Supreme Sinhagad... Day 3 of The Rendezvous!!!

Day 3 was planned for half day trip to Sinhagad (previously known as Kondhana) as we need to go to Mumbai in the evening for the final adventure. Debisree had to go to office , so she left in the morning for Mumbai. Rest of us spent some time on leisure and started off after having lunch. Thought of going to Sinhagad by bus, but due to lack of time, booked an Indica. Special thanks to Fareed (8007714848) for arranging a car in such a short time. Anyways, finally we started around 2.00pm.

Sinhagad (The Lion Fort) is a fortress located roughly 30km south-west from Pune, the most popular getaway and weekend picnic destination. It is always splendid to drive through the ghat roads, and Sinhagad is not an exception.

Establishment of this fort dates back to about 2000 years ago. The fort is located at the center of other forts like Torna, Purandar and Rajgad. Due to its prime location, there used to be constant minor and major battles between the Maratha Dynasty and Mughal Empire to have control over the debatable fort.

The most famous battles for Sinhgad (known as Battle of Sinhagad) was fought to recapture the fort by Tanaji Malusare, a general of Shivaji in March 1670. A steep cliff leading to the fort was scaled with the help of a monitor lizard named yashwanti, colloquially known as a ghorpad. Thereafter, there ensued fierce battles between Tanaji and his men, and the mughal army that had the fort at the time. Tanaji lost his life, but his brother Suryaji took over and captured Sinhagad

Parts of the once extensive fortification are now in ruins, but visitors still sense how the fort acted as an active military outpost. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, it is situated on a hill rising 1312 metres above sea level which makes it a popular trekking spot among the trekkers and hikers.

The fort is also part of training at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Cadets from the academy are regularly sent on a hikes and runs from NDA to Sinhagad in full battle gear to build endurance and stamina. The fort also houses a television tower for broadcasting local TV signals.

Anyways, it has a large car parking at the base and stairs to the top. Once you reach the top, it gives a wide panoramic view of Pune city in one side and Rajgad, Torna & Kharagwasla in the other side.

The fort has three corner e.g. Pune Darwaja (the entrance), Kalyan Darwaja and Wind point. We start circulating the fort from left and reached Kalyan Darwaja first.

Then we headed towards Wind Point.

Wind Point justifies its name. The wind literally blows you away. Besides that it gives full wide view of Kharagwasla Lake, however it may seem like a river.

There is a MTDC Resort on the top of the hill just beside the Wind point.

We spent a lot time than we expected. And we are already late for Mumbai. So, we make our steps a little fast.

We requested our chauffeur to drive us to Pune station as we need to catch cab for Mumbai. He's very nice person, took us to my flat first and then to Pune station. However, reaching Mumbai was a hell of experience that night. But, we're already prepared for more valorous things coming ahead.