Sinhagad is a fort that stands as a testimony to the bravery of the Maratha warriors under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare, the general of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The previous name of the fort was Kondhana. The massive fort has been the site of wanton bloodshed and great massacres in many a battle. The most famous among them is of course the 1670 battle where Tanaji Malusare sacrificed his life and the Maratha warriors captured the fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji termed Tanaji as “sinha” (Marathi equivalent for English “lion”) and renamed Kondhana as Sinhagad. The fort lies 30 km southwest of Pune and the construction stands 800 m above the surrounding area. Strategically Sinhagad held immense importance in the Maratha regime as it is located right at the center of the series of other forts like Purandhar, Torna and Rajgad. The fort perches on a cut off cliff of the Bhuleshwar range in the Sahyadri Mountains. It’s altitude from the sea level is about 1350m.
Among the chief features of the fort, steep slopes, huge walls and bastions are a few important ones. There are two entrances to the fort: Pune Darwaza in North East and Kalyan Darwaza in the South East.
The fort during the reign of the Marathas acted as an important military outpost. The fortification on the fort, now in ruins, still proclaims the grandeur of the architecture and craftsmanship. This is one of the most popular picnic spots in and around Pune. Lovers of adventure arrange treks on the fort which are a real thrill.
The cenotaphs of Tanaji and Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger brother, military stables, the temple of Goddess Kali and the Hanuman Statue to the right of the temple are a few places worth visiting on the fort.
The cadets of the National Defense Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla are sent to the fort regularly as a part of their rigorous military training.
You can reach the top of the fort by vehicles using a steep narrow road at the base. Buses to Sinhagad foothills are available every hour from Shaniwarwada and Swargate. Shared taxi services are also available easily. The climbing route to the fort from both the entrance is an hour long endeavor. But one should be careful while setting out on a trek to the fort especially in the rains when the route gets slippery.
So do plan a trip or a trek to Sinhagad and breathe in the fresh air.