Kondana Fort, commonly spelled Kondhana Fort in official sources, is the historic hill fort now known as Sinhagad Fort in Pune district, Maharashtra. Set high in the Sahyadri mountains, the fort is closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Tanaji Malusare and the famous Battle of Sinhagad in 1670.
Today, Sinhagad is both a major historical landmark and a popular destination for trekkers and visitors from Pune. Its steep slopes, old gateways, fortifications, water reservoirs and sweeping views make it an interesting place to experience Maharashtra’s military and cultural history.
If you are searching for Kondana Fort information in English, the key point is simple: Kondana and Sinhagad refer to the same fort, with Kondhana being its earlier name and Sinhagad becoming its better-known later name.
What Is Kondana Fort?
Kondana Fort is an ancient hill fort in the Sahyadri range near Pune. It stands at roughly 1,300 metres above sea level, although published government sources give slightly different elevation figures. Maharashtra Tourism places Sinhagad at about 1,312 metres, while the Pune district administration gives 1,290 metres.
The fort’s location was its greatest natural defence. Steep slopes made direct attacks difficult, while the elevated position provided wide views over the surrounding landscape. The fort’s strategic value explains why it became an important stronghold during periods of conflict in the Deccan.
The name Sinhagad means “Lion’s Fort.” The fort was earlier known as Kondhana or Kondana. Maharashtra’s official tourism material connects the later name with the sacrifice of Tanaji Malusare during its recapture in 1670.
Kondana Fort History
The history of Kondana stretches much further back than the Maratha period. Government tourism sources describe the fort as having a history going back roughly 1,500 to 2,000 years, with Maharashtra Tourism also describing it as more than 2,000 years old.
Over the centuries, the fort passed through the control of different powers. Its location overlooking important parts of the Deccan made it valuable as a defensive and strategic position.
Its most famous historical chapter came during the 17th century, when the struggle between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire transformed the fort into a symbol of military courage and sacrifice.
Kondana and the Treaty of Purandar
The fort became part of the political settlement following the Treaty of Purandar in 1665. Historical records note that Kondana was among the forts surrendered by Shivaji to the Mughals. The Maharashtra Gazetteer records that Kondana remained under Mughal control until Shivaji’s forces recaptured it in 1670.
The loss of the fort was significant because of its strategic position near Pune. When circumstances changed in 1670, the Marathas began a campaign to recover forts that had previously been handed over.
Kondana was among the first important forts to be retaken.
Battle of Sinhagad in 1670
The Battle of Sinhagad, fought in 1670, is the event most closely associated with Kondana Fort.
The Maratha operation was led by Tanaji Malusare, one of Shivaji Maharaj’s trusted commanders. Historical accounts and government tourism sources describe a night assault in which Maratha soldiers climbed the steep fortifications and attacked the Mughal garrison.
Tanaji was killed during the fighting, but the Marathas succeeded in capturing the fort. The event subsequently became one of the best-known episodes in Maratha history.
A traditional account says that Shivaji Maharaj, on hearing of Tanaji’s death, remarked, “Gad aala, pan Sinha gela”—commonly translated as “The fort is won, but the lion is lost.” Maharashtra government tourism sources associate this story with the fort’s change from Kondhana to Sinhagad.
The story is also associated with the popular legend of a monitor lizard called Yashwanti, said to have helped the attackers scale the fort. This is best treated as a traditional legend rather than a separately verified detail of the battle.
Why Is Sinhagad Fort Important?
Sinhagad’s importance comes from more than one battle.
Strategic importance
The fort’s position on a high hill gave its occupants a natural defensive advantage. Its steep approaches, fortified walls, gateways and elevated position made it difficult to attack.
For the Marathas, control of Sinhagad was also important because of its proximity to Pune and its place within the wider network of forts across the Sahyadri region.
Historical importance
The 1670 capture turned Sinhagad into one of the most recognizable symbols of Maratha military history. Tanaji Malusare’s death during the campaign gave the fort a powerful place in popular memory.
Cultural importance
The fort remains associated with Tanaji’s memorial, traditional stories of the Maratha period and the broader history of Maharashtra. It is now visited not only for trekking but also by people interested in the region’s heritage.
Architecture and Important Places at Sinhagad
Much of the original fort has disappeared or survives only in ruins, but several historic features remain.
Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza
Sinhagad has two notable gateways: Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza. Their locations reflect the fort’s defensive design and its connections with the surrounding region.
Fortifications and bastions
The surviving walls, bastions and watchtowers illustrate how the hill itself formed part of the fort’s defence. The rugged terrain meant that extensive construction was not required along every part of the perimeter.
Water reservoirs
Ancient water-storage structures are another important feature of Sinhagad. Maharashtra Tourism highlights underground reservoirs and water-management systems as part of the fort’s historic infrastructure.
Tanaji Malusare memorial
A memorial to Tanaji Malusare is among the places visitors commonly look for on the fort. It serves as a reminder of the commander whose role in the 1670 campaign became central to Sinhagad’s history.
Kaundinyeshwar Temple
The Kaundinyeshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is another historic attraction identified in Maharashtra Tourism’s material on the fort.
Kondana Fort Trek and Visiting Sinhagad Today
For modern visitors, Sinhagad is one of the more accessible historic forts around Pune. A motorable road reaches the summit, so visitors do not necessarily have to complete the entire journey on foot.
For trekkers, the approach from Sinhagad village is a popular option. Maharashtra Tourism describes the village route as approximately 2.7 km, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the visitor and conditions. A steeper route approaches through the Kalyan Darwaza side.
The experience changes significantly with the season.
- Monsoon: The hills become green and misty, but trails can be slippery.
- Winter: Cooler weather generally makes walking and sightseeing more comfortable.
- Summer: Early morning or later afternoon is preferable because of the heat.
Maharashtra Tourism recommends winter for comfortable exploration while noting that the monsoon offers particularly lush scenery.
How to Reach Kondana Fort
Because the fort is now known as Sinhagad, travellers should search for Sinhagad Fort when planning a journey.
By road
Sinhagad is roughly 30–40 km from Pune depending on the starting point and route. The Pune district administration says buses are available, while Maharashtra Tourism also lists road access to the fort.
Private vehicles, taxis and other road transport can be used to reach the fort area.
By train
Pune is the nearest major railway station listed by the Pune district administration. From there, visitors can continue by road toward Sinhagad.
By air
Pune Airport is the nearest airport for visitors arriving by air. Maharashtra Tourism places it at roughly 40–45 km from the fort, depending on the reference point used.
What to See at Sinhagad Fort
A visit does not have to be limited to the main viewpoint. Depending on time and conditions, visitors can explore:
- Pune Darwaza
- Kalyan Darwaza
- Tanaji Malusare’s memorial
- Kaundinyeshwar Temple
- Historic fort walls and bastions
- Old water reservoirs
- Surviving military structures
- Panoramic views of the Sahyadri landscape
The fort is also known for local food stalls serving Maharashtrian favourites such as pithla-bhakri, zunka-bhakar and kanda bhaji.
Best Time to Visit Sinhagad Fort
There is no single perfect season for everyone.
October to February is generally a comfortable period for trekking and sightseeing because temperatures are milder and visibility can be good.
June to September brings the monsoon landscape to life. The surrounding hills become greener and mist often covers the fort. The trade-off is that wet rock and muddy trails can make walking more difficult.
During March to May, temperatures can rise considerably. If visiting during this period, an early start is usually more comfortable than attempting a long trek in the afternoon.
Kondana Fort Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Earlier name | Kondhana / Kondana |
| Present name | Sinhagad Fort |
| Location | Donaje, Haveli taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra |
| Mountain range | Sahyadri |
| Elevation | About 1,300 metres |
| Major historical event | Battle of Sinhagad, 1670 |
| Maratha commander associated with the battle | Tanaji Malusare |
| Notable gateways | Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza |
| Access | Road and trekking routes |
| Nearest major city | Pune |
The exact distance and elevation can vary between official sources because they use different reference points. For practical travel planning, it is more useful to treat Sinhagad as a fort roughly 30–40 km from Pune rather than rely on a single distance figure.
Kondana Fort vs Sinhagad Fort: Are They Different?
No. Kondana Fort and Sinhagad Fort are names for the same historic fort.
“Kondhana” is the spelling frequently used by government and historical sources for the earlier name. “Kondana” is also widely used in English-language searches and references. After the celebrated Maratha recapture in 1670, the fort became known as Sinhagad, meaning “Lion’s Fort.”
This is why someone searching for Kondana Fort information, Kondana Fort information in English, or Sinhagad Fort information is essentially looking for information about the same place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kondana, also commonly spelled Kondhana, was the earlier name of the fort. It is now known as Sinhagad Fort.
The fort is in Donaje village in Haveli taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. It is located southwest of Pune in the Sahyadri mountain range.
The name Sinhagad, meaning “Lion’s Fort,” became associated with the fort following its 1670 recapture and the death of Tanaji Malusare. Traditional accounts connect the name with Shivaji Maharaj’s description of Tanaji as a lion who was lost even though the fort had been won.
The Maratha campaign to recapture Kondana was led by Tanaji Malusare. The fort was successfully captured, although Tanaji was killed during the battle.
Yes. A motorable road provides access to the fort, so visitors do not have to trek all the way from the base. Trekking remains a popular way to experience the fort and surrounding landscape.
Winter, particularly from October to February, is generally comfortable for trekking and sightseeing. The monsoon from June to September is attractive for its green scenery, but wet and slippery trails require extra care.
Conclusion
Kondana Fort, now known as Sinhagad Fort, is one of Maharashtra’s most significant historic hill forts. Its importance comes from its strategic setting, long history and especially the 1670 battle in which Tanaji Malusare led the Maratha effort to recapture the fort.
For travellers, Sinhagad offers more than a historical story. The old gateways, fortifications, water structures, memorials, trekking paths and views across the Sahyadris make it a destination where history and landscape come together.
For anyone searching for Kondana Fort information in English, the essential fact to remember is that Kondana/Kondhana and Sinhagad are the same fort—a place whose 1670 history remains central to the story of Maharashtra’s Maratha heritage.
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