Sinhagad Fort is a hill fortress located around 25 kilometres away from Pune. It is a very popular weekend destination for Pune residents.
Throughout its history, Sinhagad fort has witnessed many attacks including three back to back attacks from Mughal between 1662 and 1665. The most notable battle is the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670 in which Maratha ruler, Shivaji recaptured the Sinhagad fort from the Mughal with the help of his Subedar, Tanaji Malusare. Tanaji was killed in the battle but his exploits are still popular among Marathas. The fort was earlier called Kondhana but later renamed Sinhagad (Lion’s Fort) by Shivaji in honour of Tanaji. Most Indians might remember Sinhagad fort from the 2020 Bollywood movie ‘Tanhaji‘ which was based on the Battle of Sinhagad.
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What to Expect
Unlike forts of Rajasthan which are well-preserved and popular for their architecture and palaces, Sinhagad fort is mostly in ruins. People visit Sinhagad fort for the incredible views it offers. It is also popular among trekking enthusiasts who starts the 2.7 kilometres long trek from the base of the village.
Inside the Sinhagad fort, you will see the memorial of Tanaji, military stables, a brewery and a temple of the goddess Kali, and a Hanuman statue.
How to Reach from Pune
Bus
A daily bus runs between Swargate bus stand and Sinhagad fort at an interval of 30 minutes. The first bus departs at around 10 AM from Swargate. The bus will drop you at Sinhagad paitha (village bus) which is also the starting point of 2.7 kilometres long trek. If you don’t wish to trek, you may get off the bus one stop before Sinhagad paitha and take a shared jeep up to the top of the fort.
Auto-rickshaw
It will cost you around INR 300 to 400 from the Swargate bus stand and will drop you at the shared jeep bus stand.
Car
This is the most comfortable mode of transport as private vehicles are allowed to go up to the top of the fort.
If going by car, visit early in the morning as in the afternoon, there will be a long line of cars parked on the road leading to the fort. The situation gets worse on weekends and sometimes the road gets blocked by stupid people parking their car in such a way that does not leave enough space for a car to go through, leading to a jam.
Note: Even from the parking area at the top of the fort, you will have to climb 250 odd stairs to enter the fort.
The shared jeep costs INR 70 per person and will drop you at the parking area at the top of the fort. The downside of it is that the jeep operator will cram 14-15 persons in the jeep even though it has a capacity of 10 persons. Remember that jeep won’t run unless it is full; so avoid coming there before 11 AM otherwise you may have to wait for a long time. We had reached there at 9:30 and had to wait for close to 1.5 hours for the jeep to start.
Food Options at Sinhagad Fort
There is a small restaurant near the shared jeep stand. It serves a few items only like Maggi noodles, Misal Pav, and omelettes. We had Misal Pav and it was delicious. You can spend time there waiting for the shared jeep to start.
There are 4-5 restaurants in the parking area but we would suggest you avoid eating there as the food is bland and over-expensive.
Don’t worry if you forgot to pack the snacks or a water bottle as there are many vendors selling pakoras, fruits, cold beverages, and kulfi inside the fort.
Address – Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra 411025
Opening Hours – 5 AM to 6 PM
Suggested Duration – 3 to 4 hours
Ticket Cost – Free
Parking Fee – INR 100 (4-wheelers), INR 50 (2-wheelers)
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