Sinhgadh Fort

Visit to Sinhagadh crystallized on the night of 26th June 2009, at Kalyani Nagar, Pune. With Sandwiches in breakfast we started for Sinhgadh Fort.

The route

The route out from Kalyani Nagar, took us through swargate via khadakvasala, the place known for NDA (National Defence Academy). We navigated out of busy traffic of pune towards the foothills of Sinhgadh.

As we progressed up, the road was getting narrower. The drive is an experience interwoven with sharp turns and steep climb, had all the reciepe for the thrill and excitement. Around mid of the hill we faced a truck coming form opposite direction, we had to reverse a bit to make room for the truck to passby.

We rolled down the windows to enjoy the clouds and breeze as we were driving up the hill. We encountered loads of youngsters zooming past us on their bikes and strenghtening their riding skills.



Entire drive up the hill gave us breath taking view of the Sahyadris (the mountain range dotting the western ghats of India). We took the liberty of stopping the car and taking a walk amongst the cloud.

History of Sinhgadh Fort
The present day Sinhgadh Fort was known as Kondhana Fort, when it was first constructed in 14th century. While the fort had been of strategic importance since it was built, it is now best know in Indian History as well as folk lore, for the "Battle of Sinhgadh".

Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of great Maratha empire. The greatest guerrilla fighter of his days, Shivaji formed an empire bu winning territory from his enemies, who always outnumbered his forces by atleast 5:1.

Shivaji's trusted lieutenant, Tanaji led the attack on Sinhgadh to take the control. Heroic rock climbing, surprise element of the attack led to the victory of forces of Chhatrapati Shivaji. However he lost Tanaji in the battle.

On the receipt of information about fort falling to his forces and the loss of one of his greatest lieutenant, Shivaji lamented " Gadh aala pan sinh gela" , meaning The fort is captured but lion is gone. Since that day the fort came to be known as Sinhgadh (The lions fort)

Trekking info

Elevation: 800 meters above sea level
Distance from pune: 25 kms

One can trek from Donaje to top of the fort.

How to Reach

Sinhgadh can be accessed from Pune Bus Station

Nearest Railhead: Pune Junction Railway Station.