Sinhgad

About:

Situated 32 km south west of Pune, and standing at an imposing 1215 m above msl overlooking Pune city, Sinhagad, even today stands testimony to the grand Maratha Regime.

On top of the fort, the trekkers must try the traditional breakfast of Kanda Bhaji, a delicacy enjoyed by most. Check out Tanaji Kada, Kalyan Darwaza, Tanajis memorial...Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, its height above sea-level is 1350 metres. Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places; it has two gates – the Kalyan Darwaza in the south-east and the Pune Darwaza in the north-east.

Sinhagad or Sinhgad meaning Lion Fort, is a fortress located roughly 30 kilometres southwest of the city of Pune, India. It is situated on a hill rising 800 metres above the surrounding countryside. Previously called Kondan the fort has been the site of many important battles, most notably the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. It was also strategically located at the center of a string of other forts such as Rajgad, Purandar and Torna.

Now a days, Sinhagad is famous for lovers. But it has historical importance and who will forget the brave Tanaji Malusare, Shelarmama and their historic battle.

One can trek from Donaje to the top of the Fort. Bus services are also available from Pune.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

This fort has been quite a long history, referred to as 'Kundhana 'in a Persian poem named 'Shahanama-e-Hind', dating back to 1350 A.D.It was called 'Kondana' after the sage Kaundinya. The Kaundinyeshwar temple, the caves and the carvings indicate that this fort had probably been built two thousand years back. It was captured from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328 AD.

Shahaji Bhosale, as the commander of Ibrahim Adil Shah I, was entrusted with the control of the Pune region. His son Shivaji, however, refused to accept the Adilshahi and initiated the task of setting up Swarajya. He gained control of Kondana in 1647 by convincing Siddi Amber, the Adilshahi Sardar who controlled the fort. Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande played key role in this activity.In 1649, it had to be handed over to Adil Shah for Shahaji Maharaj's release. Shivaji Maharaj recaptured it back in 1656 again with the help of Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande,who convinced Fort commander by giving land in newly created Shivapur village and peacefully gained control of fort.This Fort saw attacks of Moguls on 1662,1663 and 1665.In 1664,Shahistekhan- mogul general even tried to bribe people of fort to hand over the fort to him but he was unsuccessful.Unfortunately in a Purandar Pact it went into the hands of the Mughal army chief Mirzaraje Jaysingh, in the year 1665. In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj re-conquered this fort and then it stayed under Maratha rule till 1689. After the death of Sambhaji death, the Mughals regained control over. Again in 1693 the Marathas recaptured it headed by Sardar Balkawade. Chatrapati Rajaram took asylum on this fort during Mogul raid on Satara but Rajaram died on Sinhagad on the 3rd of March 1700 & in 1703 Aurangzeb conquered the fort. In 1706, it once again went into the hands of the Marathas. Pantaji Shivdev of Sangola and the PantPratinidhis played key role in this battle. Then this fort remained with Maraths till 1818, when the British conquered it.British however took three months to capture this fort highest time ever for them to win any fort in the Maharastra.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

• Panshet
• Khadakwasla
• Varasgaon dams
• Torana fort

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: