Pune: Massive Tourist Rush at Sinhagad Fort Over the Weekend: Rs.216000 Collected for Conservation Efforts
Pune: Massive Tourist Rush at Sinhagad Fort Over the Weekend: Rs.216000 Collected for Conservation Efforts
As the monsoon rain refreshed the hills and brought the lush greenery back to life, thousands of nature enthusiasts and families from Pune flocked to Sinhagad Fort this past weekend, turning the historic site into a buzzing hotspot of activity. With the school holidays coming to an end and Monday marking the beginning of the academic year, many took the opportunity to unwind in the scenic beauty of the Sahyadri hills before routine life resumed.
Across Saturday and Sunday (June 14 and 15), more than 15,000 tourists visited the iconic fort. According to estimates, around 2,504 two-wheelers and 900 four-wheelers carried approximately 10,500 visitors, while private passenger vehicles brought in about 5,000 more.
What makes this rush even more noteworthy is the environmental initiative that benefited from it. Through an entry and activity fee collected from vehicles entering the area, a total of ₹2,16,700 was gathered over the two days. This amount was directly deposited into the account of the ‘Ghera Sinhagad’ Forest Conservation Committee, which is actively involved in maintaining cleanliness on the fort, planting trees, preserving nature trails, caring for water sources, and protecting the fort’s unique biodiversity.
To ensure that the natural sanctuary remained free of disturbances, security guards were stationed at key points to prevent alcohol from being carried onto the premises. In two instances, individuals attempting to bring alcohol were caught and penalized. The fines collected were also added to the committee’s conservation fund.
Sunday, in particular, saw an overwhelming number of tourists, which led to heavy traffic congestion in the Sinhagad ghat section. In the final stretch—about three kilometers before the fort—many visitors opted to park their vehicles along the roadside and trek the rest of the way on foot. Long lines of vehicles were seen near the Kondhanpur junction, highlighting the fort’s rising popularity during the monsoon season.
Recent rainfall in the Panshet, Khadakwasla, and Sinhagad areas has transformed the landscape, making it a green paradise for visitors. The refreshing weather and stunning views have once again positioned Sinhagad as one of the top weekend destinations for Pune residents.
