A New Year Holidays Weekday Escape to Sinhagad Fort – Family, Food & Golden Sunsets
Some trips are planned. Some just happen. And then there are those rare outings that quietly turn into memories you’ll talk about for years. Our weekday visit to Sinhagad Fort during the Christmas holidays was exactly that — spontaneous, crowded, joyful, and full of Puneri charm.
Family Time, Fort Vibes & Holiday Energy
This trip became extra special because my wife’s sister had come all the way from Gujarat with her two kids to spend Christmas holidays with us. Soon enough, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law also joined, turning the plan into a full-fledged family adventure. Three generations, lots of laughter, and one historic fort — a perfect combination.
Though it was a weekday, the Christmas holiday crowd was at its peak. Sinhagad was buzzing with life — families, bikers, trekkers, kids running around, and the constant hum of conversations mixed with cool mountain air. Yet, somehow, the fort never felt overwhelming. It felt alive.
A Proper Gavran Lunch at the Top
No visit to Sinhagad is complete without local food, and this time we went all in. Sitting at one of the small local eateries, we enjoyed a true gavran Maharashtrian lunch:
- Pithala–Bhakari
- Vangyacha Bharit
- Kanda Bhajji (hot and crispy!)
- Papad & Thecha (thesaa chutney)
- Rice with Mataki chi Bhaji
- And dher saara fresh Dahi
Simple food, bold flavours, and that unbeatable taste you only get on forts. The kids were curious, the elders were nostalgic, and we adults were just silently appreciating how food tastes better when eaten with a view.
Walking Through History
Post lunch, we explored the iconic spots that make Sinhagad legendary. We paid our respects at Tanaji Malusare’s Samadhi (Memorial) — a moment that naturally brings pride and goosebumps. Nearby temples, small water ponds, and stone pathways reminded us how much history this fort holds within its walls.
We walked through Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza, imagining the stories these massive gateways have silently witnessed over centuries. Every turn offered a new frame — raw stone textures, sweeping valley views, and the endless sky.
Sunset at Shivling Point (Potato Point)
As evening approached, we settled at Shivling Point, fondly known as Potato Point. Sitting there, watching the sun slowly dip behind the Sahyadris, was pure magic. The sky changed colours — soft orange, pink, and golden hues — while a cool breeze wrapped around us. No phones for a few minutes. Just silence, smiles, and shared awe.
Capturing Moments, One Click at a Time
Between my iPhone and camera, I captured countless photos and videos — candid family moments, wide landscape shots, kids laughing, and the fort glowing in evening light. The kids had their own highlight moment too — clicking pictures beside the newly installed canon, proudly posing like little photographers.
These weren’t just pictures; they were pauses in time.
More Than a Fort Visit
We spent the entire afternoon till late evening on the fort, and yet it felt like time flew. Sinhagad gave us more than views — it gave us a connection. Between family bonding, Puneri food, history lessons, and a soulful sunset, this trip felt wholesome.
Crowded or not, weekday or weekend — Sinhagad always delivers. And this Christmas holiday visit reminded me why simple family trips often become the most meaningful stories.