Pune: Over 15,000 Tourists Flock to Rain-Washed Sinhagad; Rs 2.16 Lakh Collected in Two Days
Pune, 15th June 2025: The monsoon magic returned to Sinhagad Fort this weekend, drawing more than 15,000 tourists over Saturday and Sunday. As school holidays came to an end, families made the most of the last vacation day by visiting the lush, rain-drenched hills of the historic fort, located on the outskirts of Pune.
With continuous showers enhancing the natural beauty of the region, the fort witnessed an unprecedented tourist rush, leading to traffic congestion near Sinhagad Ghat and long queues of vehicles at the Kondhanpur fork.
š¶āāļø Visitor Numbers Surge
According to official estimates:
- 2,504 two-wheelers and 900 four-wheelers transported around 10,500 tourists to the fort
- Another 5,000 visitors arrived via private transport vehicles
š° Conservation Through Tourism
A total of ā¹2,16,700 was collected from activity fees paid by vehicle owners and directly deposited into the bank account of the āGhera Sinhagadā Forest Conservation Committee. This fund is used for:
- Tree plantation drives
- Trail and waterbody maintenance
- Biodiversity conservation
- Fort cleanliness and upkeep
The initiative reflects a growing model of eco-tourism, where public participation helps sustain heritage and ecology.
š Security and Law Enforcement
Security arrangements were in place to prevent the entry of liquor onto the fort premises. Action was taken against two vehicle drivers attempting to bring alcohol; fines collected from them were also added to the conservation fund.
š Traffic and Trekking
Due to the overwhelming crowd, traffic jams were reported near the last 3-kilometer stretch to the fort. Many visitors parked their vehicles roadside and chose to trek up the scenic route on foot, soaking in the fresh monsoon air and verdant surroundings.
Sinhagad, already a favorite among Puneās nature lovers, has once again proven its popularity with the arrival of the first rains. As schools reopen, this weekend served as a perfect monsoon send-off for thousands of families who embraced the fortās timeless charm.
