakodas or fritters), Dahi (curd), Taak (buttermilk), lemonade, local fruits and other tasty foods.

The best time to visit

You can visit Sinhagad Fort, Pune, at any time of the year, but the best time to hike is during the rains. Many raindrops cover the ground around the fort, making it look green. When you get to the top of Sinhagad Fort, you can see stunning views of the whole area.

Rain and a cold breeze will make it even better. Get up early or in the wee hours, and you'll get to the fort before the sun comes up.

From June to October, it rains a lot. When it rains, though, the roads and paths get slippery and muddy. That's why you should go to Sinhagad Fort in the winter, between November and February. You can also go trekking in the winter.

How do you get to the fort?

From Sinhagad Fort Ghat Road in the Thoptewadi area of Maharashtra, you can get to the fort. It's about 32 km from the Pune Swargate bus stop. The distance to the train stop is 33 km, and the distance to the airport is 45 km.

Many buses leave from Pune to take you to Sinhagad Fort. To reach Sinhagad Fort, travellers can hop on a public or private bus from Swargate bus stop. These buses take you to Donje village, situated near the base of the fort. From there, you can begin your trek up to the top and enjoy the scenic climb.

By taxi: It's easier to get to and around the fort if you book a full-day taxi from one of Pune's best car rental companies. All over the city, you can find taxis and cabs. The trip from Pune to the fort should only take an hour. If you drive to Sinhagad Fort, you can also go straight to the top if you want to.