is sinhagad trek easy

• Sinhagad Fort Trek – All you need to know

Trek through stunning landscapes and conquer ancient forts near Pune ? You cannot miss the beautiful Sinhagad Fort Trek ! Known for its monsoon and post-monsoon trekking fun, western ghats are nothing but a paradise for adventure lovers.

Pune is filled with fun when out of the city side. Take a walk on the Sinhagad trek pat h, and you’ll experience a forest life like never before. The area is filled with green grasslands along with the wildflowers with rolling green hills. 

The Sinhagad area is older than the Himalayas and is situated in the western ghats. You’ll get many options once you get into these ghats. There are a lot of trek options that will drive you for more. Be it the Katraj to Sinhagad night trek or the Lonavala and Malshej Ghat trek, it’s a fun arena for adventure lovers! 

In this section, we will talk about the Sinhagad Fort trek and how you can get there. With the best roadway services from Zing, you can now reach the start of the Katraj to Sinhagad trek! 

➤ A Complete Guide to Sinhagad fort trek

Sinhagad is situated just under 40 kilometers from Pune . It is a highly favored trekking spot in the area, thanks to the lush green hills! It forms an important part of the trio forts, including Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Torna. This area is known for its numerous historic battles.

Unlike many other forts, Sinhagad’s fort structure remains intact and well-preserved. Sinhagad fort trek time is flexible, making it the most popular in the region.

The Sinhagad trek distance can be divided into two sections: 

• The first part begins from the tar road at Donje Gaon and ascends to a parking lot for two-wheelers.
• The second half is a steep climb to the top of Sinhagad. This one is challenging but rewarding. Thanks to the nearby panoramic views!

➤ Best Time to Visit Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad fort best time to visit – travelers guide.

• Prime Season:  Post-monsoon (late September – February)
• Temperature:  Pleasant 20-28°C
• Lush greenery post-rains
• Clear skies for panoramic views
• Potential for Sinhagad Adventure Festival (winter months)
• 10 Best Forts in Pune – A Trekker’s Paradise
• Places To Visit & Things to Do in Ayodhya

➤ Highlights Of The Sinhagad Trek Path

• A fort steeped in History 

Who doesn’t want to explore historic spots? And when there is a fort filled with war history and more, we are sure you would not want to miss it! This fort, also known as the Sinhagad fort is known for its many live battles that were fought during the invasion wars of India.

Situated at the start of the trek, the fort is a simple architecture wall with a front dome-shaped entrance. 

• Remnants of the Fortification

Inside the fort, you’ll be able to witness the remnants of the fortification. It’s a rich historical glance with a testament to its military architecture.  You can see the sturdy walls, bastions, gates, and other structures that have withstood the test of time.

• The Panoramic View

Western ghats are beautiful. And this Sinhagad fort justifies its beauty! You’ll be able to witness the green lush hills with cold yet relaxing airwaves. Witness the flora like never before- you’ll find many wildflowers here. 

The evening views are breathtaking. You’ll be able to experience a unique sunset view. It’s just a perfect walk for a nature lover!

➤ Sinhagad Fort Trail Information 

The trek begins at the Donje Gaon Phata bus stop. It can be split into two parts: the initial stretch is a tar road from Donje Gaon that gradually ascends to the parking area for two-wheelers. This can also be reached by bike. The second half of the trek is a steep but highly rewarding climb to the fort’s summit. 

Although trekking is not for everyone. One has to be sure to be fit and know whether they can fit in the adventurous experience. Talking about the Sinhagad trek, it is classified as an Easy-moderate-grade trek.

This starts from Donje Gaon at 2,100 feet and ascends to another 2,100 feet in altitude. While the altitude gain might not be hard, the continuous ascent can be challenging for those with a sedentary lifestyle.

➤ How To Be Fit For The Trek?

Work on cardiovascular endurance.

If you’re new to fitness, ease into it by gradually increasing your pace. Here’s a suggested progression:

• Start with a brisk 5 km walk in 45 minutes.
• Gradually increase to walking 5 km four times a week.76
• Introduce jogging as you feel more comfortable.
• Increase the distance you jog until you can do 5 km in 40 minutes.
• If you prefer cycling, aim for 15 km in 60 minutes initially.
• Progress to covering 18 km in one hour.

Work on Strength Training

It is one of the most important areas to work on! To trek comfortably, focus on strength training for your glutes, calves, and knees. Also, work on your core.

For core strength, planks and their variations (elbow, side planks) are highly effective.

Also, incorporate these strength exercises:

• Aim for 4 sets of 20 squats each, including sumo squats.
• Include lunges (forward, backward, and lateral).
• Don’t forget planks!

Work on Flexibility

Flexibility is important to increase the range of motion on the trek. Work on your joints, like shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Maintaining flexibility is key to trekking comfortably, especially when carrying a backpack, no matter how light. Regularly stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, and lower back muscles helps relax the tissues, reducing strain on your back.

If you’re short on time or space and can’t jog outdoors, you can get a workout in indoors.

➤ What to Pack For Sinhagad Fort Trek?

For a trek in summer or winter, ensure you have the following essentials:

• Basic First Aid kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic liquid, analgesic spray, cotton roll, crepe bandage, and any necessary medications.
• Identity Card: Carry identification for emergencies.
• Trail/region map: Helps in navigation.
• Cap/Scarf/Bandana & Sunglasses: Protects from the sun.
• Water: Carry at least two liters.
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink: Helps in hydration.
• High-calorie snacks: Nuts, dry fruits, or a home-baked cake for energy.
• Insect repellent: Protects against bugs.
• Spare newspaper: Useful for various purposes.
• Multi-Tool/Swiss Army Knife: Handy for various tasks.
• Torch/Headlamp with spare batteries: For night or low-light conditions.
• Power bank: Keeps your devices charged.
• Safety Pins, Rubber bands & Whistle: Useful in emergencies.
• Optional: Rope, Camera.

For monsoon treks, add:

• Quick Dry T-shirts: Better than cotton tees.
• Poncho: Keeps you dry.
• Extra set of clothes, socks, etc.: To change into if you get wet.
• Plastic sheet: Protects electronic devices.

For multi-day treks, include:

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ to protect from sunburn.
• Rehydration pouch/bladder: Keeps you hydrated.
• Tent & Sleeping Bag/Mat: For overnight stays.
• Trekking pole: Helps in challenging terrain.
• Water filter/Thin cotton cloth & water purification tablet: Ensures safe drinking water.
• Utensils: For cooking and eating.
• Antiperspirant powder: Helps in preventing chafing.
• Magnesium Flint/Matchboxes: For starting a fire.
• Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

➤ Plan your Travel with Zing Bus

Zing bus offers the most convenient, safe, and comfortable on-road options for travel. You can reach to Donje Gaon Phata in Pune and get ready for the Sinhagad trek path. 

Our buses are equipped with modern amenities and operated by experienced drivers, guaranteeing a safe and comfortable ride. 

Whether you’re travelling alone, with friends, or with family, Zing Bus provides the perfect travel solution for your needs. So, sit back, relax, and let Zing Bus take you on an unforgettable journey to your next destination. 

➤ Top Bus Routes From Pune

• Pune to Nagpur Bus
• Pune to Hyderabad Bus
• Pune to Goa Bus
• Pune to Latur Bus
• Pune to Bangalore Bus
• Pune to Mumbai Bus
• Pune to Amravati Bus
• Pune to Solapur Bus
• Pune to Kolhapur Bus
• Pune to Tuljapur Bus
• Pune to Mapusa Bus
• Pune to Durg Bus
• Pune to Ahmedabad Bus
• Pune to Vadodara Bus
• Pune to Indore Bus
• Pune to Kudal Bus

Let the trek begin!

Can I consider the Sinhagad fort trek if I have never been to one?

Yes, a person who follows an active lifestyle can go for the Sinhagad trek walk . You just need to be mindful of the season. Follow the tips given for better preparation.

Are there any accommodations on the Katraj to Sinhagad night trek?

Yes, there are multiple accommodation options near Sinhagad. You need not worry about the stay. There are also MTDC resorts on the top of the fort, making it a safe travel destination. 

Is food and water available in the Katraj to Sinhagad trek?

Many small huts are run by locals to provide basic food and water services to travellers. Lemon juice is very popular here (and is a must-have!).

Is there any permission needed to trek to Sinhagad?

No, you don’t need any permission for the Sinhagad Fort trek. Just make sure to be healthy and fit for the walk! People who want to know the way can use the GPX file linked to the maps for navigation. 

What is the total Sinhagad fort trek time? 

The Sinhagad trek distance is approximately 20 km from the base. The area is easy to navigate and simple to trek.

Can I trek further to the Sinhagad fort?

Yes, you can. This area has three most popular destinations, one being Sinhagad. The others include Rajgad and Torna. Both places have beautiful natural views and are easy to trek on. First, you’ll experience Rajgad and later trek to Torna. 

Do I need a guide for the trek?

These areas are easy to explore and do not need a guide. You can easily navigate via maps and trek easily. The way is not challenging and can be crossed by a person who’s fit and healthy. 

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Explore India's Wonders – BestIndianTreks.com

Explore india's wonders – bestindiantreks.com latest articles, sinhagad fort (updated) – things to know.

Pune city is surrounded by marvellous and glorious forts. Among all of them, Sinhagad is one of the best trekking places near Pune city. It is around 30 km away from the Pune and it can be seen from Mumbai-Pune Highway on a clear sunny day. Sinhagad was formerly known as “Kondhana”. In March 1670, Subhedar Tanaji Malusare fought the Battle of Sinhagad Fort. He lost his life but captured the Kondhana fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj expressed his grief by saying, “Gad Aala pan Mazha Sinha Gela”. That’s why the fort is named as Sinhagad. The meaning of Sinhagad in the Marathi language is Lion’s Fort.

Sinhagad Fort Trek (Kondhana Trek)

Difficulty Level : Easy Type of a trek : One day Trek, Night Trek Best Time to visit Sinhagad : Monsoon Season, June to September Distance from Pune : 30 km Distance from Mumbai : 180 km Base Village : Thoptewadi, Maharashtra

Sinhagad fort map

The different Sahyadri forts shown in the above map are as follows:

• Purandar Fort and Vajragad
• Rohida Fort or Vichitragad
• Torna Fort or Prachandgad
• Tikona Fort
• Visapur Fort

Important places on Sinhagad map:

• Rajaram Maharaj Samadhi
• Zunzar Buruj
• Kalavantinicha Buruj
• Donagiricha Kada (Tanaji Kada)
• Ganesh Take
• Kondhaneshwar Temple etc.

There are Forest Department Rest House, Doordarshan Tower and Lokmanya Tilak Residential place shown in Sinhagad Map.

How much time does it take to climb Sinhagad?

Sinhagad is the first choice for fitness freaks around the area. It will take around 60-70 min to climb a Sinhagad for a regular trekker. There are some people who climb Sinhagad regularly and it takes a maximum of 45 min.

You can assume around 90 min of a climb as you are going to take breaks to enjoy the delicious Lemon Juice and Masala Curd (Masala Dahi).

How can I go to Sinhagad fort from Pune?

Sinhagad is around 30 km away from Pune city. There are two main routes as follows:

Swargate, Pune – Sinhagad Road – Khadakwasala Dam – Sinhagad Fort

This is the most preferred route to go to Sinhagad. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Khadakwasala Lake in the return journey.

Swargate, Pune – Katraj – Khed – Sinhagad Fort

This side of a trek is quite easy but not much popular compared to the other route. You will enter from Kalyan Darvaja using this route.

How far is Sinhagad fort from Pune?

What transport services available to visit Sinhagad ?

The transport service is available up to the Pune Darvaja. You can go on your bike or car. There is private transport available from the base village to the entry point of the fort.

Private Vehicle : You can go to Sinhagad on your private vehicle. It will take around 1 hour to reach at Sinhagad from Pune.

Public Transport by Bus : There is a PMPML bus service available from Swargate to go to Sinhagad Fort.

By Rail : Pune is the nearest railway station if you want to visit Sinhagad. From the Pune railway station, you have to catch a Bus.

Is it safe to go to Sinhagad?

Yes, it is completely safe to go to Sinhagad. Being one of the popular tourist places around Pune city, you can visit Sinhagad in a day and night. Katraj to Sinhagad Night trek also known as K2S night trek is one of the most famous treks around Pune city.

How difficult is Sinhagad Fort Trek?

The difficulty level of Sinhagad trek is easy. It is an easy one and half hour trek. There is a famous Katraj to Sinhagad trek route. This trek starts at Katraj old tunnel and ends on Sinhagad. It’s one of the best night treks near Pune. Katraj to Sinhagad trek distance is around 13-14 km long and if you start in the evening then you will reach at the Sinhagad till Morning.

Katraj to Sinhagad trek difficulty level is moderate to hard. You need to walk whole night that makes this trek little difficult. K2S trek is like once in a lifetime experience. And I will definitely recommend you to go on this night trek at least once.

Sinhagad Fort Images

Vinay Kadam

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[…] One of the most popular treks of the people from Pune is Sinhagad Trek. It’s the best one day trek near Pune which is located at South-West side and around 30 km from the city. There are two different routes to go on the fort. You can spend your whole day at the fort as there are many worth seeing places on the Sinhagad fort. […]

SINHAGAD FORT, SINHAGAD TREK

Sinhagad is one of the most popular and the most visited fort near Pune. Height from sea level is around 4320 feet. Must visit place if you want to go for a short trek around Pune. We've added the route info and some other useful details about this fort. If you are planning to visit this place, then do go through the info given below.

• > Treks in Maharashtra

Sinhagad is a very popular fort in pune. Approximately 30Kms from Central Pune.

How would you rate this place on a scale of 1-5? Vote Below!

• Winter Treks near Pune
• Night Treks Near Pune
• Some FAQS about SINHAGAD Trek

Route Info : The normal trek starts from the base village. From the base, it takes around 1 1/2 hours to get to the top. The trek path is not very difficult and okay for amateur trekkers. There's an alternate motorable road to the top where you can skip the efforts of trekking. The ghat road is scenic and nice to drive during a weekday. However, on weekends, there's a lot of rush at Sinhagad that causes traffic jams in the ghat area. We recommend that you avoid going on weekends as this can be quite irritating and can ruin your visit to Sinhagad.

Best time to visit: Without any doubt, the best time to be here is during the rainy season. It gets a bit overcrowded with visitors, but eating bhajis [Pakodas] during the rainfall is a heavenly experience. Apart from the food, nature is at its best when it rains here.

Difficulty Level and Other useful tips: Difficulty level is Very Easy. For a regular trekker it would hardly take 40 mins to reach to the top of the fort. The ideal time to visit Sinhagad would be during the monsoon season or winter season.

Camping and Food Info: We believe that camping is not allowed on this fort. Not sure if this has changed recently. With respect to food, one should defintely try the ZHUNKA BHAKRI that you get at Sinhagad. It's a local delicacy and there's hardly anyone who does not like it. Apart from this, you will also get other items like Kanda Bhajis (Pakodas) and local snakcs items.

What to see on the fort:

• TANAJI MALUSARES SAMADHI: He was the leader in the Maratha Empire and played an important role in the battle of Sinhagad. The statue is a memorial to Tanaji Malusare.
• TANAJI KADA
• LOKMANYA TILAK BUNGALOW 

Please leave a comment below for others if you have been to Sinhagad or you have any questions related to Sinhagad trek.

A day trip to Sinhagad fort by trek, a famous fort near Pune.

From pune, maharashtra, india,  trip image gallery,  trip inspiration.

Most of us must have been to Sinhagad Fort numerous times by car but the trek to Sinhagad Fort was on my wishlist for long.

I was not sure about where to park the car at base location, not confident about the route of the trek and lacking companions to come along.

I understood from friends that many people reach base location by 5am or 6am, reach the top in about an hour, spend some time there and come down by 9 am - pretty tight schedule.

This time, monsoon season did set the perfect mood and few friends agreeing on an impromptu plan made the Sinhagad Fort trek reality finally :-)

Also click to see:  A family trip to Dapoli beaches from Pune

 Best Time To Visit

Best time for "Sinhagad fort trek" is early morning time. And during monsoon season, you can see people trekking all day long. If going by car or bike then surely avoid weekends to escape from spending most of your time in traffic jams.

 Places visited

We did this trek as more of a leisure trip and all four of us were trekking Sinhagad Fort for the first time. So see this Sinhagad fort trek review sharing from a non-professional trekker perspective. 

While driving from Pune, the basic question arises for the first time trekkers about where to park the car to start the Sinhagad trek . So here goes the location info, tap on it to open in Google Maps:

  Sinhagad Paytha, Maharashtra, India   or 

  sinhagad valley, aatekar vasti, maharashtra, india.

When 1 kilometer is remaining from any of the destinations mentioned above on google maps, watch out for parking space on the left side. There are couple of designated parking spots before the dead end of the road shown in the picture below. In case, you reached the dead end then still you can take left for parking as we saw a small board pointing for parking space on the left side.

"From this dead end of the road, take left for parking space or take right for the Sinhagad Fort trek. The Sinhagad trek route starts from here :-)

Sinhagad fort trek difficulty level : it is easy to moderate. Due to the continuous uphill stretch (very scenic during monsoon season) it can be little difficult for 1st timers but if you regularly do hiking / trekking then it will be an easy trek for you.

The trek route to Sinhagad fort is roughly 2.5 kms long, which includes a bit steep terrain too . I will not recommend it for people accompanied by younger kids (toddlers) and elders with joint pains. Although we saw some people trekking with their younger kids too, so plan accordingly. 

If you reach this location then consider you are halfway on the trek route . This spot is tagged as Dyanoba point on Google maps.

  Dyanoba point, Sinhagad Trek path, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra, India

By this point, I was exhausted and felt that probably I did a mistake to take this trek without any workout for three months long. But we did reach the top with the tip from pro trekker about keep moving slowly and you will surely reach there. I am sure, the people who swiftly complete this trek regular will be laughing at this write-up but for the first-timers, this trek does test your stamina and patience, LOL.

The Sinhagad Fort and the high tension wire tower, both were in the clouds. Below click is of the backside, from here we were able to see beautiful Khadakwasla dam backwater and Pune city from too far. Very refreshing view to get energize and to resume the trek!!

On the way, there are numerous points where locals sell tea, coffee, snacks and nimbu pani.

The trek was scenic thus we kept taking a lot of pictures. We saw a cute little snail doing its own style of trekking on leaves, beautiful isn't it?

After 1 hour and 45 minutes we reached to reach the top of Sinhagad fort by trek . And what a rewarding feeling it was to complete the trek successfully and for the picturesque climate at the top. It was completely foggy with drizzles making this trek / hike worth every effort.

We quickly took a tour of the mighty Sinhagad fort and wanted to hog on the snacks on offer by locals. Especially we wanted to eat fully only when we complete the trek.

There are lots of details available on the internet about this fort but what fascinates me is the history behind how this fort, which was named as Kondhana fort earlier, got its name as Sinhgad Fort. Google around if you don't know about it already - A true story of bravery and valor of Vir Tanhaji .

Sinhagad Fort aye aur yeh nahi kiya toh kya kiya!!

Sumptuous and must try - Pithla Bhakri, Kanda Bhaji, matka curd, butta, boiled mungfali . Yum local delicacies. 

The return trek from Sinhagad Fort is comparatively easy but can be slippery while it is raining.

The destination, either by vehicle or by trek, is worth every effort for the view, the feel and the Maharastrian food served by locals . 

 Transportation

We started from Pune (Magarpatta City) at 6 am, chosen Friday to avoid the rush and reached the parking spot at 7:15 am.

From Sinhagadh paytha or Sinhagadh trek parking spot, it was a trek worth 2.5 kms. The good news is that the Sinhagad trek route is available on Google maps too (so no chance of getting lost there). 

From the parking spot, turn ON Google maps on your cell > select destination has Sinhagad Fort > Select mode of commute as walking - and boom you are ready to rock. (download the map to avoid network issues there)

I hope this helps to plan the trip well.

 Pro-tips

1. Going early is always recommended to avoid heat.

2. Keep a water bottle and quick snacks like almonds, dates etc. Avoid eating too much on the way which will make you feel heavy and slowdown.

3. Keep going slow and steady pace rather than rushing. This will help to avoid exhaustion.

4. Definitely try local and popular delicacies at the top.

5. Definitely visit the samadhi of Veer Tanaji

6. Most recommended - go on weekdays if possible, to enjoy fullest and avoid the rush.

** Comment back if you like the details and even if this needs any edits **

Also click to see:

A day trip to Jagtap waterfall near Kahnhe phata.

A day trip to Devkund waterfall trek

Sinhagad Fort near Pune -History, Trekking, Camping and Birdwatching

• Post author: Shraddha
• Post published: May 4, 2021
• Post category: punetraveller / Trips near Pune
• Post comments: 1 Comment

Sinhagad Fort or the  Sinhagad killa  is one of the best forts near Pune, for trekking and camping. It is located just 35 km from the main city area of Pune. Read this guide to know everything about Sinhagad Fort, its history and things to do at Sinhagad Fort.

Sinhgad Fort  is a hill fortress near Pune, which is most visited by the youngsters in the city. They built the fort in such a way as to provide natural protection with the steep rocks on one side and a valley road on another side. Today many people visit the fort for knowing Sinhagad’s history or trekking. More information on the Sinhagd Trek route is below.

Quick details of Sinhagad fort

• Trek distance:  2.7 km oneway
• Trek time:  2-3 hours
• Level:  Easy
• Height:  1312 m
• Pune to Sinhagad:  35 km
• Food:  Local food stalls atop.

Sinhagad Fort Trek – How to climb Sinhagad Fort?

Sinhagad trek start point is at the  Sinhagad Paytha . Although there is a proper motor road all the way to the top, most adventurers, nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts abandon it. Sinhagad trekking route is simple and the difficulty level is easy. The panoramic views along the way are extremely breathtaking. Some of these you will totally miss if you go up in a car or on a bike.

The Sinhagad Fort trek distance from the base ie.  Sinhagad Paytha  is 2.7 km. It will take around 3-4 hours for the amateur climbers. and even less for the trekking pros. There is no better place than this near the city. You must start your trek early in the morning for the excellent views. And you should try out Sinhagad Fort trekking in monsoon for the best experience.

Another route to reach the top is from Kalyan Darwaza, that is from behind the fort. The trek starts from the base village – Kalyan. It might take 1-2 hours to climb from this side. On the way, you will meet some locals from Kalyan village climbing up the fort with food items or things that they can sell to the tourists on the top.

Places to visit in Sinhagad

Once you are on the top, you may need the whole day to see Sinhagad Fort completely. Following are some places that you should see on Sinhagad Fort.

Fortress and Turrets:

Kalyan darwaza & pune darwaza.

There are two doors to Sinhagad. The most commonly used door is connected with a motor road to Pune. It is called Pune Darwaza and is on the Northeast end of the Fort. Another door to Sinhagad is the Kalyan Darwaza. It is located on the Southeast side of the fort and connects to the village of Kalyan. Even today we can sense the grandeur of construction when we see these two doors. They are made from huge stones, that were stuck together with lead and limestone. You can even climb on top of the doors and imagine the soldiers that would have kept watch here!

Tanaji Kada – The steepest Cliffside on Sinhagad

This is the steepest side of Sinhagad fort. When you stand on the top of this precipice, protected by the railings, you can only imagine how Tanaji Malusare must have climbed it along with his small army at night. That too with the support and help of a tamed lizard!

Khandkada Machi

This is the eastern tip of Fort Sinhagad. It was built to keep watch over the entire eastern region. This peak is near the parking area of Sinhagad Fort, and close to Pune Darwaza. It was used to keep watch over the Purandar fort in distance and the rivers Mula and Mutha.

Kalavanteen Buruj

In the olden times, in Marathi, the turrets of the fortress were called  Buruj . The same is carried forward to this day. The Kalavanteen Buruj is still intact. It is the best place to see Tanaji Kada and the surrounding hills and valleys. It is still in quite a good condition.

Zunjar Buruj

This turret of the Sinhagad Fort is on the southwestern tip of the fort. Zunjar Buruj is very long and at a good height. The surrounding area and the views are so scenic that you may get goosebumps! It was recently reconstructed into a circular turret making it a much safer place. This pinnacle is a great attraction for rock climbing enthusiasts.

Daru Kothar

When you come in from Pune Darwaza, there is a small old stone structure on the right side. This was used to store grains in the old times. The view from this small stone hut is awesome. If you walk further from this point you can look all around the surrounding valley.

Kadelot Point

This point is the best place to watch the sunset and the lights of Pune city. It is on the western-most side of Sinhagad fort. It was also the best place to keep watch over the Pune city and rivers Mula and Mutha in the olden times. When you stand here, especially at night, you will feel like the whole world is at your feet.

Horse Stable Caves

As we come in through the Pune Darwaza, at some distance, are these caves. They are in a quiet neglected condition though. These caves must have been used to tie the horses. Because all around the cave are hoops carved into the rocks. Recently, water has started seeping through the roof of these caves and you may find some of them filled with water.

Devtake – Sweet water well

A little farther ahead on top of Sinhagad Fort is a sweet water well. Its water is crystal clear, sweet and surprisingly cold even on a hot summer afternoon. It is called as  Devtake   by the locals, meaning  “God’s Cistern” . The well fulfils the water requirements of all the locals living atop Sinhagad even today. And it is in a very good condition in comparison to rock cisterns or wells on other forts.

Television Towers at Sinhagad Fort

The fort has several towers which are used to broadcast television signals. One of them is placed on Khandkada Machi and can be seen as soon as you arrive here. Others are placed at various points throughout the fort. They are interesting to watch and make really good photographs when combined with the views behind.

Temples and Memorials:

Kondhaneshwar temple.

Kondhaneshwar temple also known as Kaundinyeshwar temple. The small yet old temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple faces the east and has some carvings which are more than 2000 years old. It is on the highest point on the Sinhagad Fort. If you wish to see them, go early in the morning when the sunrays beautify these carvings. The temple is sometimes closed and locked from outside with doors from modern times. You might have to take the permission of the  Pujari  or the priest to go inside the Kondhaneshwar temple.

Amruteshwar Temple

A little ahead of Kondhaneshwar temple, on the southern side of the fort Sinhagad, is this temple – Amruteshwar Temple. It has the idols of Gods – Bhairav and Bhairavi. These gods are worshipped by the local fishermen. The Bhairav’s statue holds a demon’s head. Bhairav and Bhairavi are said to represent the duality of nature.

Hanuman Temple & Kali Temple

The fort also has a temple of the Hindu goddess Kali. And next to this temple is the Hanuman temple where the idol of this Hindu god of strength is placed. Most of the  forts  from this era have these two gods always on the top.

Tanaji Malusare’s Memorial

Tanaji Malusare’s Memorial is built at a place where Tanaji died while fighting with Udebhan Rathod. A bust of Tanaji Malusare is placed here at the fort. Tanaji Malusare is a great Maratha idol, which has inspired generations and generations of Maratha youth.

Udebhan Rathod’s Memorial

Udebhan Rathod’s Memorial is also located here at Sinhagad Fort. The memorial looks like a Muslim tomb despite the fact that Udebhan was a Hindu Rajput. When Udaybhan Rathod was suffering from wounds after fighting with Tanaji, Shelar Mama another Maratha warrior killed Udebhan Rathod.

Chatrapati Rajaram Memorial

This memorial is built for King Rajaram, who was the caretaker of the Sinhagad Fort, and the third Chatrapati in Maratha Swarajya. The memorial has a small Tulsi Vrindavan and the small structure resembles Muslim architecture. Khadakwasla backwaters and Pune city are visible from here. If the weather is clear you can see as far as Tung Fort in Lonavala region.

Lokmanya Tilak Bungalow

Lokmanya Tilak’s bungalow is located on the fort Sinhagad. He used to stay here often and used it as a summer house. He wrote some books like Geetarahasya here. Gandhiji and Lokmanya Tilak met at Sinhagad during the freedom struggle. Whenever Gandhiji came to Pune, he drank the waters only from the  Devtake  at Sinhagad Fort.

Things to do at Sinhagad Fort

Following are some of the things that you must do when you visit Sinhagad Fort.

Know the history of Sinhagad fort – Battle of Kondana fort

The Sinhgad Fort of today was earlier known as Kondhana Fort or Kondana Killa. The Sinhagad Fort history (Kondana Fort History) is very interesting and extremely inspiring. On the night 4th of Feb 1670, Tanaji Malusare along with 1000 other Maratha Mavlas set forward to conquer the Kondhana Fort. Chp. Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha king sent his most trusted commander and soldier Tanaji Malusare on this mission. The objective was to gain back control over Kondhana Fort and the surrounding areas from the Mughals. What followed was an astonishing night of daring adventure.

Tanaji Malusare took the steepest route to Kondhana Fort, where some of the rocks are totally perpendicular. This he did to avoid suspicion from the Mughal soldiers controlling the fort. They mounted the rock with the help of a  Ghorpad  – a tamed lizard called Yashwanti. They tied her with a rope and started climbing the Kondana fort. After reaching the top a deadly battle ensued between the Mughals and the Marathas. The Marathas won the battle. But the brave commander Tanaji Malusare was injured and he succumbed to his wounds.

Chp. Shivaji Maharaj was saddened by the fact that he is no more and uttered the famous words,  “Gad ala pan sinha gela”  (meaning we conquered the fort but lost our lion). In order to honour Tanaji’s memory, Chp Shivaji Maharaj renamed it from Kondana Fort to Sinhagad fort. A bust statue of Tanaji Malusare is built on the top of Sinhagad Fort.

Sinhagad Fort Camping and Stargazing

There are various stay options available, to stay atop the Sinhgad Fort. There is an MTDC resort available which is the best way. Alternatively, you can pitch up your tent in the areas where it is permissible. Sinhagad Fort Camping is one of the best options for camping near Pune. Another way is staying at Lokmanya Tilak’s Homestay on top of Sinhagad. You can make the bookings for this at Kesariwada in Narayan Peth, Pune.

Staying on the top of the Sinhagad will provide you with the best views ever. For one thing, you can see the entire Pune city ablaze with lights from the top. You will feel like the whole world is at your feet when you watch that. Another thing to watch out is the stars. Sinhagad Fort Pune is a very well known place for stargazing near Pune. In the morning, you can head over to the east- side of the fort and watch the most mindblowing sunrise.

Sinhagad Bird Watching

Sinhagad Valley is the best place for bird watching near Pune. The most common sightings include Asian Paradise flycatcher, Verditer flycatcher and the Ultramarine flycatcher. In order to reach the Sinhagad Bird Valley, you have to take the left just at the beginning of the trekking route. Then you will come across a stream. A lot of birds come here for a drink of water. Even if you cannot identify all of them, it is a pleasant sight to watch and hear.

It would be best to reach here by 6.00 am or 6.30 am in the morning so that you can see some uncommon birds perching here. You can meet the Crested tree-swifts, white-spotted fantail flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch Flycatcher, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, Black-shouldered kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Sunbirds, Common tailorbirds and several other species of birds. Enjoy your birding but preserve nature.

Experience the Reverse Waterfall

Reverse Waterfall is a phenomenon that occurs at Sinhagad Fort in every monsoon. It might be hard to believe it unless you see and experience it for yourselves. As the waterfalls here during the monsoon, the wind pressure rising from the valleys, pushes the water upwards. This causes a reverse waterfall. You can see it only in the monsoon – Jun to Sept and it works best while heavy rains fall and strong winds blow.

The food at Sinhagad Fort

The Sinhagd Fort is a go-to place for the foodies from Pune city. Sinhagad Dahi is the most famous thing you will find here. It is an organic curd that is made in beautiful small earthen pots by the locals. It is sold along with salt and cumin (jeera) powder or sugar, as per your preference.

Pictured below is that perfect earthen pot of Sinhagad Dahi mixed with Jeera and Salt which I managed to click before eating. In the Backdrop is the Kalyan Darwaza.

There are also various shops that sell the traditional Maratha food items at Sinhagd Fort, Pune. There are various options like Zunka- Bhakar for the Vegetarians and Chicken gravy for the Non-Veg lovers. Additionally, they have various local snacks like Kanda- Bhaji, Palak Bhaji or Vadapav too. If you are thirsty don’t worry. In a variety of drinks, there is Tak, or Lassi and of course Lemonades. And if you want water, we have got you covered. There is a sweet water well on the top which gives amazing cool water. There are also various fruits like raw mangoes, tamarinds, amlas, etc laid out by the shop keepers in the most mouthwatering fashion.

• Bhakar or Bhakari –  This is the bread made from Jowar or Bajra grains which are harvested in plenty in Maharashtra and were a staple Maratha food before wheat grains arrived here from northern parts of India.
• Zunka or Pitala –  This is a spicy tasty curry made from gram flour. It is like a dip, in with which you eat Bhakari.
• Thecha –  this is a pickle to be eaten as a side snack. But be careful cause it is made of chillies.
• Dahi –  I can’t tell more about this organic yoghurt. Just go and taste it, and you will go back again and again just for it.
• Kanda Bhaji –  This is a side dish or snacks loved by everyone. To make these, long pieces of onion are dipped in gram flour and crispily fried.
• Tak –  This is a savoury version of buttermilk, made with water, Dahi, cumin powder and salt.
• Lassi –  This is a sweet version of buttermilk, made with water Dahi and sugar.
• Lemonades, Ice Gola, and summer fruits .
• Chicken and Mutton curries  are also served with local flavours, but I don’t eat them, so I cannot comment.

An appeal to tourists and trekkers

I have very fond memories of Sinhagad from several one-day trips to the Fort since my childhood. But when I visited it recently, I was surprised by the number of plastic bottles, plastic packets and other plastic trash lying all around. From the top, I could see several plastic bottles stuck up or hanging on the trees or grass below. It is indeed an  extremely sad sight . And that is why I make an appeal to all the people, whether tourists or trekkers, to  CARRY YOUR TRASH, especially PLASTIC . We all are educated and know very well the effects on the environment of our actions. Also if you can, please collect at least one or two bottles that you find on your way, and dispose of properly. Together we can make a change.

Plan your trek to Sinhagad Fort near Pune

How to reach sinhagad fort.

Sinhagad Fort is one of the closest forts near Pune. As mentioned earlier Pune to Sinhagad Fort distance is just 35 km, meaning you can reach here within an hour. For public transport, you can take the Pune to Sinhagad Fort bus. The Sinhagad fort bus (bus no. 50) starts from Shaniwar Wada and stops at Appa Balwant Chowk and Swargate. It will take you straight to Sinhagad Paytha. After reaching there you can go up the mountain on foot. If you are coming from Mumbai, then you must take a train from Dadar to Sinhagad Fort Paytha. Or you can take a bus to Sinhagad via Pune.

Alternatively, you can reach straight to the top by a motor road. It is completely safe for cars and bikes too. If you are going to Sinhagad in/on your own vehicle, you just have to take the Sinhagad road from Pune city and stay on it. Make sure to stop at Khadakwasla dam backwaters on the way. When you see a lot of water on your right with some food stalls you will know that its Khadakwasla. I would recommend taking your own vehicle to Sinhagad and enjoying the drive.

Best time to visit Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort can be visited at any time of the year. In each season it has something to offer.  Monsoon  is the time when the whole landscape around changes into a beautiful moving canvas. The waterfalls overflow with water, winds bring the clouds to your feet and the all the hills around are lush green. This is also the time when you can experience the reverse waterfall here.

Sinhagad Fort Entry Fee

Entry fee is INR 20 for two-wheelers and INR 50 for Four-wheelers.

Other Places to visit near Sinhagad

These are some of the places to visit near Sinhagad Fort.

• Khadakwasla Lake
• Panshet Lake
• Rajgad Fort
• Varasgaon Dam

FAQs about Sinhagad Fort

Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza, Tanaji Kada, Kalavanteen Buruj, Zujar Buruj, Daru Kothar, Devtake, Khandkada Machi, Kadelot Point, Kondhaneshwar Temple, Amruteshwar Temple, Tanaji Malusare’s Memorial, Udebhan Rathod’s Memorial, Chatrapati Rajaram Memorial

You can take the Pune to Sinhagad Fort bus and reach the base, then trek up the hill. Alternatively, you can go by the motor road that takes straight to the top on/in your own vehicle.

If you start trekking from the base ie. Sinhagad Paytha, it will take you around 3-4 hours if you are amateur trekker. Even less if you are a pro in trekking.

The Sinhagad Fort trek distance from the base ie.  Sinhagad Paytha  is 2.7 km.

Pune to Sinhagad Fort distance is 35 km.

You can take a train from Mumbai to Sinhagad. Alternatively, the driving distance from Mumbai to Sinhagad is 181 km.

Kondana fort near Pune, in Maharashtra, India. It was renamed in 1670 by Chp. Shivaji Maharaj as Sinhagad Killa. Today it is well known as Sinhagad Fort.

Zunka-Bhakar, Pitali-Bhakari, Techa, Dahi, Kanda Bhaji, Tak, Lassi, Lemonades, Ice Golas, Summer or seasonal fruits, chicken and mutton curries.

Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, Purandar Fort, Lohgad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tung Fort.

Panshet Dam (16 km), Khadakwasla Dam (16 km), Neelkantheshwar hill temple (10 km), Rajgad Fort (16 km), Pune city (35 km)

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This would be the first time I would be treking to Sinhagad fort. Your detailed blog has made it easy for me to plan this trek.

Thanks for this wonderful blog.

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Sinhagad Fort: A Timeless Marvel Amidst Nature’s Bounty

Nestled amidst the breathtakingly beautiful Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, Sinhagad Fort stands as a testament to both historical valor and natural splendor. This ancient fort, which translates to the “Lion’s Fort,” is not only a treasure trove of history but also a magnet for trekkers, history buffs, and anyone seeking to connect with the region’s rich heritage.

History of Sinhagad Fort: The pages of history unfold dramatically as one delves into the story of Sinhagad Fort. Originally named Kondhana, it earned its current title after a fierce battle in 1670 when Tanaji Malusare, a Maratha warrior, and his troops scaled the fort’s steep cliffs. This battle, immortalized in Maratha folklore, showcased extraordinary valor and determination, making Sinhagad Fort a symbol of courage and resilience.

Architecture and Structure: Sinhagad Fort’s architectural layout is a marvel of its time. Its robust stone walls, bastions, and watchtowers reveal a deep understanding of military strategy. The fort also houses historical structures like the Kali Temple and a memorial dedicated to Tanaji Malusare. The sweeping views from its vantage points offer panoramic vistas of the Sahyadris.

Significance and Cultural Importance: Beyond its historical significance, Sinhagad Fort is a cultural icon, representing the indomitable spirit of the Marathas. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the cause of self-rule and the enduring legacy of warriors like Tanaji. The fort remains a place of pilgrimage, drawing devotees to its sacred temples.

Visitor Information: Access to Sinhagad Fort involves a thrilling trek through lush greenery. Visitors can explore the fort throughout the year, with a nominal entry fee. Trekking enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the adventure of reaching its summit.

Best Time to Visit: For pleasant weather and the allure of lush landscapes, the best time to visit Sinhagad Fort is from October to March. Monsoon treks offer a different charm with vibrant greenery and cascading waterfalls.

Nearby Attractions: Sinhagad Fort’s vicinity boasts attractions like Khadakwasla Dam, Panshet Dam, and Temghar Dam, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Conclusion: Sinhagad Fort is not just an ancient structure; it’s a living testament to the bravery and tenacity of warriors who dared to dream of self-rule. As you ascend its slopes and explore its ramparts, you’re not just visiting history; you’re participating in a timeless saga of valor and resilience.

Featured Image – https://en.wikipedia.org/

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A Day Trip To Sinhagad Fort

This Saturday early in the morning while having a cup of coffee my wife suddenly started talking about Tanaji Malusre. Those who don’t know, he was a great warrior and a loyal childhood Friend of Maratha King Shivaji. He won the Kondhana Fort(Now known as Sinhagad Fort) from Udaybhan Rathod on the same day of his son’s marriage. In doing so he lost his life.

Great Tanaji Malusare Memorial

I decided to write something about Sinhagad Fort having such a great and rich history. Located 35 km away from Pune city standing on the hills of Bhuleshwar range, this fort is witness of so many battles fought.

If you are imagining a fort with thick walls, expensive courtyards, king’s seat, fountains and paintings then you may face a disappointment. However, panoramic view of the landscape, a sheet of milk formed by clouds drifting with very light shower, lush green mountains and authentic Maharashtrian food will leave you spellbound.

Sinhagad Fort Route :

• If you are riding a bike or driving a car then it’s very easy to reach Sinhagad Fort. Last time, I started at 9 am from Shivaji Nagar and reached Khadakwasla Dam in about 40 Mins. You can enjoy by sitting on the Shore of Khadakwasla Lake having a cup of tea/coffee and a plate full of bhel. From there it’s hardly a 20 Mins drive to Sinhagad Fort. Please note Liquor is banned and Police may check your vehicle for the same.
• By Bus – From MANPA or Katraj Bus Depot the buses are available to Sinhagad Paitha. From there you can catch a cab/rickshaw.

A Choice Of Trekking To Sinhagad:

Once you reach Sinhagad Paitha or in simpler words Sinhagad Village, you can opt to Trek too. The route is mostly rocky and straight up. It is an easy level trek and will take about 1.5 to 2 hrs to reach on the top. If you are an experienced trekker, then it will take hardly 45-50 mins to reach the fort. Park your car/bike at Sinhagad Paitha, where the villagers will charge a very minimal amount.

While trekking you can take short breaks to enjoy eating Raw Mangoes, Corn, berries or even opt for Buttermilk. There are various small huts(stores) or tapris where you can take a short break. These small huts owned by local villagers is a very important source of income for them.

SinhagadFort :

Upon successful capture of the fort in 1670 by Shivaji Maharaj, Sinhagad fort has served as an important military outpost. The signs are clearly visible once you enter the Fort. Most of the part of the Sinhagad Fort are in ruins. The fort houses small ponds which were the source of Fresh water and memorial of Tanaji and Tomb of Rajaram Chatrapati(second son of Shivaji Maharaj).

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bungalow

Dedicated to Tanaji bravery is TanajiKada from where the brave Marathi soldiers climbed the fort and conquered it. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak met Mahatama Gandhi in this fort only which is one of the historical moment in India’s freedom struggle. There is a bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak also inside the premise of the fort.

Pune Darwaza

Non-vegetarian food, Alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited inside the fort. Sinhagad Fort has two main entrances – Pune Darwaza and KalyanDarwaza. Today people mostly use Pune Darwaza to enter. View from top of the fort is amazing and Green mountains of Western Ghats adds a new flavour to this mesmerizing beauty. Khadakwasla Dam is clearly visible from the fort.

A View From Khadakwasla Chowpati

Inside the fort there is an ordnance room which was used to store the canon and canon balls. On the opposite side of the Ordnance room a narrow entrance takes you to the horse stables.

Ordnance Room

While walking one may come across small eateries shop and can enjoy authentic Marathi food. Kulhad Dahi(Clay Pot Curd) along with Peethla Bhakri and Pakoras are just luscious. Hatti tank is next to these eateries shop. This tank was the biggest source of fresh water inside the fort.

Pot Clay Curd (Kulhad Dahi)

Kalyan Darwaza, mostly used by trekkers is on the opposite side of Pune Darwaza. The landscape and the path to Kalyan Darwaza is breathtaking and scenic.

Last time it took me 2.5 hrs to cover whole fort including time taken in lunch.

Time to visit : July to March. Best time to visit is during Monsoons.

Interesting Fact: During a normal flight the temperature outside your plane is around -60 degree Fahrenheit.

Please note a You Tube Channel has been created for The Tripper Vegster, where you can check videos of my experience at different locations. I will request you to please pay a visit to the channel as me and my wife are working very hard to share our experiences with all of you. Pleas like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. Comments and Feedback are welcome.

The Tripper Vegster –   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCREmHiIfXdIxt3SDlGDlghw

This is not a recent trip and I do not encourage any kind of travel during this harsh time. Please stay safe and maintain social distance to fight against the Corona Virus. A small step by you will lead to a better life ahead.

13 thoughts on “ A Day Trip To Sinhagad Fort ”

Nicely described 👌

Thank u…

Awesome pics and descriptions. Felt like been there.

Thank u so much… Any feedback is always welcome

Great article.. Quite descriptive.

Thank u so much..please share the blog… It means alot

Well described! Nice blog.

Thank you so much..

Impressive !

Thank you….

Great blog. Nicely described

Thank you very much.

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• 20 Easy Treks Near Pune

• Maharashtra

Easy Treks around Pune

Here is a list of easy treks near pune:, quick navigation.

Rajmachi Fort Trek and Camping

Trek Region: Lonavala, Igatpuri, MH

Trek Duration: 2 Days & 1 Night

Pick-up & Drop Details: The exact location will be conveyed by the Tour Operator after your booking has been confirmed.

Rajmachi Fort Trek Starting Point: Udhewadi, Maharashtra (Base Village)

Age Limit: 15+ years

Trek Difficulty Level: Medium

Rajmachi Fort Height: 2750.ft approx.

About Rajmachi Fort Trek and Camping:

Rajmachi Fort is one of the most beautiful historical forts located in the rugged hills of the Sahyadri mountains. Surrounded by lush green mountains, beautiful flora and fauna, waterfalls, and green valleys, this fort is a perfect place for trekking. Through the Rajmachi Fort trek, reconnect yourself with the beauty of nature and experience an adventurous day out with your friends and loved ones.

Kalsubai Trek - Sunrise

Activity Location: Bari Village, Igatpuri, Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

Starting Point:  Bari Village (Base village)

Pick-up Locations: According to the package selected.

Total Duration:  1 Night and 1 Day

Kalsubai Shikhar's Height : 1646 meters (approx.)

Trek Length: 4- 5 km (approx.)

Trek Duration: 3.5- 4 Hours (one way)

Trek Difficulty Level:  Moderate

About Kalsubai Trek - Sunrise:

Get ready for the mesmerising Kalsubai Trek and explore the mountains of Mumbai. Traverse through the highest peak of the Sahyadri region which is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 1,646 meters. Soak in the views of beautiful landscapes, picturesque greenery, and multiple waterfalls. So, experience the thrills while trekking and cherish the amazing moments. Enjoy a long trek and arrive at the highest peak in Maharashtra. Book Kalsubai Trek and admire breathtaking mountain views.

Tikona Fort Trek, Lonavala

Pick-up Location:

• Western Railway Station, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
• GR8V+F4X, Pulachi Wadi Rd, Pulachi Wadi, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
• Kamshet, Maharashtra 410405

Activity Starting Time: 9:30 AM

Activity Duration: 3 Hours (Approx.)

About the Tikona Fort Trek:

Fill your day with the exciting experience of trekking near Maharashtra's largest city and record some of the most memorable adventures and thrills. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to trek around Tikona Fort and stroll through one of Maharashtra's most charming forts. When you go on a Tikona Fort trip, you will be visiting a spot that is the centre of numerous activities and offers views of a beautiful lake located near the fort. So lace up your boots and prepare to go on this exciting journey.

Vasota Fort Jungle Trek and Camping, Pune

Activity Location:  Bamnoli, Maharashtra

Pick-up Points:

• City Pride Satara Road: 07:30 PM
• Katraj Chowk : 08:30 PM

Note:  The exact location will be conveyed by the Tour Operator after your booking has been confirmed.

Activity Timings:  11:55 PM (Day 1) - Till 11:30 PM (Day 2)

Activity Duration:  2 Nights & 1 Day

Fort Elevation: 3814 Ft

Trek Trail: Lake + Jungle trail

Trek Length: Approx. 5-6 km

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Activity Duration: Ferry (75 mins) + (Trek 2:30 hrs) - One Way

About the Vasota Fort Jungle Trek, Pune:

The Vasota Trek offers trekkers the opportunity to travel through a path that is surrounded by dense forests and a river. Get ready for an adventurous expedition and explore the vasota fort, which is known as one of the famous forts for trekking in the Sahyadri. As you continue your trek, catch glimpses of the lush green beauty of nature. So, get the Vasota Fort Jungle Trek package and have an amazing 2.5 hours of trekking with your friends and family.

Lohagad Fort Night Trek, Lonavala | Book @ 680 Only

Starting point: Malavali Railway Station

Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek Book Online

Timing - 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Location -  Katraj, Maharashtra

Starting Point - Pune

Pickup point :

• Kinara Hotel, near Katraj PMT bus stop, Pune

About the Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek:

The Katraj to Sinhagad night trek, assisted by the professional guide begins from the Katraj Tunnel Top (Old) from where you would proceed towards a chain of mountains and trek for a distance of 16 km to Sinhagad, which is famous for many prominent battles. The Katraj to Sinhagad night trek experience lets you witness the picturesque beauty of the mountains with enjoying the soothing breeze of the full moon night. The package also includes breakfast and tea that you can savor to fulfill your appetite. 

Sudhagad Fort Trek

Sudhagad Fort is a replica of the famous Raigad Fort. Being large in nature with an enormous perimeter, it holds several lakes, temples, and captivating view spots like Bhoreshwar Temple, Panchchapur Darwaja, Takmak Tok, and Dindi Darwaja.

Temples within the fortress spell of intrinsic cravings. Mapped with multiple secret paths, Sudhagad fort trek is one of the easiest trails located at a height of 2,030ft above sea level. This is highly recommended for beginners as an option for trekking in Pune.

Distance from Pune:  130km

Starting Point:  Pali Village near Khapoli

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Trek Length:  2hrs

Best Season:  Monsoon and winter Famous Read:  25 Best One Day Trip Near Pune

Andharban Trek Pune

Trek Location : Pimpri, Tamhini Ghat, Maharashtra

Trek Difficulty Level : It is a moderate-level trek and requires good endurance. Having prior trekking experience makes it easier. The only risky part of this trek is crossing water streams during monsoons as the river becomes turbulent. 

Trek Distance : 13 km trail

Trek Altitude : 2160 feet

Trek Type : Jungle / Valley Descend Trek

Trek Duration : It roughly takes 6-7 hours to complete this trek, which includes a lunch break at Hirdi village.

Andharban Distance from Mumbai:  133 km

Andharban Distance from Pune:  67   km

Andharban Distance from Lonavala:  48   km

About Andharban Trek Pune:

Andharban got its name from Andhra which means dark and ban which means, forest. Located at an altitude of 2160 feet, Andharban forest will make you skip your heartbeat with the majestic view of verdant mountains and sparkling waterfalls.

Book your tickets and experience one of the most refreshing treks in the Sahyadri, the most beautiful attraction connecting the Tamini Ghat to the famous Konkan region. Experience the pleasure of deep jungles with enthralling views and walking through the jungle’s nature trails which are surrounded by the sounds of rusting leaves, insects buzzing, birds chirping and gushing waterfalls bubbling over the rocks.

Tung Fort Trek, Lonavala | Book Online @ ₹1050 & Save 25%

Ghangad to Korigad Trek

Located at about 110km from Pune, Ghangad is quite a sight for the nature lover’s eyes. The fort has seen scant expeditions over the past few years and remains still untouched by mans concrete fingers. The Mulshi River flows beneath the fort and gives the place the feel of a historical movie shoot. If loneliness had a royal ambience, it would be here at Ghangad.

The fort is surrounded by Korigad, Telbaila and Sudhgad, yet it stands out from all the surrounding places as the ‘fortress of solitude’. Few have dared to explore this mysterious area, and Ghangad to Korigad Trek is one of the most exciting things to do after a hectic week.  Korigad, located about 20km away from Lonavala, Pune also holds great historic value as India’s formidable forts. 

About the Activity with Details:

Explore the rugged terrains of Maharashtra’s historic forts with Korigad trek and your adventure loving family and friends. The forts are surrounded by thick, deciduous forests and the tough stone pathways, making way for a challenging and exciting climb. 

Once you have exhausted your brains at work for the entire week, get home, pack your trekking gear and prepare yourselves for an amazing Korigad trek for the weekend! Depart from Fergusson College at the early hours, around 06:15AM and fuel your stomach with amazing breakfast at Mulshi before you proceed for the trek. Explore the raw beauty of rural nature around you as you pass through the base village and trek towards Ghangad.

Whip out your notepads and cameras as the wild, forested nature around you is worth a million photographs and poems, as you reach the top of the fort.  Indulge in a packed lunch as you breathe in the clean and fresh air before making your descent towards the base village. 

Get your gear together as you begin your Ghangad to Korigad Trek. Once you reach the base village, rest a while before heading up towards Korigad Fort. Experience the raw historic significance of India’s great kings gone by while exploring the fort and once you have revelled in the beauty, make your descent towards the base village.

Replenish yourself with a hot cup of tea and snacks and make your departure back to Pune around nightfall after this exciting Korigad trek experience.

Kaas Plateau Trek, Book Now & Get Flat 22% off

Location: Satara, Maharashtra Start Time/End Time: 10:00 PM (Day 1) - 10:00 PM (Day 2) Embark on a super adventurous and thrilling trekking session at the kaas plateau and explore the  valley of flowers, based on the high hills of Sahyadri range. Observe the plateau keenly which is occupied with wildflowers (during the season that prevails on September and October). Roam endlessly at the whole of  kaas plateau that conveys the glimpses of a carpet in various colours. Get picked up by a p rivate non-ac bus from Dadar and enjoy a comfortable transportation before and after the trekking session. You shall savour on the scrumptious meals that would be provided in breakfast, lunch and dinner, as mentioned in the itinerary and are totally inclusive of the package. Also the trekking session to the kaas plateau also is inclusive of all entry charges required for the activity. Suitable for: All age group, friends, family and corporate outings How to Reach: The pick-up location would be  Dadar TT Circle and you can reach the spot with the help of private and public transportation. Note :  Pregnant women and children below 5 years are not allowed to join the activity.

Trek at Vikatgad Peb Fort, Neral @ 890 Only

Vikatgad, located on the west side of Neral, is an ideal spot for a super thrilling trekking adventure. The mesmerizing scenic view and heat-treating beauty of several mountains along with its panoramic view make it a hotspot for nature lovers. The Historical references of the location and the chain of caves is a must to visit and explore in this monsoon season.

About the trek

The Vikatgad trekking lets you experience the perfect combination of the mesmerizing beauty of the greenery and the panoramic scenic view of the blissful mountains. This first trek of the rainy season implies to limitless eye-pleasing views and adventurous experiences like scaling the thrilling peak of Maharashtra. The trek takes you to a historical journey at Fort Peb that is famous for its supposed shape of the Elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha. The Vikatgad trek with moderate difficulty level shall be carried out with trained and certified experts who are sure to guide you with maximum support throughout your journey.

This trek of approx 2100 feet above MSL gets you the best lifetime monsoon experience with never degrading weekend memories. The trek has been scheduled on Sunday for the following dates in order to get you maximum flexibility with time management and 0 hassle for work days.

How to reach

Vikatgad, popularly known as Fort Peb is based at a distance of 3-4 km towards the west of Neral. The Vikatgad trek provides you with transportation facilities from Neral and drops you back to Neral with no additional charges. Group size: 20 Age-limit: 14-45 years Difficulty Level: Moderate Day: Saturday/Sunday

Trek leaders’ decisions will be final and binding. Participants or Members are responsible for his/her own safety and baggage. Team reserves all the right to change/deviate/cancel the plans without prior notice. There is no freshen up / washroom facility at the top. There is only a toilet at the base village. Floaters and Sandals are not allowed, please wear sports shoes or trekking shoes of good quality.

Trekking Expedition to Vichitragad

About the Destination:

Most popular among trekking enthusiasts both young and old, the Rohida- Vichitragad is located amongst the beautiful forests of the Sahyadris and is one of the most exciting trekking trails. Located at about 70km from the nearest city of Pune, it is a fort that is rich with history of the Yadava, Maratha and the Moghul empires who all tried to capture the fort at some point in history. Verdant greens and thickets of forests with pretty hamlets dotting the way is what you can hope to experience on this one of a kind trekking experience!

About the Activity with Details: 

Your adventurous Trekking Expedition to Rohida begins with your arrival at Bhor at 09.15AM (Approx.) strengthen yourself for the expedition ahead with some breakfast at a local eatery. Thereafter, post a short travel to the base camp of the fort which is at Bajarwadi, you can commence on the trek at 10.30AM. Pass through various stunning pathways through the thick monsoon vegetation that is at its prime during this time. Behold the wonderful valleys that surround you during the Trekking Expedition to Rohida and let nature enchant you with its charms. Explore the ruins of structures while trekking in Sahyadris, including a beautiful Rohideshwar temple and differently shaped bastions that are a relic of history and congratulate yourself on finally summiting the fort.

After taking in the beauty around you while trekking in Sahyadris, embark on the trail downwards at around 02.00PM and reach the base camp at Bajarwadi. Embark on a return journey from Trekking Expedition to Rohida to Pune taking back the memories of this wonderful trekking expedition.

Highest Altitude: 3660ft

Raireshwar Trek & Kenjalgad Trek | Book Online & Save 20%

Location: Pune, Maharashtra Activity Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Enjoy a thrilling Raireshwar Trek and explore the Kenjalgad Fort with your friends and explore the location. Know about the stone structure temple and learn its historical importance with the help of a professional expert who would guide you throughout the entire journey. To avail the Raireshwar trek, reach the meetup points at around 07:00 AM from where you would be taken to the base village and grab a delicious breakfast. After reaching at around 10:30 AM to the base, you shall begin with the fun-filled trek to Raireshwar and reach the top around noon. 

Prabalgad Trek, Panvel | Book Prabalgad Fort Trek @ ₹820 Only!

A Trek to Panhalgad

Rich with history and lore the tale of the capture of Panhalagad is famous throughout the pages of history. Located in the towering ranges of Sahyadri Ranges near the city of Kolhapur, Trek to Panhalgad is one of the most strategic vantage offering views of the Bijapur trade route, an important route in the times of Maratha and Mughal empires.

The fort itself is an awe inspiring structure built in the 12th Century. With various historical monuments gracing its top, Panhalgad trek is a treat for all the history buffs. The monsoons lend their special caress to the beauty of the fort to transform it into a green and serene paradise. Embark on this offbeat Monsoon trek and let history come alive!

Relive the inspiring history of the Panhalgad Fort and a pay your homage to the brave souls who laid down their lives for its capture by the Maratha Empire as you Trek to Panhalgad. The expedition and adventure starts as you depart Pune with your group to reach Panhala Fort early in the morning. Thereafter, as you arrive at the fort next morning, take in the serene natural beauty and embark on the trail as you continue the Panhalgad trek. Observe and admire the pretty hamlets that dot your way and pay your respects at the Veer Baaji Prabhu Deshpande Tomb, in honour of the martyr who laid down his life fighting.

Your memorable excursion of Trek to Panhalgad comes to an end as you depart for Pune early next evening, carrying with you the warm feeling of having witnessed a moment in history.

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Pune Top Attractions

Shaniwar Wada is an excellent example of the Maratha Imperial architecture used in India in the bygone era. It tells the historical tale of the Maratha Kingdom as it has seen every event that occurred in Peshwas Life over time. It was built by the Peshwas’ symbolizing the brave hearts of the Marathas, who strived hard to keep its glory alive. Though the fort couldn’t tolerate the battering from the wrong time but the stone boundaries still recite the untold tales of the colourful journeys lead by the heroic Marathas.However, some ruins still remain reciting the remarkable stories and contorted tales. You can witness the enormous stone boundaries made to protect the beautiful Shaniwar Wada, which shows the level of security provided to the people of the kingdom. The walls have a magnificent wooden gate reflecting the Mughal architecture, which is another example of how secure the palace was made. There are long iron spikes tucked into the gate, which could reduce the attack of the enemy and kept elephants away.Besides this, you can see a garden which follows the style of the Mughal architecture. It also has a lovely fountain resembling a 16 petaled lotus, right in the middle of the garden. Adding to that, you can see the boundaries marked on the ground, which could tell about all the rooms. There is nothing more than this havoc of time, which changed the face of the mighty Shaniwar Wada into nothing. But you can still make these remains your window into the past to relive what has happened in history.History of Shaniwar Wada:The foundation stone of the Shaniwar Wada was laid in 1730 by Peshwa Bajirao I. Initially, it was intended to be a colossal palace of seven stories made out of stone. But the people of the national capital argued that only King can have a castle made of stone. So, the construction of Shaniwar Wada began using bricks. It took two years to complete this elegant structure, which displayed an excellent blend of the Maratha Imperial architecture with the Mughal architecture. The interiors had valuable furniture and decorations along with carvings of flowers and paintings of scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The first major fire in the year 1791 destroyed a significant part of the fort, which was re-constructed again. Then the next explosion in 1808 burnt all the necessary artifacts and documents in the palace. Then another fire in 1812 destroyed the upper two stories of the castle, followed by a fire in 1813 which destroyed the Royal Hall. All this destruction was taken to another level in the year 1818. The British attacked Shaniwar Wada, which resulted in collapsing all the top stories. Finally, in the year 1828, a fire caught the whole palace, which burned for a week and wrecked it. Architecture of Shaniwar Wada:Architecture of Shaniwar Wada is an excellent example of Maratha style of construction blended with authentic Mughal architecture. The main gate, also known as Delhi Darwaza, is adorned with iron spikes to restrain the enemy attack as it is enormous enough to pass an elephant through it. There is a small aisle on the top of the door which has dome-shaped windows definitely taken from the Mughal architecture. Besides this gate, the Wada has four more gates, namely Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaja, and Narayan Darwaza. The walls have floral carvings and paintings resembling the Mughal architecture style. Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are also found painted at various significant spots. The windows and doors are also dome-shaped contributing to the traces of Mughal architecture. Archaeologists believe that initially, the fort was six-floored before it was destroyed by the fire. Finally, the garden has a 16 petaled lotus representing the grace of the bygone era.

Built in 1982 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is a magnificent piece of history situated in 19 acres of land in the Yerwada area in Pune. Referred to as one of the most important landmarks of Indian history, along with the Indian freedom struggle, the palace has its roots deeply etched into bygone eras. The palace was built to help the poor in the areas surrounding Pune, which was drastically hit by famine in the early 1980s. One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in all of Pune, the Aga Khan Palace is also a famous tourist attraction, which was designed by a world-famous architect called Charles Correa.Additionally, the palace houses the samadhis (memorials) of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi. Sources suggest that both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai breathed their last in the palace premises. And it is because of this that their memorials have been safeguarded in the palace grounds.The Aga Khan Palace is located in a huge ground, and has five, luxurious and spacious halls, along with several lawns. The structure resonates of Italian architecture, elegant yet intricate and magnificent.Of all the rooms and features of the palace, its arches are the most beautiful, almost mesmerising to the eyes. Aga Khan Palace has two huge floors, in addition to a corridor which spreads across the entire structure. The palace is known for organising several exhibitions and programmes throughout the year. Most of these reflect Gandhi’s lifestyle, thereby offering visitors a deep insight into the Mahatma’s life. Moreover, it is because of this and Gandhi’s links to it that the palace is now also known as the Gandhi National Memorial Society. One of the most prominent attractions of the palace is the room where Gandhi stayed during his imprisonment, along with his personal belongings and pictures of the other freedom fighters. |

Sinhagad or Kondana is a pride of the southwestern region of Pune. This fort was the one to support Maharashtra during the ancient battles. Sinhagad battle of 1671 is the significant one. Bhuleshwar range of the great Sahyadris is the home to this historical monument. The fortress has an elevation of around 1312 m above the sea level. Sinhagad has got its own breakneck slopes to protect it from all sides. There are two entrances to this fort – one in the north-eastern region (Pune Darwaza) and another one towards the southeastern part (Kalyan Darwaza). The authenticity and the richness of Sinhagad fortress date back to around 1000 years. This is evident from the carvings present on the walls of Kaundinya Eshwar temple there. Sinhagad is valued as a true sightseeing heritage.To begin your sightseeing adventure, you have Rajaram’s tomb which is worth a visit. The fortress displays some of the adorable monoliths of Tanaji Malusare – one of the efficient safe-keepers of the fort from Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Besides these crucial displays, the fortress has got its own military depot, a Kali temple, breweries, and a Hanuman effigy. Pune Darwaza, Kalyan Darwaza, Tilak Bungalow, Hawa Point, Kade Lot, Amruteshwar Temple, Tanaji Samadhi and Memorial raises the elegance of this fortress even today.Summiting the fortress offers some stunning views of the Khadakwasla Dam from one end; while from its other side, you can see glimpses of Torna Fort.

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Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek – Most Adventurous Night Trek around Pune

• posted on March 8, 2019 April 26, 2021

Being an adventure enthusiast, I am always in search of new places and thrilling experiences. It’s been almost three months since I’ve shifted to Pune and with each day I am falling more and more in love with this city. One of the main reasons is the ample opportunities for trekking in and around the city. Among the many amazing trekking routes is the Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek (K2S).

The night trek from Katraj to Sinhagad was on my to-do list for a very long time. Finally, I got a chance to do this trek with the amazing team of Adventure Pulse . 

K2S Night Trek:

• Location: Katraj to Sinhgad, Pune, Maharashtra
• Best time to do the trek: Winter
• Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
• Level : Moderate to Difficult
• Starts From : Katraj Old Tunnel, Pune
• Ends at : Sinhagad Fort Road, Pune

Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek route starts from the old Katraj tunnel and ends at the Sinhagad fort road head. It crosses about 13 hills covering a distance of almost 13 km. It is among the toughest treks available in the Sahyadris. The trekking distance is a challenging task because of the steep trails and multiple hills in between. The trek offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, especially on a full moon night. The views are so surreal and the sunrise makes it all worth the hard work to climb the hills.

We reached the start point after a short drive from Pune. After a basic introduction and briefing, we started this exciting adventure. As we climbed the base of the first hill, we could see a stream of tiny lights from the torches of other groups ahead of us. The weather was pleasantly chilly and the moon was shining bright in the clear sky.

After reaching a high point, we could see the city lights from Pune city as well as the vehicles on the distant roads. For the next hour, we walked on the same trail above the tunnel with the road and lights visible in the distance. Eventually, the trail took us on the other side of the hill and we could see hills and valleys all around us. The climb up the first hill was easy and everyone was comfortable walking on the narrow trails. Trekking at night, the full moon was flooding the trails with light. We could even trek without headlamps and torches. Atop of the hills, we spotted the famous red antenna tower light placed at Sinhagad Fort. 

The blinking red light can be used for directional aid when someone loses their way. The descent from the first hill was comfortable and quick. As we moved further towards the other hills the trails became very steep and slippery at some parts. Some of the sections became quite hard to climb. However, with the support from fellow trekkers and the expert team of Adventure Pulse , everyone managed to cross them. The trek leader and the team stayed in contact with each other through walkie talkies. This was to ensure that everyone was walking on the right trail and did not get lost in the darkness.

It started getting colder and windier as we moved higher. Still, everyone kept moving at a steady pace. With the changing gradient of the terrain came the ever-increasing difficulty climbing it. But we mustered on.

As we were nearing the end of the trek, we took a final break halfway down a hill. We could hear the wind whistling as we rested on the slope, our legs stiff and tired. Thankfully, we had each been provided with snack boxes by the Adventure Pulse Team. The snacks were a real savior and we quickly regained our energy because of them. The night, however, was getting ever colder and everyone was starting to show signs of sleep. Refueled and rested, we didn’t wait for too long and continued on our way.

As we continued onward from our snack break, we were facing our toughest challenge yet. The final three hills. For anyone who has done the K2S trek before, they know why it is one of the most challenging treks in the Sahyadris. A major reason for this is the last few hills. 

The final three hills before the Katraj fort stand tall and majestic. They each have a very steep climb and following that, a very steep descent. Plus, we hadn’t slept all night so the thought of a warm and soft bed was looming over our head. We were also exhausted from 8 hours of constant trekking and our legs were ready to give up any second. 

When you add all of these together, you get the toughest part of the Katraj to Sinhagad night trek. Undeterred, we continued. With a little bit of help and encouragement from our guides at Adventure Pulse, we finally climbed what seemed to be an endless slope. We had successfully conquered the mighty K2S trek!

Around 06:00 am we reached on the top of the last hill. The much-awaited sunrise painted the sky with different shades of orange and yellow. It was one of the most magnificent sunrises I have ever seen in my life! After descending from the last hill, we finished the trek near the Sinhagad fort road head. I am happy that I was able to successfully finish this difficult and challenging night trek. It was a great experience to meet like-minded people and trek with them. A special mention to the wonderful team of Adventure Pulse who made this trek possible and a memorable one.

I have listed out few important points which one should keep in mind before doing the Katraj to Sinhagad night trek. For those who want to push their limits and have a passion for mountains, this night trek is the one for you.

Things to keep in mind during katraj to sinhagad night trek:

• Although anyone with average fitness can do this K2S trek, it is very important to be in good shape. People who are regular with cycling, gym, swimming or any other sports can easily complete the trek without any difficulties.
• For all those who are lazy and not regular with any of this, “consistency is the key”. However, small treks before doing the K2S night trek are advisable. During the trek, you will realize the importance of water and hydrating yourself. 
• Carry at least 2 liters of water with you as it is very important to keep your body hydrated throughout the trek. Glucose water or Electral is the best way to boost up the energy. Also, try to set a pace while walking. Do not walk very faster and exhaust your body. 
• Sleep well during the day and eat light for the dinner so that you don’t feel sleepy while walking throughout the night. A good music playlist or conversations with fellow trekkers helps a lot! 
• Enjoy the surroundings, set small targets, take short breaks and click photos whenever possible. Since it is a night trek it is very important to wear proper clothing. 
• You should avoid wearing short pants as the trail also passes through dense vegetation. Long trekking pants help to avoid getting hurt by dry grass and thorns as well as protect you from insect bites. 
• Carry a jacket if you are trekking during the winter as it is quite windy. Trekking shoes play a major role as the trails are very difficult in some sections. 
• The trail keeps changing from slippery rocks to soil and grassy patches, so choose a comfortable pair of shoes. Ankle length shoes like Forclaz 100/500 are the best option. 
• Since there isn’t a well-defined trail, it is important to do katraj to sinhagad night trek under the guidance of expert guides like Adventure Pulse.

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An avid trekker himself, Umang has completed his Basic & Advance Mountaineering Courses and led numerous treks in India & Nepal. Umang loves sharing his travel experiences on his blog: Eat, Click, Travel.

Best Night Treks near Pune and Mumbai you must visit in 2020

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Lohagad Fort Trek: A Day trip from Pune

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by admin

Lohagad Fort is a popular day trip from Pune and especially visited in monsoon. Check out this guide on Lohagad Fort Trek.

Monsoon season in Pune means heading to the Western Ghats. The first rains are especially special and if it is a weekend then day trips around Pune are for trekking, nature walks, camping and chasing waterfalls.

Pune’s surroundings are nature’s bounty thanks to the Sahyadri hills of Western ghats. I reminisce about one such day trip from Pune to Lohagad wherein I contemplated if the Lohagad Fort trek would be as easy as they say it is.

Shivneri Fort in Junnar is another fort worth the climb!

Table of Contents

About Lohagad Fort

Lohagad is one of the historical citadels situated on a hillock in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra.

Lohagad Fort is said to be one of the must-visit places in Maharashtra, especially for trekking enthusiasts.

Lohagad in Marathi translates to ‘Iron Fort’ and is backed by the rich history and architectural brilliance which makes it a favourite and a quick getaway for the students, IT professionals and BPO employees of Pune. Don’t get me wrong, others enjoy it equally!

Lohagad Fort divides the river basins of Indrayani and Pavna and is situated at an elevation of 1,033 meters above mean sea level.

Lohagad is connected to the neighbouring Visapur Fort which is on its eastern side. The fort is still intact and in a good condition as compared to many others in Maharashtra. Lohagad has been declared a protected monument by the Archeology Survey of India (ASI).

Talking about climbing forts how about walking on the Second Longest Wall in the World?

History of Lohagad Fort

The history of this fort is associated with the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji Maharaj had captured Lohagad in 1648 and it was handed over to Mughals in 1665 according to the Treaty of Purandar. After five years, the Marathas recaptured it in 1670 and it was used as storage to keep wealth.

It is believed that several other dynasties, such as Rashtrakutas, Nizamshahis, Yadavas, Chalukyas, Mughals, Bahamanis, Satavahanas , have used this fort for several purposes. This is the reason why the fort plays a prominent role in the history of Maharashtra.

Most forts in Maharashtra offer breathtaking views from the top after a hike. Read about Hike to Sinhagad Fort , a half-day trip from Pune that can be combined with a visit to Khadakwasla dam. The kanda bhajjis (onion fritters) are a must eat at Sinhagad fort.

Lohagad Fort Trek: My experience

4 friends on 2 bikes started from Pune on an early Saturday morning towards Lohagad via NH48. An hour into the ride and our stomachs already grumbled for some breakfast. We stopped in one of the roadside shacks selling ‘Chai’ and ‘Pohe’ overlooking the beautiful countryside. After the pit stop, we started again towards Kamshet.

The mundane highway traffic noise was rattled by high-speed bikers who zoomed past us.

It took us over 2 hours to cover the 55km stretch from Pune to Lohagad including the breakfast stop. We reached the Malavli village and upon asking the villagers (works so much better than GPS!), they guided us towards Lohagadwadi village. Lohagad Fort trek starting point is Malavali village for people coming by train and Lohagadwadi village for people on bikes/cars.

We came across the Gaimukh Khind exactly as the villagers had told us the directions and took a right turn towards Lohagadwadi. We promised ourselves to take a left turn soon so as to do the Visapur fort trek , next time. 

A small parking area on the foothills near Lohagadwadi village makes it easy to keep the vehicles. It is possible for bikes to go up to the parking area near Bhaja caves. It is generally safe to park there. We found the stairs toward the end of the trekking trail, which would lead us straight to the fort.

We started on the first stairs at about 10:30 am and enquired from the visitors who had already descended the Lohagad fort steps and an enthusiastic guy replied ‘ About 500 EASY steps!

So we started climbing those easy steps breathing in the fresher air with every stair higher.

As we neared the top we came across four doors – the first one is called ‘Ganesh Darwaja’ which houses a broken shrine of Ganapati.

The second one is called ‘Narayan Darwaja’ which houses the shrine of Goddess Parvati postured in crossed legs.

The third one is called ‘Hanuman Darwaja’ which has Lord Hanuman carvings in a dilapidated state, probably because it is known to be the most ancient of all the doors in the fort.

The fourth one is called ‘Maha Darwaaja’ which has a wooden structure built in the Mughal style and the opposite of it houses the cenotaph dedicated to Aurangzeb.

We crossed a room-like looking structure between the Narayan & Hanuman Darwaja. In the yesteryears, these were two godowns that were used for the storage purposes of ammunition. After entering the Maha Darwaja we came across an old mosque. Towards the right of Maha Darwaja, we came across ‘Laxmi Kothi’ which had many rooms. Two cannons are placed here. 

We noticed that the entire Lohagad consisted of numerous structures, carvings and caves, some intact and some ruined.

The hill extended to the northwest to a fortified spur which is a 1500 meter long & 30 meters wide part of the mountain, separated from the main part. Viewing from the fort this area looks like a scorpion’s tail and hence it is called Vinchu Kata. This part of the fort acted as a watchtower to keep tabs on enemy activity and attack a launch if required. 

We spent the early part of our afternoon and our grumbling stomach reminded us that we need food. The Lohagad fort trek does not have food stalls and the snacks and water that we carried were about to get over. So we decided to climb down and reach the base at 4 pm. We considered going to the nearby waterfalls but we were too tired and hungry and decided to pass it for next time.

All this trekking reminded me of trek to Triund hill . 

Best time to visit Lohagad Fort

The best time to visit Lohagad Fort is during the monsoon months i.e. June to September as it receives heavy rainfall, which makes the trekking track green and spectacular. The top is full of mist. One can also visit it in winter till March when the weather is pleasant and humidity is low. 

How to reach Lohagad Fort

Lohagad is a few kilometres away from Mumbai and Pune and can be reached by the following modes of transport:

The Pune International Airport is the closest airport. It is located at a distance of 55kms from Lohagad which takes around 2hrs of a drive on the Mumbai-Pune Highway. 

The nearest railway station is Malavli. It is just 6kms away from Lohagad Fort. Lonavala is another major railway station near Lohagad. It is 12kms away from Lohagad Fort.

Lohagad is accessible by road. Just follow the Mumbai-Pune Highway to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lohagad Fort Trek

Who built lohagad fort.

The fort was built by Guru Govind Singh and it was designed to serve as a prison. However, over the years, it was used for various purposes.

Lohagad trek time/ Time required to climb Lohagad fort Pune?

It took us 2 hours to climb Lohagad with ample photography stops and a first-time visit. For people visiting it often, the trek can be completed within 40 minutes.

What are Lohagad trek timings?

Lohagad trek is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Is food available in Lohagad?

Food is only available at the base village or in the shacks at the base. Cooking is not allowed inside the fort premises. Carrying dry snacks is allowed.

Are toilets available on Lohagad fort?

There are no toilets available in the fort. Ensure to use a toilet before you start the trek.

Where to stay in Lohagad?

Though Lohagad trek is a one day trip from Pune, it can be combined with leisure stay in Lohagad Boat club on the banks of Pawna Lake. There are also many campsites to choose from. 

Is Lohagad fort trek easy? | What is the difficulty level of Lohagad trek?

Lohagad trek is an easy to moderate trek that can be done by anyone. You can be easily be prepared for the trek by following the points below:

• Physical fitness: No special training is required for the Lohagad trek, but the fitter you are the better you enjoy it.
• Exercise and walk: You need to have good stamina for trekking. Regular walking along with some cardiovascular exercises increases the stamina required for the trek. 

Distance from Mumbai to Lohagad / How to reach Lohagad from Mumbai?

Lohagad trek from Mumbai distance is 100 km and three hours drive.  

Distance from Pune to Lohagad Distance/ How to reach Lohagad from Pune?

Lohagad from Pune is two hours drive 65 km approx. Car parking is available near the Bhaja village. 

Things to Carry on Lohagad Fort trek

• Good trekking shoes or any comfortable shoes
• Water-bottle 
• Hat or cap or stole
• Medicines if you are suffering from any allergy or you are on any medication.

Sustainable Tips for Lohagad Fort Trek

• Carry a bag to store the wrappers and plastic packets. Take it back to the base or even better back to the city for disposal. DO NOT under any circumstances throw the plastic in water tanks at the top of the fort – it is impossible to clean it.
• Do not dispose of leftover food during the trek or on the top. 
• Take food only in the quantity that you will consume.
• Do not carry liquor – it is banned to consume it on the fort premises.
• Do not write on or distort the rocks of the fort. You are witnessing a portion of history so respect it.

Read More Blogs from Maharashtra

• Diveagar – The Konkan Paradise
• One day trip to Alibaug from Mumbai
• Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik
• Nashik Tourist Places

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

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I never heard of this place before but I’m so glad I came across your post. These photos are so lovely. I will have to add this to my never ending bucket-list. Hopefully when travel restrictions become normal again I will be able to experience this place myself one day.

Why do you go in Monsoon season? I have never experienced one, but it isn’t dangerous? I love the idea of a day with caves, waterfalls, biking and hiking.

Jamie, monsoon is huge in India as the rains make the waterfalls swell and makes the mountains green. It is only in the monsoon that we get rains so we really look forward to travelling in that season.

Wow, I loved the views of the River basins from the top of Lohagad. That must have been even better in person especially after biking for 2 hours and then trekking up 500 “easy” steps! That one gate view you captured is really beautiful. It always amazes me when you find structures in hard to reach or hidden areas that have such amazing architecture because that means great workers had to carry all of that up there & then build it!

I have fond memories from my time in Pune too, I miss the city so much! Lohagad was a trip we made often but never actually did the hike – too lazy for that! Wish I could go back now and do the hike though, it sounds amazing!

Wow, the fort really is stunning built into the rock like that! A bike ride sounds like the perfect way to start the day and get the blood flowing for the hike. And I can see what you mean about visiting during monsoon season. The surroundings really are so green and lush!

Thank you for such a detailed post! Saving it so I can refer to it when I plan a trip there, of course after the pandemic ends

Glad to know that Pooja. Lohagad is a lovely place with a short trek. I hope you have a good time, whenever you go!

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