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Take a break from your usual routine and plan a trek to the beautiful Tikona Fort (also known as Vitandgad), situated close to Kamshet, which is at a distance of 60 km from Pune in Maharashtra. A lot of people from near and far visit the Maval region of Lonavala to experience the Tikona Fort Trek. Also popular as ‘Triangle Fort’ due to its triangular shape, it is located at an elevation of 3500 feet above sea level. This fort has witnessed the stories of many dynasties of the Maratha region. Feel welcomed as you climb hundred steep stone-cut steps to the huge gates and explore the interesting entrance door, Satavahana caves, Trimbakeshwar Mahadev Temple, and tiny lakes and water tanks within. A lot of people trek to Tikona Fort to witness the surrounding marvels, which include the beautiful view of Pawna Lake from the top. This lake is known for its scenic beauty and tranquillity surrounded by lush green mountains. A lot of people from the neighbouring areas visit this lake to enjoy a day’s outing. The Pawna Dam is the major source of water for people from the nearby areas.
Apart from the Pawna Lake, you can also capture views of the surrounding forts, namely, Lohagad, Tung (twin fort of Tikona Fort), and Visapur from the Tikona Fort. Tung Fort, also known as Kathingad Fort, is oval shaped and has sharp conical peaks. This fort is also famous for trekking. It was built by the Adilshahi dynasty, which was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj. This fort is quite smaller and was built as a watch tower.
Not much is known about the history of Tikona Fort. In the 16th century, Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I of the Nizam Shahi dynasty conquered this fort. Later, in the 17th century, Maharaj Shivaji ruled over the entire Konkan region and conquered the Tikona Fort along with many other forts in the region. This fort was the primary point for the whole of Pawana Maval region, until the Mughal warriors invaded it, which was re-captured by the Marathas. You can see a Vihara (Buddhist Temple or monastery) on the fort dateable to approximately seventh or eighth century AD.
Across the fort are the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains, accessible by a ridge. Beauty and adventure go hand-in-hand at this majestic fort. You might feel that some areas are almost vertical due to the triangular shape of the fort. Surrounded by lakes, valleys, and mountains, Tikona Fort is a perfect destination to enjoy the gust of oxygen and feel rejuvenated.
A lot of visitors prefer to visit this fort during winter season. Rainy season is also a good time to capture the beauty of the magnificent surroundings, however the path can get quite slippery.
So, all the trekking enthusiasts out there, pack your trekking essentials and get set to explore the marvels of nature as you trek through the unspoiled wilderness and explore the beautiful Tikona Fort!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tikona Fort
Embark on Tikona Fort trek from Mumbai, from where you have to travel to Lonavala. On arriving at the base village at about 10:00 am, enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready for an introductory session amidst the beautiful surroundings. After this, start with Tikona fort trekking tour. You can reach the top with ease. On reaching, enjoy the view with a delicious lunch. Explore the marvels of the fort and relish some snacks. After this, descend and head to the base village. Enjoy a break as you relish delicious snacks and prepare for your travel towards Mumbai. Enjoy your journey back home.
Grade: Easy
Maximum altitude: 3500 feet
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