TREKKING AROUND PUNE

SINHAGAD FORT (1320 m) - From Swargate, Pune to Sinhagad base by bus (24 km). A well defined path leads to Pune darwaza of the fort (1 hour). A TV tower with lots of old construction can be seen on the top. The fort witnessed many battles during the Maratha period. In 1670 AD Tanaji won the fort for Shivaji. One can get down through the Kalyan Darwaza to Kalyan village and then to Kondhanpur. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

RAJGAD (1320 m) - It was the first capital of Shivaji for 25 years. From Swargate, travel to Gunjavne (30 km). A 2 hour trek through the ridge takes to the top. A steep rock face (Bale killa) climb is a thrilling experience. On top, the remenants of the Shivaji's palace can be seen. One can trek to Torna fort as it is connected via a ridge.

TORNA FORT (1403 m) - From Swargate travel to Welhe (35 km). Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. It is a 2 hour trek over the ridge. From the twin tower of Torna get down to the ridge for Rajgad. In a one day exhaustive trek one can visit Torna and Rajgad (7 km).

PURANDAR FORT (1393 m) - From Swargate travel to Saswad (30 km). Purandar bus takes you to base (7 km). It is a twin fort - Purandar and Vajragad. At the top there is a church in ruins and Bombay saphire camp. Kedareswar temple is at the top. Both forts can be covered by 5 hour trek. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

KAMALGAD (1378 m) - From Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar get down to Nandgaon, cross the Krishna river to Partewadi and follow the route to the top. Or from Panchgani (Table land) descend to Chikhlun and to Asangaon and then to fort (7 km).

PRATAPGAD (1393 m) - Fort is 24 km from Mahabaleshwar and is famous because of Afzal Khan's tomb. To and fro takes 2 hour .

RAIGAD FORT (862 m) - Mahad to Pachad and to the base of the fort by bus. Capital of Shivaji, connected by a rope way (Rs 60), trekking will be more enjoyable (to and fro 3 hour). Plenty of space and lot of constrution on top - Shivaji's samadhi, thrown, palace, market place, temples.