Maharashtra, which is situated on the Deccan plateau, welcomes over a million tourists annually to its heritage sites. Pune, the state’s cultural centre, is well-known for its forts, many of which were formerly little towns with extremely sophisticated architectural designs. One of these enormous buildings is the Sinhagad Fort, which got its name after the 1671 Battle of Sinhagad. Situated 760 metres away from the base town of Sinhagad, it was carved out of the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadri Mountains.
Many dynasties have occupied it, but the Deccan kings, the Siddi dynasty led by Siddi Amber, the Marathas under Chatrapati Shivaji, and the Mughals under Aurangzeb are the most notable. Even British emperors have sought refuge beneath the formidable Sinhagad Fort’s walls. Anyone spending the weekend in Pune should definitely take a road trip to Sinhagad to see this historic military installation.
History of Sinhagad
This fort, which was once known as Kondhana, was built in the early 1400s by Koli tribal artisans and slaves.
The ownership of the fort changed throughout time from the Koli clan to Deccan King Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who was deposed by the Maratha warriors, who used it as a military base for a number of years.
At the fort’s entrance, a monument was erected in honour of Tanaji, the valiant fighter and strategist behind the Battle of Sinhagad, and it still stands today. In honour of Chatrapati Rajaram, the son of Shivaji, who passed away in the seclusion of the Sinhagad Fort, another bust was also erected.
How to reach
The fort is a perfect weekend retreat because it is only 30 kilometres from Pune, around an hour’s journey from the city. Bus services are offered by the local transport body PMPML, and they depart from Shaniwarwada and Swargate every hour.
Activities to do in and around
Trekkers, take an adventurous journey to Sinhagad Fort. The view that awaits you when you reach the castle’s highest point will make you gasp with awe—you’ll witness an endless range of mountains interspersed with patches of greenery.
After leaving the fort, take a bus or a vehicle to view the Khandakwasla Dam, the Rajeev Gandhi Zoological Park, the ISCON temple, and the Rajgad Fort!
Timings of Sinhagad Fort
Maharashtra has certain tourist destinations that will force you to stay and explore more. One such marvel is the Sinhagad Fort, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry fee
The parking price for visitors using their own or rented four-wheelers is a minimal Rs. 20, while the fee for bicycling on top is Rs. 50.
The best time to visit
Especially in the winter, Maharashtra is one of the most exciting and culturally rich tourist destinations. As a result, you may take in the breathtaking natural splendour surrounding the 2000-year-old Sinhagad Fort while also enjoying the nice weather. Plan a trip to this historic place on your weekend getaway with loved ones.
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