The Great Escapers

 Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad, is a popular trekking destination in Maharashtra, especially enchanting during the monsoon season. It offers a perfect blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and adventure, making it a favored spot for trekkers near Mumbai and Pune.

Overview of Tikona Fort

• Location: Tikona Fort is situated in the Maval region of the Pune district, about 60 km from Pune and 120 km from Mumbai.
• Elevation: The fort stands at an elevation of about 3,500 feet (1,066 meters) above sea level.

Historical Significance

• Maratha Empire: Tikona Fort holds historical importance as it was a strategic military fort during the Maratha Empire.
• Peshwa Period: The fort was used by the Peshwas for military and administrative purposes.

Trekking Experience

• Trail Difficulty: The trek to Tikona Fort is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and families.
• Trek Duration: The ascent typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the descent takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Starting Point: The trek starts from Tikona Peth village, where you can park your vehicle and begin the journey on foot.

Scenic Beauty

• Views: The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountains, Pawna Lake, and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur.
• Flora and Fauna: During the monsoon, the trail is lush with greenery, wildflowers, and vibrant landscapes.
• Tikona Caves: The fort features ancient caves, water tanks, and a temple dedicated to Trimbakeshwar Mahadev.

Best Time to Visit

• Monsoon Season (June to September): This is the most popular time to visit Tikona Fort. The rains bring the landscape to life with lush greenery, making the trek more enjoyable.
• Post-Monsoon Season (October to February): The weather is pleasant, and the views are clear, making it a great time for trekking and photography.

How to Reach

• By Road: Tikona Fort is accessible by road from both Mumbai and Pune.
  • From Pune: Take the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, exit at Kamshet, and follow local roads to Tikona Peth village.
  • From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exit at Lonavala, and follow local roads to Tikona Peth village.
• By Public Transport: Buses and trains are available to Lonavala or Kamshet, from where you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to Tikona Peth village.

Preparation and Tips

• Trekking Gear: Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, especially during the monsoon. Carry a raincoat or poncho if visiting during the rainy season.
• Essentials: Pack sufficient water, snacks, a first aid kit, and insect repellent.
• Safety: Trek in groups, follow the marked trails, and be cautious of slippery paths during the monsoon.
• Guide: Hiring a local guide can enhance the trekking experience and ensure safety.

Additional Attractions

• Pawna Lake: After the trek, you can visit Pawna Lake for some relaxation, boating, or camping.
• Nearby Forts: Explore other nearby forts such as Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur for a more comprehensive trekking experience.

Guidelines and Etiquette

• Respect Nature: Avoid littering, respect the local flora and fauna, and carry back all your waste.
• Local Customs: Be respectful towards the local communities and their customs.

Tikona Fort offers a rewarding trekking experience with its manageable trail, historical significance, and stunning views. The monsoon season, in particular, enhances the beauty of the trek, making it a memorable adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. 

 Tikona also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune. The village nearest to the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangular".

The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tanks (seven water tanks) and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur. There is a good view of Pawana lake from the summit.

Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries A.D. Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I of the Nizam Shahi dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji Maharaj brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Dhamale family, the Deshmukhs from Maval region were charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona.It was under the Dhamale Deshmukh family for long time. Jaysingh invaded the region in 1665 and attacked the local villages but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halal Khan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubad Khan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas. In 1682 King Sambhaji met Aurangzeb's son Akbar. After the meeting the Akbar was offered to stay on Tikona fort, however he was shifted to Jaitapur as the climate didn't suit him. A small battle was fought by Maratha army with British in 1818, before it was captured by the latter.

Basic Info: Tikona fort is a hill fort located near Kamshet [Maval region] in Maharashtra. Height from sea level is 3500 feet. Its twin fort is called Tung.

Routes: First you would have to head towards Lonavala and from Lonavala to Kamshet. Then from Kamshet the locals can guide you for the route to Gavhande Village which is also called as Tikona Peth. This is the base village for Tikona. From this point the actual trek begins.

Difficulty Level and Other useful tips: 

Difficulty level is Easy.

Ways To Reach :From the village of Tikona Peth :      The main route to the fort is from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, alight at Kamshet, which is two stops ahead of Lonavala on the Mumbai- Pune rail route. From Kamshet railway station, take a bus / shared private vehicle (jeep) to Kale colony. One can also get a vehicle to reach Tikona Peth from Kale colony.

A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple and not at all tiring. After passing through the entrance door, a path leads towards left and takes us to the citadel in about 20 minutes.

From the Bedse caves :      A combined trek of Lohgad, Visapur, Bedse caves and Tikona can be done. On such a trek, Tikona can be reached from the Bedse caves.From Kevre-Bramhnoli-Tikona Peth :      A combined trek of Tung and Tikona can also be done. For that, climb down to Tungawadi after visiting fort Tung. From here reach the village of Bramhnoli with a launch available from the village of Kevre. It takes about 30 minutes' to walk from Bramhnoli to Tikona Peth.

Accommodation Facility :      Except during monsoon, about 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in the cave.

Food Facility:      Not available, need to carry on our own.

Drinking-Water Facility:      Potable water is available throughout the year.