Now reduced to near-rubble, the scenic Sinhagad or Lion Fort, about 24km southwest of Pune, is steeped in history. Earlier controlled by Bijapur, the fort was conquered by Shivaji after an epic battle in 1670, in which he lost his son Sambhaji. Legend has it that Shivaji used pet monitor lizards yoked with ropes to scale the craggy walls of the fort. Today, all is forgotten, and the fort’s interiors are studded with telecommunication towers and ugly government buildings. However, it’s worth a visit for the sweeping views it offers.