This fort was originally called Kondhana. Sinh means Lion and Gad means Fort. It was named after Tanaji Malsure (General of King Shivaji) who died in the battle (1670) while conquering the fort from Mughals. King Shivaji was happy because they conquered the fort but was very sad because they lost their Sardar (Gereral), and exclaimed ‘We conquered the fort but lost the Lion’! Hence the name Lion-Fort – Sinhgad. This fort has natural advantages. Cliffs on all sides and the height (highest elevation on fort is 4202ft).
Tanaji Malsure had tied rope to a Monitor Lizard and made her climb the toughest cliff where no one expected the attack and with rope he and his soldiers climbed and won the fort. They had named the huge lizard ‘Shevanti’, the cliff is named after her.
A superb view of the surrounding from 4000ft height, just 30kms from Pune is a favorite tourist destination. Donje Village(20kms) road to Fort further (10kms) till the top, or you can trek. Accessible in all seasons, but don’t trek during mansoon. It is very steep and slippery. Free Parking. Entrance fee at first gate at Donje is charged. (bike Rs 20/-).
Don’t forget to take drinking water, binocular, Goggle and Cap (in summer), Sweaters (in winter) and raincoats (in Mansoon). Although there are railings all around don’t cross them and don’t let children go out of your site. In Mansoon the rocks are mossy and slippery; the rains heavy, the winds very powerful at some places and any time or most of it you will be engulfed in the clouds. You can wander paved paths everywhere or trek (8kms) along the railing by the edges at your own risk.
This Fort is total NO Smoking and NO Liquor zone.
Great ‘Tanaji’ took ‘Shevanti’ lizard and conquered the fort, go your style and conquer my cache! ?
