london1967: (photographer)
[personal profile] london1967
The weather changed yesterday and this morning was grey here in Pune. But as I had arranged for the company driver to come and pick me up at 8 am, I decided to go on my trip anyway.

He drove us to the village of Sinhagad






and then we walked up to the ruins of the fort. 4 km (he said), all uphill (according to Wikipedia the village is at at 550 m/1,804 ft above the sea level and the fort is at 1,350 m/4,430ft).

It had started drizzinlg when we were in the car and carried on during our ascent. The drizzle made some of steepest parts of the uneven path very slippery.

Raghunath (the driver) insisted on accompanying me - I guess because he was given instructions at the office to look after me.


The fort is up there in the clouds.

Half way - the village in the distance.

Getting foggier

The path is dotted with shacks selling juices, fruits, etc.

Here's the driver enjoying a rest and a drink





Finally, the fort (not that you can see much!)


Within the very large perimeter of the fort, there is a memorial to Tanaji Malusare the hero of Sinhagad (Lion Fort)

Don't you think he looks remarkably like my beloved [livejournal.com profile] london1952? Adrian used to have earrings and that moustache style!

and among other small buildings and ruins, a couple of temples


The goddess Khali

Erm... not sure about this one




More pictures of the fort:

Memorial to "Lokmanya" Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Indian nationalist:

More people:
The chap on the right told me the story of the fort before bursting into song! (and asking for money)

And last but not least, 2 sacred cows down in the village:


I really enjoyed the trip; I met lots of people at the fort and on the way up/down and most were genuinely friendly. The wanted to know where I was from and what I thought of Pune and India; a father asked me to pose for a picture with his son before thanking me and shaking my hand.

On the way back, once already in Pune, the driver insisted on taking me shopping; I wasn't quite sure where because he didn't speak much English. It was a craft shop with some very nice stuff but it wasn't cheap. There the staff were way too 'attentive'!!
Then the driver wanted me to go to a rug shop just round the corner from the flat; this time I was very firm and just said No! What a cheek! But then on the other hand, he had just climbed a mountain for me.

Date: 2008-11-29 07:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] paterson-si.livejournal.com
exotic and beautiful :)

Date: 2008-11-30 03:50 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] london1967.livejournal.com
Shame about the weather but it was still an experience.

There was something rather eerie in walking around in the fog.

How Delightful!

Date: 2008-11-29 10:25 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] redbearmark.livejournal.com
thanks for sharing - I am getting my Anglo/India fix vicariously.

Looked like a good day of exercise and certainly colourful.

Hope you sleep well tonight!

I may have to break out some of my films to watch now!

Re: How Delightful!

Date: 2008-11-30 03:49 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] london1967.livejournal.com
My pleasure Mark!

(And you spelled colourful the British way!)

I certainly slept much better last night.

Re: How Delightful!

Date: 2008-11-30 02:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] redbearmark.livejournal.com
I spelled colourful the correct and proper way (smiling).

I used to get my ship's captain's notice when the logs for the radio shack in port included an entry to the harbor control center. I always spelled it with a u - harbour.

I like my consonants sprinkled with some vowels. Too many guys think being silent is the way to be manly!

Re: How Delightful!

Date: 2008-11-30 04:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] london1967.livejournal.com
I was going to say the 'correct' way but you know.... LOL!

I am often silent (but only because I am a quiet guy).

Re: How Delightful!

Date: 2008-11-30 05:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] redbearmark.livejournal.com
I bet you are quite naturally sexy in your quietness - still waters run deep!

my look-a-like !

Date: 2008-11-30 06:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] london1952.livejournal.com
maybe I should put my ear-rings back in for your return !! LOL or will I look like a holy-cow?? LOL

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