Pune closes Sinhagad and Shivneri forts to visitors after heavy rain

Authorities in Pune have closed Sinhagad and Shivneri forts to visitors as a precaution after heavy monsoon rain and landslide risk in the district.

The closures come after a week of weather disruption across Pune and the surrounding Western Ghats, where heavy rain has already triggered landslides and transport problems.

Closures after heavy rain

Local coverage said rain intensity in Pune had eased by July 8, but Sinhagad and Shivneri remained shut for safety reasons. The move is intended to reduce risks for tourists, trekkers and other visitors on steep hill routes that can become unsafe during the monsoon.

Sinhagad had already been closed after a landslide earlier in the week, according to reporting on July 4. The July 8 update added that Shivneri was also closed to visitors.

Wider monsoon disruption

The shutdowns come amid broader monsoon disruption in the region. Heavy rain in Maharashtra’s ghat belt has caused landslides and traffic and rail interruptions, including problems on the Mumbai-Pune road and rail corridor.

The India Meteorological Department was still forecasting light to moderate rain in Pune and nearby areas over the next two days, keeping the safety outlook uncertain.

What happens next

Reopening will depend on weather conditions and local safety checks at the forts. For now, authorities are keeping access suspended as a precaution rather than treating the closures as long-term shutdowns.

Sinhagad, near Pune, and Shivneri, in Junnar taluka, are both major tourist and trekking sites in Pune district.