Table of Contents
Tikona fort ( तिकोना किल्ला )
Tikona Fort, also called Vitandgad, is a well-known hill fort in the Maval region of western India. It stands at 3500 feet tall and has a unique triangular shape, which is why it’s named “Tikona,” meaning “triangular.” The fort is situated near the village of Tikona-Peth, around 60 km from Pune and close to Kamshet.
This fort is a popular spot for trekking, with steep 90-degree stairs that add to the adventure. While exploring, visitors can see interesting places like the Vintandeshwar Mahadev Temple, Chapetdan Maruti Mandir, and ancient Satvahan caves. The top of the fort offers stunning views of the Sahyadri mountain range, the Pavana Dam, and nearby forts like Lohagad, Visapur, and Tung.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just starting out, Tikona Fort offers an exciting blend of history, nature, and amazing views for everyone to enjoy.
Tikona fort History
Tikona Fort has a long and fascinating history that dates back many centuries. Located in the Pawana Maval region, the fort was originally built around the 7th or 8th century A.D. In 1585, Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I of the Nizam Shahi dynasty captured Tikona Fort. Later, in 1657, the famous Maratha leader Shivaji I took over the fort, along with others like Karnala, Lohgad, and Visapur, bringing the whole Konkan region under his control.
The fort served as a key strategic point and the center of control for the Pawana Maval region. In 1660, the Dhamale family, Deshmukhs from the Maval region, were given the responsibility of protecting Tikona Fort, and they held it for a long time. In 1665, following the Treaty of Purandar, the Mughal forces led by Kubad Khan attacked and took over the fort, but it was later recaptured by the Marathas.
In 1682, King Sambhaji met with Aurangzeb’s son, Akbar, at Tikona Fort. Although Akbar was initially supposed to stay at the fort, he was moved to Jaitapur due to unsuitable weather. The fort’s history also includes a brief battle in 1818 between the Maratha army and the British, before it was captured by the latter. Tikona Fort’s rich history and strategic importance make it a fascinating place to explore and learn about.
Journey Toward Tikona Fort
After a busy week, I was eager for a relaxing weekend getaway. So, on a Sunday morning, I called my friend Akshay, and we decided to explore Bhandara Dongar and Kundmala, which are close to each other. We left home around 12 PM, excited for the day ahead.
As we drove towards Bhandara Dongar, we hoped for some rain since it was the monsoon season. But after an hour on the road, there was still no sign of rain. Akshay joked, “Bro, it’s monsoon, and we’re out in the open, but not a single drop of rain. How about we switch plans and head to Lonavala instead? We could enjoy the rain and catch a view of Tiger Point.” However, since Lonavala would be crowded on a weekend, we opted for Tikona Fort, which promised a more peaceful experience.
We continued our journey towards Tikona Fort. About an hour into our ride, as we reached Kamshet, the rain finally started. Akshay, thrilled by the rain, began singing “Ghanan Ghanan Ghir Aaye, Ghanan Ghanan Ghir Aaye” from the movie Lagaan. His excitement was contagious, and we both laughed at how eagerly he wanted to enjoy the rain.
The road to Pavna Dam was stunning, with the monsoon transforming the mountains into lush green landscapes. We saw numerous waterfalls cascading down the hills, creating a picturesque scene. As we drove through the ghat section, we came across the Shri Kedarnath Mahadev Temple. The temple added a touch of charm and spirituality to the beautiful surroundings. We continued on to the base village of Pavna Dam. The route here was filled with twists and turns, offering breathtaking views. This area was even more beautiful than Lonavala, with fewer crowds and colorful resorts adding to the charm. We could clearly see Tikona Fort from this route.
Once we reached the entrance gate of Tikona Peth village, which is the base village for Tikona Fort, we saw signs directing us to the parking area. Although there were signs from local hotels suggesting other parking spots, I remembered the main parking area from a previous visit six years ago. We made our way there and parked our bike. The parking area had several boards with information about Tikona Fort and emergency contact numbers.
We paid the parking fee of ₹20 and began our trek towards the fort. The journey was filled with scenic beauty, and the anticipation of reaching Tikona Fort made it even more exciting.
Tikona Fort Trek
Tikona Fort is a captivating destination in the Sahyadri range, perfect for an adventurous trek. Our journey began with a spirited shout of “Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai,” which energized us as we set off on our trek. The trail led us through a dense jungle, where local vendors offered corn, Maggi, chai, and kanda bhaji from rustic tents made of wood, grass, and leaves. This setup gave us a genuine village feel.
The path was slippery from the rain, and we saw both damaged and newly constructed stairs. As we emerged from the thick jungle, we were greeted by stunning views of lush greenery and clouds playing hide and seek with the nearby mountains.
Scenic Views and Historic Sights
After taking a few selfies, we continued for about 20 minutes until we reached a historical spot called “Met.” This was a crucial checkpoint during Shivaji Maharaj’s era, used to send messages to the fort, defend against enemies and as a checking point.
Next, we encountered a unique rock-cut path that was created to make the route easier. This path was formed by cutting through the rock, and the view from this location was incredible. We took some more photos here before moving on.
We finally arrived at the first door of Tikona Fort, known as “Vetal Darwaja.” This entrance was carved directly from the mountain. As we entered, we found caves that were likely used for storage and sleeping in the past.
Since it was raining throughout the trek, we decided to take a break at a local shop. We enjoyed some hot tea, which was a great way to recharge. The shop owner had a friendly dog, and my friend Akshay started playing with it. Meanwhile, I savored my tea while enjoying the beautiful view and the rain. This moment made the trek even more memorable.
After enjoying our tea, we continued our journey and arrived at Maruti Mandir, also known as Capetdan Maruti. This famous temple is carved into stone and stands about 7 feet high. The last time I visited, the temple was open, but now it has a shelter over it. We took blessings here and then moved on with our trek.
We reached a ruined house, its walls worn by time, once a haven for the Mavale soldiers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Nearby, we discovered a small snack center run by local villagers, offering a taste of the region’s flavors. Deciding to take a break, we sat down within the ancient walls and ordered some freshly made kanda bhaji. The crispy onion fritters, served hot, were a perfect treat as we soaked in the history surrounding us, making the moment even more memorable.
Nearby, we visited the ruins of Shri Ramachi Gadi, a place full of history. It once had a Shri Ram Mandir and a sabha mandap (meeting hall), but now both are in ruins. This hall was once where important decisions were made, including planning festivals like Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti, and discussing the fort’s maintenance. Now, the ruins stand quietly, reminding us of a rich and vibrant past.
After exploring Shri Ramachi Gadi, we continued our trek and reached Tuljadevi Mandir, which is carved into the rock. Due to the rainy season, the path to this temple was closed because of a nearby water tank, which posed a risk of falling. After taking blessings at Tuljadevi Mandir, we moved forward into the dense jungle again. The rainwater trickling down the ruined stairs created a scenic view.
We came to the Chunnyaacha Ghaana (चून्याचा घाणा), a lime-crushing area that was crucial for constructing the fort. This lime was used as a binding material, which has helped keep the fort in good condition even today. The fort’s bricks might be broken, but the bond remains unbreakable because of this lime.
After crossing this area, we continued our trek and reached the main entrance gate of Tikona Fort, which was the most challenging part of our journey. Climbing these challenging stairs was the most difficult part of our trek, but thankfully, steel wires tied on both sides provided support.
Once we reached the top, we entered through Ballekilla Darwaja and saw more caves on the right. which were likely used for storage in the past. From this point, we had an aerial view of the main entrance door and its steep, 90-degree stairs.
Moving forward, we came to an empty passage with tatbandi (fortification walls) in good condition and an open window offering a scenic view. Due to the foggy weather and rain, it was hard to see the view clearly, so we quickly moved towards Shri Vitandeshwar Temple.
We arrived at Shri Vitandeshwar Temple, where outside, there was a ruined Nandi statue and Shivling. The water tank below the temple was full because of the rain. Inside the temple, we saw a large Shivling with water droplets continuously falling on it, enhancing the divine atmosphere. The temple also had a photo of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a Ganpati idol. The continuous rain falling on the Shivling outside made the scene even more devotional. As a devotee of Mahadev, this moment was especially meaningful to me.
While we were at the temple, we met four people from Vizag, Telangana. They spoke in Telugu, and since I am a fan of South Indian movies and know Telugu, I joined in their conversation. It was a fun moment, as it had been four years since I last spoke Telugu. We exchanged numbers, took a selfie, and bid them goodbye.
Behind the Mahadev temple, there was a large water tank. The fog made it hard to see clearly, but we noticed a Bhagva flag on an iron rod. From this point, we could see Pavna Lake and the surrounding forts like Lohagad, Visapur, and Tung. Although the fog initially obstructed our view, it cleared up, revealing the beautiful Pavna Lake surrounded by green mountains. We sat there for a while, enjoying the serene view and the sounds of nature – the rain and the wind.
As it was getting late, around 5 PM, the fort guard informed us that it was time to close the fort. Although the fort is usually open 24 hours, it is closed between 5 and 6 PM to preserve its historical significance and heritage. We began our descent, carrying with us the memories of an amazing trek. After 25 minutes, we reached the parking area. We had a quick breakfast, enjoying the food and talking about our trek. Feeling happy and proud, we started our journey home. Completing the unplanned Tikona trek was an amazing experience, making us excited for our next adventure.
When are you planning to visit Tikona Fort? If you need any help or have questions, feel free to add a comment or contact me through social media. Links are given below.
How to reach Tikona fort
Tikona Fort is located in the Mawal taluka of Pune, Maharashtra. Here’s how you can reach this historic fort using different routes:
Route 1: Via Lonavala and Kamshet
Distance from Lonavala: 25 kilometers
Nearest Major Railway Station: Lonavala and Malavali
Travel Steps:
Take a local train from Mumbai to Pune. From Pune, board another train to Kamshet. From Kamshet, hourly buses are available to Tikona Peth. The trek begins approximately 2 kilometers from Tikona Peth. An alternative is to use a private car, which also allows you to visit Pawna Lake on the way.
Route 2: Via Paud Road
Distance from Pune: Direct route via Paud Road
Distance from Kamshet: 26 kilometers
Travel Steps:
From Pune, drive towards Paud and follow Paud Road, which leads directly to Tikona Peth. This route offers scenic views and a more direct drive.
Additional Information:
Closest Town: Kamshet, located 51 kilometers from Pune.
Tikona Peth: Located 26 kilometers from Kamshet.
Choose the route that best suits your convenience and enjoy the scenic drive to Tikona Fort!
Best Time to Visit Tikona Fort
Tikona Fort is a wonderful trek to enjoy year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm:
Winter and Summer:
- Stunning sunsets with vibrant colors.
- Clear views of Pawna Lake and nearby forts like Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur.
Monsoon:
- Dramatic play of clouds adding a magical touch to the landscape.
- Lush greenery and a refreshing atmosphere.
The trek is easy and enjoyable in any season, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Timining and Entry fees
You can visit Tikona Fort every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There’s a vehicle entry charge of 20 Rs for two-wheelers and 50 Rs for four-wheelers.
Conclusion
Tikona Fort is more than just a trek; it’s a journey through history and nature’s beauty. The triangular peak offers breathtaking views, making every step worthwhile. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Tikona Fort has something special to offer. The thrill of the climb, the serenity of the surroundings, and the rich history make it a must-visit destination. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore this hidden gem in the Sahyadri range.
Tikona Fort FAQs
1. What are the trekking hours of Tikona Fort?
Tikona Fort is generally open from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is recommended to start your trek early in the morning to fully enjoy the fort and its surroundings, and to begin your return journey by 5 pm.
2. What is the best time to visit Tikona Fort?
The best time to visit Tikona Fort is during the monsoon (June to September) when the surroundings are lush and green. Winter (November to February) is also ideal for trekking as the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, so early morning or late afternoon treks are advisable.
3. How can I reach Tikona Fort?
- By Train: Take a train to Pune Railway Station. From Pune, Tikona Fort is approximately 60 km away. You can then hire a taxi or take a bus to Kamshet and further to Tikona Peth.
- By Road: Tikona Fort is about 60 km from Pune and 130 km from Mumbai. You can hire a cab or take a bus from these cities.
- By Air: Fly to Pune International Airport. From there, you can use taxis or buses to reach Tikona Fort.
4. Where should I stay when visiting Tikona Fort?
For basic accommodation, you can stay at Tikona Peth, the base village. For more comfortable options, consider staying in Lonavala, which has a range of hotels and resorts.
5. What food options are available near Tikona Fort?
In Tikona Peth, there are basic food options and local eateries. Along the trek, you’ll find a few food stalls offering snacks and tea. For more substantial meals, you can visit Tikona Upahar Gruha in the village.
6. How long does the trek to Tikona Fort take?
The trek to Tikona Fort typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.
7. What should I carry for the trek?
Carry water, snacks, a rain jacket or poncho, comfortable trekking shoes, and a camera. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash for parking fees and small purchases along the way.
8. Are there any specific safety tips for trekking Tikona Fort?
- Start early to avoid the heat and enjoy the trek.
- Be cautious on slippery paths, especially during or after rain.
- Follow the trail signs and avoid straying off the marked paths.
- Carry sufficient water and snacks, and ensure your mobile phone is charged.
9. Are there any local attractions near Tikona Fort?
Yes, nearby attractions include Pawna Lake, which offers serene views, and Bedse Caves, known for their ancient rock-cut architecture.
10. Is camping allowed at Tikona Fort?
Camping is generally not permitted within the fort premises. However, local villagers may offer accommodation options. It’s best to check in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
Tell Others About Tikona fort
Follow for More Travel Stories
Recent post
Explore Nighoj Potholes: Asia’s Largest Basalt Rock Marvel Just 90km from Pune
Why Do We Say ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’? Discover the Spiritual Journey to Shree Moraya Gosavi Temple, Chinchwad
