Located amongst the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains is the Sinhagad fort (which means the “Lion’s fort”), the pride of Pune’s Southwestern region that once supported Maharashtra during battles. The fort was originally called the Kondhana, and it has seen so many wars overs its period, with the most significant battle being the Battle of Sinhagad, 1670. The fort was strategically built right at the centre of the strong line of many other forts located over those mountains, and it is naturally protected because of the presence of very steep slopes. Today, this beautiful fort has become the perfect site for trekkers and history lovers and is a famous tourist attraction! Therefore, if you have ever wanted to get into the Maharashtrian history when in Pune, one of your first stops should be the Sinhagad fort!
History of Sinhagad fort
The Believed to have been built around 1000 years ago, the Sinhagad Fort was originally called Kondhana, which was named after a popular sage of the time, Kaundinya. This was derived from the carvings present in a few caves nearby and the presence of the temple of Kaundinyeshwar. Until the 14th century, the fort was believed to have been ruled by the then Koli King, Nag Naik, until it was captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328, which was later taken over by Shahaji Bhosale, who worked under Ibrahim Adil Shah I.
Around the same time, Shahaji’s son, Shivaji, refused to serve Ibrahim Adil Shah I and initiated the Swarajya, which led to him capturing and controlling the fort. Adil Shah then imprisoned his father and Siddi Amber. While he had to trade off the fort for the release of his father in 1649, he recaptured it again with the help of his general, Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande.
The fort was then attacked between 1662 and 1665 by the Mughals, and a treaty was signed in 1665 between Shivaji and Jai Singh I, to whom the fort was handed over. The Mughals later took over the fort. However, the Marathas captured the fort again in 1693 until Aurangazeb took over in 1703, and the Mughals established their supremacy in the area once again. The Marathas were able to recapture the fort again in 1706 until it was taken over by the British over a century later.
The architecture of the Sinhagad Fort
The fort is built on top of a plateau that is a part of the beautiful Sahyadri mountains in Pune. The plateau was chosen strategically because of its steep slopes that can naturally provide better defences against intruders. The structure is located 1300 meters above sea level, while from the base of the mountain, it is at the height of 750 meters. Tourists today can view what is left of the fort- the staircase leading to various structures of the fort, the entry gates, and a few strategically located bastions, The sinhagad fort has two entry gates located to its south-east and the north-east sides, and these are the Kalyan Darwaza and Pune. The fort additionally is home to some military sheds, a temple, a brewery, and the tombs of Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram Chhatrapati. The tomb of Tanaji Malusare is about 350 years old, and this was discovered buried deep inside the structure.
Things to do at Sinhagad fort
When in Sinhagad fort, be sure to check out the following points of interest that will ensure you get the entire experience out of your adventure!
Tips for trekking to the Sinhagad Fort
Trekking is a thrilling activity, and all you need is the mental and physical endurance to trek to the fort. If trekking is a part of your itinerary, then do make sure you keep the following things in mind before you begin the trek:
- You might not come across many water reserves during your trek, which is why it is best to carry a few bottles of water before you begin the journey.
- People who wish to trek are usually given a form to fill by the Adventure Club of Pune.
- Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are good enough for treks before beginning the journey.
- If your trip is during the rainy seasons, then do make sure to pack the essentials like raincoats, umbrellas, and more.
- Do not try any other adventurous activities like rappelling or rock climbing since the area and slopes can be risky.
Reaching Sinhagad Fort
The nearest airport to the fort is the Pune airport, and from the airport, there are many private and government-run options you could choose to reach the fort. A few of these options are:
You could even choose the above options to reach the Sinhagad fort from other near cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, and the parts of Pune that are further away. There are many places to stay and eat near the attraction, and these are something worth checking out depending on how long you plan to get away for your short vacation to Sinhagad fort.
Nearby Attractions
When in Sinhagad fort, be sure to check out the following points of interest that will ensure you get the entire experience out of your adventure!
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a wildlife research centre that you must visit if you are an animal lover! In the zoological park, you will be able to see so many beautiful species of animals, including the sloth bears, the royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, and more, along with a few educational activities like orientation programs and guided tours.
Krushnai Water Park
The Krushnai Water Park is an awesome attraction, and fun-loving people of all ages would enjoy it! The park has several water-themed activities, including Pirate Island, Turnpikes, Black Holes, Aqua trail, and Wave Pool, along with many thrilling games you could love to take part in!
Wind Point
Another famous tourist attraction that every traveller would enjoy is the Wind Point in Sinhagad that offers its visitors so many pleasing sightseeing adventures. Visitors usually plan to go on the various trails the place offers to explore the area completely. A few popular attractions in this area are the Tanaji’s cliff, Kalavantin Buruj, Sunrise point, and Tanaji’s smruti mandap.
Late P.L. Deshpande Garden
This P.L. Deshpande Garden in Pune spans over an area of about 10 acres and is truly a pride of Pune. It is a symbol of the wonderful friendship between Pune and its partner city, Okayama, with the entire area representing the complex culture of Japan and their styles of gardens. The garden definitely is a must-visit for people visiting Pune or the Fort and is an attraction you should not miss!
