Sinhagad Fort is a majestic fort that stands on a hilltop near Pune, Maharashtra. It is one of the most visited and admired forts in the state, as it offers a glimpse into the glorious past of the Maratha Empire. The fort has witnessed many battles and legends, and has a rich cultural and historical significance. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Sinhagad Fort has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Sinhagad Fort, such as its history, architecture, trekking, activities, and attractions. We will also provide some useful tips and suggestions for visiting the fort. By the end of this article, you will have a complete picture of Sinhagad Fort and why you should visit it.
History of Sinhagad Fort
The name Sinhagad means “Lion’s Fort” in Marathi, and it aptly describes the strength and pride of the fort. The fort was originally built by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century CE, and was later conquered by various dynasties, such as the Yadavas, the Bahamanis, the Mughals, and the Marathas. The fort gained fame and glory under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. He captured the fort from the Mughals in 1647 CE and made it his base for many military operations.
The most famous event in the history of Sinhagad Fort is the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670 CE, where Shivaji Maharaj’s general Tanaji Malusare led a daring attack on the fort at night with the help of his pet monitor lizard named Yashwanti. He scaled the steep walls of the fort with his men and fought bravely against the Mughal commander Udaybhan Rathod. Tanaji Malusare sacrificed his life to win the fort for Shivaji Maharaj, who renamed the fort as Sinhagad in his honor. The battle is considered as one of the greatest examples of guerrilla warfare and valour in Indian history.
Sinhagad Fort also played a vital role in the later years of the Maratha Empire. It was here that Rajaram Chhatrapati, the younger son of Shivaji Maharaj, was crowned as the king after his father’s death in 1680 CE. It was also here that Sambhaji Maharaj, the elder son of Shivaji Maharaj, was cremated after being tortured and executed by Aurangzeb in 1689 CE. The fort remained under the control of the Marathas until 1818 CE, when it was surrendered to the British after the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
Architecture of Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is a marvel of Maratha architecture and engineering. The fort covers an area of about 700 acres and has an elevation of about 1312 meters above sea level. The fort has two main entrances: the Kalyan Darwaza on the south-east side and the Pune Darwaza on the north-east side. The fort has several bastions, ramparts, walls, and gates that enclose its premises. The fort also has several water tanks, temples, tombs, and monuments that add to its beauty and charm.
Some of the prominent features and attractions of Sinhagad Fort are:
The Tanaji memorial: This is a stone structure that marks the spot where Tanaji Malusare fell while fighting Udaybhan Rathod. It has a statue of Tanaji Malusare holding his sword and shield, along with a plaque that reads “Gad ala pan sinh gela”, which means “The fort was captured but the lion was lost”.
The Dev Take: This is a large water tank that is said to have been built by Shivaji Maharaj himself. It is believed that he used to bathe in this tank every day during his stay at the fort. The tank has a carved stone spout that resembles a cow’s mouth.
The Kalyan Darwaza: This is one of the main entrances to the fort that faces Kalyan town. It has a huge archway with intricate carvings and sculptures. It also has a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali near it.
The Khadakwasla Dam: This is a dam on the Mutha river that lies at the base of Sinhagad Fort. It was built by the British in 1879 CE to supply water to Pune city. It offers a scenic view of the fort and the surrounding hills and valleys.
Trekking to Sinhagad Fort
One of the best ways to experience Sinhagad Fort is to trek to it. The fort can be reached by road or by rail from Pune or other nearby places. The road route is about 25 km long and takes about an hour to reach the fort by car or bus. The rail route is about 40 km long and takes about two hours to reach the nearest station, which is Kalyan. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the fort.
The trekking route to Sinhagad Fort starts from the base village of Atkarwadi, which is about 3 km from the fort. The trek is about 2.7 km long and takes about an hour and a half to complete. The trek is moderately difficult and involves climbing steep slopes and rocky patches. The trek offers a thrilling and rewarding experience, as one can enjoy the fresh air, the greenery, and the panoramic views of the fort and the surroundings.
The best time and season to visit Sinhagad Fort for trekking and sightseeing is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Activities and Attractions at Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is not only a historical and cultural treasure, but also a fun and exciting destination for tourists. There are many things to do and see at the fort, such as exploring the fort ruins, enjoying the panoramic views, camping and trying out local delicacies.
Apart from these activities and attractions at Sinhagad Fort, one can also visit some of the nearby places that are worth exploring. Some of them are Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort and Panshet Lake.
Sinhagad Fort is a historical and cultural treasure that deserves to be visited and appreciated by everyone. It is not only a fort, but also a museum, a park, a campsite, and a picnic spot. It offers a unique and enriching experience that combines history, nature, adventure, and fun. Sinhagad Fort is a place where you can learn about the past, enjoy the present, and dream about the future.
It is a place where you can feel the pride and passion of the Marathas, who fought and died for their freedom and glory. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and diversity of Maharashtra, which is blessed with mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. Sinhagad Fort is a place that you should not miss when you visit Pune or Maharashtra.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Sinhagad Fort today and discover its wonders for yourself.
