Weekend Getaway Trip to Sinhagad – The Lion’s Fort

The first monsoon trip!

They say that no trips can be completed without some flakers who bail out the trip at the last moment, and so was this one. But there is no stopping those who seek for adventure, who are willing to give up their sleep and who always thrive for more fun.

Sinhagad Fort is a perfect place to witness history, landscape and to spend some quality time with friends and family during the Monsoon Season. It was one of the most important military forts of Shivaji Mahraj in Poona which was recaptured from the Mughals by Tanaji Malusare, whose strength and courage gave him the title of “The Lion” and hence the name Sinhaghad (The Lion’s Fort).

Ride to Sinhagad Fort

One Saturday morning in the midst of modest rain, we headed off from Pune at 7 am and reached the gateway of Sinhagad at around 8.30, while capturing some scenic beauties along our way. The drive had a few stops where we clicked some group photographs and had tea and Maggi along our way.

A walk to remember

Sinhagad Fort welcomed us with small shops that offered raw mangoes slices, Jamuns, corns and

cucumbers whose taste were as appealing as the visuals.
We climbed up the stairs of Pune Darwazas which were flooded with rain water flowing downwards, and passed along some natural water streams running down the rocks and ponds. The place was lush green with fog and mist that seemed to be perfectly choreographed by nature to be clicked. Strong winds and drizzling rain gave us a spectacular view. 

Our hunger was satisfied by “Aaji” of a local shop who served us with plates of kanda bhaaji that came along with some tasty chatni and matka dahi. Remember she has one of the best business strategies around the globe. 
She’ll tempt you to eat more by serving more dishes than what you ordered and eventually you’ll finish up those as well.And that’s how we ended up having matka dahi in the first place.

Hotspots

There are various hotspots on Sinhagad fort that are either famous for their historical value or for their amazing landscapes.
The stunning chilly winds at the fort cannot be better experienced at the Hawa Point, which is a pleasure to the eyes as well as gives an experience worth remembering. The view from the Hawa Point gives a clear sight of KadhalWasla Dam and Pune City. We took some time-lapse videos that clearly captured the clouds passing by the valley and some panoramic stills that captured the beauty of the breath-taking landscape.

One thing is (for) sure, that your social media timeline will soon be flooded with your friends’ pictures at the Hawa Point. 

Another famous hotspot is the Tanaji Memorial. It was time for us to get immersed in the great history of the place whose walls tell the story of Tanaji who fought bravely against the Mughals and now rests peacefully at this very place. The walls of the memorial speak the account of the battle of Sinhagad. The manuscripts of the letters exchanged between Shivaji Maharaj and Jija Bai are also kept on display

The Return

After having spent a quality time at the fort, clicking hundreds of photos, it was time for us to leave as more people started arriving their by 1pm. The return journey did find us discussing and sharing various incidents from the visit and discussions about those who missed the trip along with us.
One thing that we should take care as a traveler is that one should maintain the dignity and sanctity of the place, by not littering or destroying the historical architecture and natural habitat of the place we visit.
The weekend getaway that saw few colleagues going out together, returned as close friends making promises to each other to plan and go together for other trips as well.

Jai Hind!