Sinhagad Fort near Pune -History, Trekking, Camping and Birdwatching

Sinhagad Fort or the Sinhagad killa is one of the best forts near Pune, for trekking and camping. It is located just 35 km from the main city area of Pune. Read this guide to know everything about Sinhagad Fort, its history and things to do at Sinhagad Fort.

Sinhgad Fort is a hill fortress near Pune, which is most visited by the youngsters in the city. They built the fort in such a way as to provide natural protection with the steep rocks on one side and a valley road on another side. Today many people visit the fort for knowing Sinhagad’s history or trekking. More information on the Sinhagd Trek route is below.

Quick details of Sinhagad fort

• Trek distance: 2.7 km oneway
• Trek time: 2-3 hours
• Level: Easy
• Height: 1312 m
• Pune to Sinhagad: 35 km
• Food: Local food stalls atop.

Sinhagad Fort Trek – How to climb Sinhagad Fort?

Sinhagad trek start point is at the Sinhagad Paytha. Although there is a proper motor road all the way to the top, most adventurers, nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts abandon it. Sinhagad trekking route is simple and the difficulty level is easy. The panoramic views along the way are extremely breathtaking. Some of these you will totally miss if you go up in a car or on a bike.

The Sinhagad Fort trek distance from the base ie. Sinhagad Paytha is 2.7 km. It will take around 3-4 hours for the amateur climbers. and even less for the trekking pros. There is no better place than this near the city. You must start your trek early in the morning for the excellent views. And you should try out Sinhagad Fort trekking in monsoon for the best experience.

Another route to reach the top is from Kalyan Darwaza, that is from behind the fort. The trek starts from the base village – Kalyan. It might take 1-2 hours to climb from this side. On the way, you will meet some locals from Kalyan village climbing up the fort with food items or things that they can sell to the tourists on the top.

Places to visit in Sinhagad

Once you are on the top, you may need the whole day to see Sinhagad Fort completely. Following are some places that you should see on Sinhagad Fort.

Fortress and Turrets:

Kalyan Darwaza & Pune Darwaza

There are two doors to Sinhagad. The most commonly used door is connected with a motor road to Pune. It is called Pune Darwaza and is on the Northeast end of the Fort. Another door to Sinhagad is the Kalyan Darwaza. It is located on the Southeast side of the fort and connects to the village of Kalyan. Even today we can sense the grandeur of construction when we see these two doors. They are made from huge stones, that were stuck together with lead and limestone. You can even climb on top of the doors and imagine the soldiers that would have kept watch here!

Tanaji Kada – The steepest Cliffside on Sinhagad

This is the steepest side of Sinhagad fort. When you stand on the top of this precipice, protected by the railings, you can only imagine how Tanaji Malusare must have climbed it along with his small army at night. That too with the support and help of a tamed lizard!

Khandkada Machi

This is the eastern tip of Fort Sinhagad. It was built to keep watch over the entire eastern region. This peak is near the parking area of Sinhagad Fort, and close to Pune Darwaza. It was used to keep watch over the Purandar fort in distance and the rivers Mula and Mutha.

Kalavanteen Buruj

In the olden times, in Marathi, the turrets of the fortress were called Buruj. The same is carried forward to this day. The Kalavanteen Buruj is still intact. It is the best place to see Tanaji Kada and the surrounding hills and valleys. It is still in quite a good condition.

Zunjar Buruj

This turret of the Sinhagad Fort is on the southwestern tip of the fort. Zunjar Buruj is very long and at a good height. The surrounding area and the views are so scenic that you may get goosebumps! It was recently reconstructed into a circular turret making it a much safer place. This pinnacle is a great attraction for rock climbing enthusiasts.

Daru Kothar

When you come in from Pune Darwaza, there is a small old stone structure on the right side. This was used to store grains in the old times. The view from this small stone hut is awesome. If you walk further from this point you can look all around the surrounding valley.

Kadelot Point

This point is the best place to watch the sunset and the lights of Pune city. It is on the western-most side of Sinhagad fort. It was also the best place to keep watch over the Pune city and rivers Mula and Mutha in the olden times. When you stand here, especially at night, you will feel like the whole world is at your feet.

Horse Stable Caves

As we come in through the Pune Darwaza, at some distance, are these caves. They are in a quiet neglected condition though. These caves must have been used to tie the horses. Because all around the cave are hoops carved into the rocks. Recently, water has started seeping through the roof of these caves and you may find some of them filled with water.

Devtake – Sweet water well

A little farther ahead on top of Sinhagad Fort is a sweet water well. Its water is crystal clear, sweet and surprisingly cold even on a hot summer afternoon. It is called as Devtake by the locals, meaning “God’s Cistern”. The well fulfils the water requirements of all the locals living atop Sinhagad even today. And it is in a very good condition in comparison to rock cisterns or wells on other forts.

Television Towers at Sinhagad Fort

The fort has several towers which are used to broadcast television signals. One of them is placed on Khandkada Machi and can be seen as soon as you arrive here. Others are placed at various points throughout the fort. They are interesting to watch and make really good photographs when combined with the views behind.

Temples and Memorials:

Kondhaneshwar temple

Kondhaneshwar temple also known as Kaundinyeshwar temple. The small yet old temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple faces the east and has some carvings which are more than 2000 years old. It is on the highest point on the Sinhagad Fort. If you wish to see them, go early in the morning when the sunrays beautify these carvings. The temple is sometimes closed and locked from outside with doors from modern times. You might have to take the permission of the Pujari or the priest to go inside the Kondhaneshwar temple.

Amruteshwar Temple

A little ahead of Kondhaneshwar temple, on the southern side of the fort Sinhagad, is this temple – Amruteshwar Temple. It has the idols of Gods – Bhairav and Bhairavi. These gods are worshipped by the local fishermen. The Bhairav’s statue holds a demon’s head. Bhairav and Bhairavi are said to represent the duality of nature.

Hanuman Temple & Kali Temple

The fort also has a temple of the Hindu goddess Kali. And next to this temple is the Hanuman temple where the idol of this Hindu god of strength is placed. Most of the forts from this era have these two gods always on the top.

Tanaji Malusare’s Memorial

Tanaji Malusare’s Memorial is built at a place where Tanaji died while fighting with Udebhan Rathod. A bust of Tanaji Malusare is placed here at the fort. Tanaji Malusare is a great Maratha idol, which has inspired generations and generations of Maratha youth.

Udebhan Rathod’s Memorial

Udebhan Rathod’s Memorial is also located here at Sinhagad Fort. The memorial looks like a Muslim tomb despite the fact that Udebhan was a Hindu Rajput. When Udaybhan Rathod was suffering from wounds after fighting with Tanaji, Shelar Mama another Maratha warrior killed Udebhan Rathod.

Chatrapati Rajaram Memorial

This memorial is built for King Rajaram, who was the caretaker of the Sinhagad Fort, and the third Chatrapati in Maratha Swarajya. The memorial has a small Tulsi Vrindavan and the small structure resembles Muslim architecture. Khadakwasla backwaters and Pune city are visible from here. If the weather is clear you can see as far as Tung Fort in Lonavala region.

Lokmanya Tilak Bungalow

Lokmanya Tilak’s bungalow is located on the fort Sinhagad. He used to stay here often and used it as a summer house. He wrote some books like Geetarahasya here. Gandhiji and Lokmanya Tilak met at Sinhagad during the freedom struggle. Whenever Gandhiji came to Pune, he drank the waters only from the Devtake at Sinhagad Fort.

Things to do at Sinhagad Fort

Following are some of the things that you must do when you visit Sinhagad Fort.

Know the history of Sinhagad fort – Battle of Kondana fort

The Sinhgad Fort of today was earlier known as Kondhana Fort or Kondana Killa. The Sinhagad Fort history (Kondana Fort History) is very interesting and extremely inspiring. On the night 4th of Feb 1670, Tanaji Malusare along with 1000 other Maratha Mavlas set forward to conquer the Kondhana Fort. Chp. Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha king sent his most trusted commander and soldier Tanaji Malusare on this mission. The objective was to gain back control over Kondhana Fort and the surrounding areas from the Mughals. What followed was an astonishing night of daring adventure.

Tanaji Malusare took the steepest route to Kondhana Fort, where some of the rocks are totally perpendicular. This he did to avoid suspicion from the Mughal soldiers controlling the fort. They mounted the rock with the help of a Ghorpad – a tamed lizard called Yashwanti. They tied her with a rope and started climbing the Kondana fort. After reaching the top a deadly battle ensued between the Mughals and the Marathas. The Marathas won the battle. But the brave commander Tanaji Malusare was injured and he succumbed to his wounds.

Chp. Shivaji Maharaj was saddened by the fact that he is no more and uttered the famous words, “Gad ala pan sinha gela” (meaning we conquered the fort but lost our lion). In order to honour Tanaji’s memory, Chp Shivaji Maharaj renamed it from Kondana Fort to Sinhagad fort. A bust statue of Tanaji Malusare is built on the top of Sinhagad Fort.

Sinhagad Fort Camping and Stargazing

There are various stay options available, to stay atop the Sinhgad Fort. There is an MTDC resort available which is the best way. Alternatively, you can pitch up your tent in the areas where it is permissible. Sinhagad Fort Camping is one of the best options for camping near Pune. Another way is staying at Lokmanya Tilak’s Homestay on top of Sinhagad. You can make the bookings for this at Kesariwada in Narayan Peth, Pune.

Staying on the top of the Sinhagad will provide you with the best views ever. For one thing, you can see the entire Pune city ablaze with lights from the top. You will feel like the whole world is at your feet when you watch that. Another thing to watch out is the stars. Sinhagad Fort Pune is a very well known place for stargazing near Pune. In the morning, you can head over to the east- side of the fort and watch the most mindblowing sunrise.

Sinhagad Bird Watching

Sinhagad Valley is the best place for bird watching near Pune. The most common sightings include Asian Paradise flycatcher, Verditer flycatcher and the Ultramarine flycatcher. In order to reach the Sinhagad Bird Valley, you have to take the left just at the beginning of the trekking route. Then you will come across a stream. A lot of birds come here for a drink of water. Even if you cannot identify all of them, it is a pleasant sight to watch and hear.

It would be best to reach here by 6.00 am or 6.30 am in the morning so that you can see some uncommon birds perching here. You can meet the Crested tree-swifts, white-spotted fantail flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch Flycatcher, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, Black-shouldered kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Sunbirds, Common tailorbirds and several other species of birds. Enjoy your birding but preserve nature.

Experience the Reverse Waterfall

Reverse Waterfall is a phenomenon that occurs at Sinhagad Fort in every monsoon. It might be hard to believe it unless you see and experience it for yourselves. As the waterfalls here during the monsoon, the wind pressure rising from the valleys, pushes the water upwards. This causes a reverse waterfall. You can see it only in the monsoon – Jun to Sept and it works best while heavy rains fall and strong winds blow.

The food at Sinhagad Fort

The Sinhagd Fort is a go-to place for the foodies from Pune city. Sinhagad Dahi is the most famous thing you will find here. It is an organic curd that is made in beautiful small earthen pots by the locals. It is sold along with salt and cumin (jeera) powder or sugar, as per your preference.

Pictured below is that perfect earthen pot of Sinhagad Dahi mixed with Jeera and Salt which I managed to click before eating. In the Backdrop is the Kalyan Darwaza.

There are also various shops that sell the traditional Maratha food items at Sinhagd Fort, Pune. There are various options like Zunka- Bhakar for the Vegetarians and Chicken gravy for the Non-Veg lovers. Additionally, they have various local snacks like Kanda- Bhaji, Palak Bhaji or Vadapav too. If you are thirsty don’t worry. In a variety of drinks, there is Tak, or Lassi and of course Lemonades. And if you want water, we have got you covered. There is a sweet water well on the top which gives amazing cool water. There are also various fruits like raw mangoes, tamarinds, amlas, etc laid out by the shop keepers in the most mouthwatering fashion.

• Bhakar or Bhakari – This is the bread made from Jowar or Bajra grains which are harvested in plenty in Maharashtra and were a staple Maratha food before wheat grains arrived here from northern parts of India.
• Zunka or Pitala – This is a spicy tasty curry made from gram flour. It is like a dip, in with which you eat Bhakari.
• Thecha – this is a pickle to be eaten as a side snack. But be careful cause it is made of chillies.
• Dahi – I can’t tell more about this organic yoghurt. Just go and taste it, and you will go back again and again just for it.
• Kanda Bhaji – This is a side dish or snacks loved by everyone. To make these, long pieces of onion are dipped in gram flour and crispily fried.
• Tak – This is a savoury version of buttermilk, made with water, Dahi, cumin powder and salt.
• Lassi – This is a sweet version of buttermilk, made with water Dahi and sugar.
• Lemonades, Ice Gola, and summer fruits.
• Chicken and Mutton curries are also served with local flavours, but I don’t eat them, so I cannot comment.

An appeal to tourists and trekkers

I have very fond memories of Sinhagad from several one-day trips to the Fort since my childhood. But when I visited it recently, I was surprised by the number of plastic bottles, plastic packets and other plastic trash lying all around. From the top, I could see several plastic bottles stuck up or hanging on the trees or grass below. It is indeed an extremely sad sight. And that is why I make an appeal to all the people, whether tourists or trekkers, to CARRY YOUR TRASH, especially PLASTIC. We all are educated and know very well the effects on the environment of our actions. Also if you can, please collect at least one or two bottles that you find on your way, and dispose of properly. Together we can make a change.

Plan your trek to Sinhagad Fort near Pune

How to reach Sinhagad Fort?

Sinhagad Fort is one of the closest forts near Pune. As mentioned earlier Pune to Sinhagad Fort distance is just 35 km, meaning you can reach here within an hour. For public transport, you can take the Pune to Sinhagad Fort bus. The Sinhagad fort bus (bus no. 50) starts from Shaniwar Wada and stops at Appa Balwant Chowk and Swargate. It will take you straight to Sinhagad Paytha. After reaching there you can go up the mountain on foot. If you are coming from Mumbai, then you must take a train from Dadar to Sinhagad Fort Paytha. Or you can take a bus to Sinhagad via Pune.

Alternatively, you can reach straight to the top by a motor road. It is completely safe for cars and bikes too. If you are going to Sinhagad in/on your own vehicle, you just have to take the Sinhagad road from Pune city and stay on it. Make sure to stop at Khadakwasla dam backwaters on the way. When you see a lot of water on your right with some food stalls you will know that its Khadakwasla. I would recommend taking your own vehicle to Sinhagad and enjoying the drive.

Best time to visit Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort can be visited at any time of the year. In each season it has something to offer. Monsoon is the time when the whole landscape around changes into a beautiful moving canvas. The waterfalls overflow with water, winds bring the clouds to your feet and the all the hills around are lush green. This is also the time when you can experience the reverse waterfall here.

Sinhagad Fort Entry Fee

Entry fee is INR 20 for two-wheelers and INR 50 for Four-wheelers.

Other Places to visit near Sinhagad

These are some of the places to visit near Sinhagad Fort.

• Khadakwasla Lake
• Panshet Lake
• Rajgad Fort
• Varasgaon Dam

FAQs about Sinhagad Fort