SINHAGA                Sinhagad, the Lion Fort, is 24km south-west of Pune and makes an excellent day trip.  The nearly ruined  fort stands on top of a steep hill, where there are also a number of old bungalows; including one where Gandhi met with the freedom fighter Tilak in 1915.

                       In 1670 Shivaji's general, Tanaji Malusre, led a force who scaled the steep hillside in the dark and defeated the unprepared forces of Bijapur.  Legend about this dramatic attack relates that the Maratha forces use trained lizards to carry ropes up the hillside! There are monuments at the spot where he lost his left hand before his death.

                        A motorable road winds up to the fort, but if you come by local bus it's a sweaty 1 1/2 to two hour climb to the top, where you'll find a tea stall and cool drinks.  It's a good idea to bring water and food with you.

                     Getting There & Away

                  The Pune city bus No 50 Runs frequently to Sinhagad village (from where you must walk) from 5.25am until evening.  It leaves from the bus stop `Architect College' opposite Nehru Stadium and the trip (Rs 100 takes 45 minutes