Sinhagad: An Interesting Place to Visit for Pune"s Tourists
There are many interesting places around Pune that are worth visiting for tourists who are in the city to enjoy their vacation. Among these places is Sinhagad, which literally translates as the 'Lion's Fort'. It is a fortress, located at a distance of about 30 kilometres to the south-west of Pune. Many important battles in the history of Maharashtra were fought at this site, most popular among them being the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Sinhagad is located on an isolated cliff on the Sahyadri mountains, at a height of about 1,312 metres above sea-level. As the steep slopes offer natural protection to this fortress, the bastions and walls of Sinhagad were constructed only at key points. Having an accommodation in any of the hotels in Pune would make it easier for tourists to visit this amazing attraction during their time spent in the city. The fort is also located close to the Purandar, Rajgad, and Torna forts.
History of this fort is believed to be more than two thousand years old, as indicated by the Kaundinyeshwar temple, the caves, and carvings. During the fourteenth century, it was captured from Nag Naik, a tribal chieftain, by Muhammad bin Tuglaq. In those days, Sinhagad Fort was called Kondana. The great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, gained control over Kondana during his reign and successfully fought several wars against the Mughals. Among the most famous battles was the one that was fought by Tanaji Malusare, a general of Shivaji Maharaj, in 1670. During this battle, a monitor lizard was used to scale Sinhagad Fort from a steep cliff. In a fierce struggle that ensued, Tanaji lost his life; but his brother Suryaji was successful in capturing this fort. A bust of Tanaji has been placed at the fort, acknowledging his immense contribution in the war against Mughals. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his son, the struggle for control over Sinhagad continued between the Mughals and Marathas. Finally, the British were able to win this fortress after a long struggle of about three months. After the independence of India, the fort became a part of Maharashtra state. Today, this historic monument attracts plenty of trekkers and leisure tourists from distant places.
Although many parts of Sinhagad lie in ruins today, visitors can still sense the strategic importance of the fortress while exploring this place. Trekking enthusiasts often enjoy treks to the top of this fort from Sinhagad village, which acts as the base of such expeditions. Parts of a narrow and steep road that leads to the fort is getting reconstructed to improve its condition. Tourists who intend to visit Sinhagad can take the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses from Shaniwarwada or Swargate to reach the foothills of Sinhagad. A stay in any of the budget hotels in Pune would give cost-conscious tourists the chance to have great savings on their tour of this city. While such hotels provide budget accommodations for tourists, they do not compromise on the facilities offered to their guests.
History of this fort is believed to be more than two thousand years old, as indicated by the Kaundinyeshwar temple, the caves, and carvings. During the fourteenth century, it was captured from Nag Naik, a tribal chieftain, by Muhammad bin Tuglaq. In those days, Sinhagad Fort was called Kondana. The great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, gained control over Kondana during his reign and successfully fought several wars against the Mughals. Among the most famous battles was the one that was fought by Tanaji Malusare, a general of Shivaji Maharaj, in 1670. During this battle, a monitor lizard was used to scale Sinhagad Fort from a steep cliff. In a fierce struggle that ensued, Tanaji lost his life; but his brother Suryaji was successful in capturing this fort. A bust of Tanaji has been placed at the fort, acknowledging his immense contribution in the war against Mughals. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his son, the struggle for control over Sinhagad continued between the Mughals and Marathas. Finally, the British were able to win this fortress after a long struggle of about three months. After the independence of India, the fort became a part of Maharashtra state. Today, this historic monument attracts plenty of trekkers and leisure tourists from distant places.
Although many parts of Sinhagad lie in ruins today, visitors can still sense the strategic importance of the fortress while exploring this place. Trekking enthusiasts often enjoy treks to the top of this fort from Sinhagad village, which acts as the base of such expeditions. Parts of a narrow and steep road that leads to the fort is getting reconstructed to improve its condition. Tourists who intend to visit Sinhagad can take the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses from Shaniwarwada or Swargate to reach the foothills of Sinhagad. A stay in any of the budget hotels in Pune would give cost-conscious tourists the chance to have great savings on their tour of this city. While such hotels provide budget accommodations for tourists, they do not compromise on the facilities offered to their guests.
