Sinhagad Fort Pune

Probably the most popular weekend destination for Puneites, Sinhagad fort to the southwest of Pune is one historical fort with numerous battles written in it's long history and is most notably known for battle to recapture Sinhagad which was fought by brave Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare.
It's strategic location made it a coveted fort for the kings in the era.

Sinhagad fort

One can reach Sinhagad either by trekking their way up or drive all the way up to the fort parking area.
Trek during monsoons is a pleasant experience and the light showers and cool breeze add to it.

Khadakwasla lake view from trek route

The telephone towers atop Sinhagad

View on way to fort

Trek to Sinhagad via Atekar Vasti:
The trek via Atekar Vasti route is pretty decent one and newbies can reach to the top in 1.5 hrs comfortably. To reach to the base, one need to take the Paytha Road which leads to Atekar Vasti. When you approach Sinhagad, take the right at Y-Junction. The road uphill to the left is the Sinhagad Ghat road which goes all the way to the top. The road leading to Atekar Vasti is pretty narrow and once you reach the base there are a couple of parking areas. During monsoon, this road is muddy and slippery. Some local tea shops do have place to park behind the houses and might charge for it. Most of the cars are parked at the side of the road or near to a temple near the base where there is a vacant space.

Lokmanya Tilak's Bungalow

People flock this place mostly on weekends and especially during monsoon and finding good parking spot at the base is difficult. Land there early to find a  good parking spot and also to start trek early. Loads of regular trekkers will already be present and making their way up. I have been to this place twice now and have met few people who trek all the way up every Sunday. The trekking route is pretty safe and crowd is pretty decent hence families or couples should not have a problem. I could see a few group of girls trekking their way up and also numerous men in their late 50's who appeared to be regulars. Inspite of the age factor, these men were pretty fast making their way up. Overhearing conversation of these men with youngsters, it seemed that they were quite eager to encourage young trekkers.

Tanaji's Statue

There are a few short cuts on the way up but the path is a bit slippery in monsoon and better to avoid if not wearing proper shoes. Also it's better to reach the base before 6 am to start the trek to avoid daytime heat.

Drive to Sinhagad:
Apart from the trek route, one can directly drive up all the way to fort. At the Y-junction while approaching Sinhagad, take the road uphill to the left. There is a charge to take vehicle to the fort approx Rs.50 for car. Also, your vehicle might be checked for liquor as it is strictly prohibited. This route is called Sinhagad ghat road. The road was in bad shape when I drove back in Dec 2011 and I'm pretty sure it'll be the same now. The road is quite narrow and so better be safe. Also, if a big vehicle come face-to-face one need to get off the tar road to queeze in.

From the base once you pay the toll, it takes about half an hour to drive to the top. The route is very scenic. As I approached the parking area it was almost full with loads of vehicles parked with little space to move them. By the time I returned back, my vehicles was blocked as others had parked all around leaving no space and it took me about 20 mins to find the driver of the other vehicle. Also, since the parking area was full, people had parked their cars on the side of the road making matters worse. If you land up early, you might get good parking slot but at the same time you might get stuck due to other cars parked all around.

Once at the fort, it takes about 2-3 hours to see the fort. There are various points on fort like 'Kade lot'- the cliff from where prisoners were thrown off, 'Hawa point'- was truly awesome with wind literally blowing everyone away when I visited in monsoon and also the famous edge which Tanaji Malusare scaled with his monitor lizard.

The entrance to the fort has various strategically placed doors each having a name and also the stables and water storage tank. Most of the fort stands in ruins but speaks loud and clear of its strength. There are lots of small eateries on the top serving 'kanda bhajji' - onion pakoda, 'jhunka-bhakar' a maharastrian dish, home made curd and kulfi which one can enjoy. Although the cost is on a bit higher side, it is a difficult task for the locals to get the food stuff up to the fort as I have seen most of them walking all the way up carrying load to earn living. The place is kept very clean and there is also a public toilet which one can use free off cost.

There is also another trekking route via Kalyan Darwaza which is to the south which I have not been to yet.

Suggestion:
This fort is of high historic importance and interested people should read a bit beforehand to know more in order to know various points and places on the fort to have a more enjoyable experience.

Distance:
Approx 30kms from heart of Pune

Best time to visit:
June to Feb

Route map:
B: Atekar Vasti
C: Sinhagad Ghat Road


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