People generally ask me to suggest weekend gateways near Pune or Lonavala. It has become a mindset that almost all forts are same, but there is always something different in each trek. I have visited more than 25 forts in Maharashtra, and on each visit, I felt that there was something different about each fort. Yes, I agree the structure at the top might not be so delightful and different from the others, but what about the trail which takes you to the top.
Winter season for this year is just on verge of finishing, so it’s the best time to enjoy the real beauty of nature from top of a fort. One of the nearest fort options from Pune and from Mumbai is Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad. Tikona fort is a triangular shaped mountain fort which offers breathtaking views of the entire region including the forts of Lohagad, Tung, Visapur and Pawna Lake.
Pawna Lake View From Tikona Fort Trek
On the same day trip, you can enjoy the numerous waterfalls near Pawna Lake; a dam located just a few kms from the base of the fort.This is as an easy trek and would highly recommend it to beginners. The trail is clearly marked and it generally takes around one hour to reach the top. Also, there are many shelters all along the trail, which helps to catch your breath. If you are doing the trek in monsoon, just be extra cautious as the route becomes little slippery.
I along with my few school friends from Mumbai & trek friends from Pune started for Tikona Fort from base around 10:00 AM. There are mainly 3 routes to reach Tikona, we took the village route (Paud – Kolvan – Javan – Tikona Peth). On the way we were blessed with nature’s beauty; lush green valleys, breathtaking landscapes, numerous waterfalls and beautiful lakes all along the way.
The initial part of the trail is muddy with the small steep ascent. After 20 -25 minutes of trekking, you reach a small cave. From here the terrain is mostly flat, till you reach the steps.
The steps are quite slippery in the monsoons. Also, each step is much bigger than a regular step and broken at many places, so be extra cautious. The step leads you to the fort entrance gate.
To be very frank, there is nothing much to see on the fort except few walls, gates, a temple and a small tank. But the view of the surrounding areas is simply amazing. You get to see the beautiful Pawna lake with Tung fort in the background.
Also, one can see Lohagad and Visapur Fort from the top. Just experience the gush of the wind hitting your face…!!!
Generally, no one stays overnight due to lack of proper accommodation options. But if you are planning to stay, there is a cave where you can take shelter. Setting up tents would be difficult due to high-speed winds, which prevail almost for the entire day. The local villagers also make arrangements for food with best quality and stay at a reasonable cost. But remember to carry enough water and eatables, in case you don’t find any locals at night.
You can trek all the way up to the top of the mountain at any time of year.
On just a day trip, you get to experience so much; lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, mountains, fort, lake and the breathtaking landscapes.
* How to Reach Tikona fort and Pawna Dam
Tikona Fort is located around 120 kms from Mumbai and 50 kms from Pune. From Mumbai, you can catch a Pune bound train and get down at Lonavala. From Lonavala, either take a local train or bus and alight at Kamshet. If coming from Pune, catch a local train going toward Lonavala and get down at Kamshet. For train bookings check IRCTC.
At Kamshet inquire for a bus going towards Tikona Peth. Frequency is around 1 bus per hour. Once you are at Tikona Peth, ask the locals for the Tikona trek route. The hiking trail is around two kilometers away from Tikona Peth village.
Thank You
–अमूल्य – Amulya
jiyoozindagi 