Hiking @ Sinhagad Fort

Today, Paul, me, Judene, Scott and Eric went on a hike up to Sinhagad Fort. Sinhagad Fort, literally translating to Lion Fort, is about 30 kilometers outside Pune and was built in the 1600's. We decided to hike 4 km up the hill through switchbacks, and then take a leisurely 8 km stroll back down the paved road. The total altitude we climbed was about 4,500 feet. We did not see any lions or leopards, but we did see some dung beetles and a crab and not to mention the splendid countryside that is now lush and green due to the monsoon rains.

Here I am 25% of the way up the hill . . .

View of the valley below and a chai station. These little chai stations are at various points up the hill selling chai, cucumbers, roasted corn and other treats.

An idyllic village below . . .

We finally made it to the top and the entrance to the fort . . .

As you can see, Judene and I found it easier to stroll down 8 km on this deserted road . . . it is usually packed with cars, but today it was completely empty and we were surrounded with natural beauty, fresh air, and no honking horns. Paul stops to smell the flowers . . .

We spot a curious temple on the way down . . .

Back to Scott and Judene's terrace at Waterfront to chat about the hike over some cheese and crackers.