Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is located at a distance of 35 km from Pune. Meaning 'The Lion's Fort', it is situated on a hill rising 800 m above the surrounding countryside. Site of the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, the fort was previously called Kondana. At an elevation of 1,350 m above sea level, the fort lies on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar Range of the Sahyadari Mountains.

Kalyan Darwaja in the southeast and the Pune Darwaja in the northeast mark the entrances of the fort. Named after the sage Kaundinya, the previous edifice of the fort contained Kaundinyeshwar Temple, caves and carvings. Believed to have been built 2,000 years back, it was captured from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328 AD.

A memorial to Tanaj, as well as the tomb of Rajaram, who was Shivaji’s younger son, is also located within the complex of the fort. Military stables, brewery and a Kali Temple are also located within the complex. Apart from the historic gates, the fort complex also contains a Hanuman statue. In addition to being a favourite weekend retreat, it is also a popular trekking destination.