Pune: Scenic spots like Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Torna forts, nestled in the lush Sahyadri mountain range, witnessed an overwhelming rush of tourists, eager to soak in the breathtaking greenery left behind by the recent rains.

The natural beauty, made even more vibrant by the monsoon showers, drew thousands of visitors to these historic forts, making the most of a rain-free holiday this past Sunday (September 29).

Starting as early as 6 a.m., tourists began arriving at Sinhagad to enjoy the cool, green-clad surroundings. Both the ghat road and the Atkarwadi walking trail were bustling with activity throughout the day, as visitors trekked to and from the fort.

Popular landmarks like the Samadhi of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, the Pune Darwaza, and the Kalyan Darwaza were crowded with visitors eager to immerse themselves in the fort’s historic ambiance.

Along with the sights, local food vendors had a busy day, serving tourists traditional delicacies such as onion fritters and 'besan bhakri', which proved to be crowd favorites.

Despite the large influx of visitors, the Forest Department’s careful traffic management prevented the notorious ghat road from becoming overly congested.

Over 1,023 two-wheelers and 441 four-wheelers were recorded entering Sinhagad throughout the day, contributing to a significant toll collection. Between Saturday and Sunday alone, the Forest Department earned over ₹1.25 lakh in toll fees.

Meanwhile, Rajgad Fort, another historic site associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, attracted a crowd of over 4,000 tourists.

The royal court and the Balekilla, key parts of the fort, were buzzing with activity. Rajgad’s caretaker, Bapu Sable, noted that the fort remained lively all day, as the break in rainfall provided ideal conditions for sightseeing.

In addition to these forts, popular spots like the Khadakwasla Dam promenade and Panshet Dam area were filled with tourists enjoying the serene views of the water and lush landscapes.