Tikona Fort Lonavala Entry Fee
- No entry fee
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Tikona Fort Lonavala Address: Tikona Peth, Tikona hiking Trail, near Pawna Dam, Maharashtra, 412108, India
Lonavala epitomises the perfect blend of nature and history. This enchanting town encompasses the richness of the natural world, boasting picturesque mountains, serene lakes, flowing rivers, verdant parks, and sanctuaries.
Plus, it narrates a compelling historical tale embedded in every destination and every tourist spot, adding depth and heritage to its scenic beauty.
One such tale echoes within the walls of the Tikona Fort in Kamshet, 60 km from Pune. With its intriguing tales and panoramic views, Tikona Fort promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.
About Tikona Fort, Lonavala
Perched amidst the scenic hills of Maval, Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad, captivates adventurers near Kamshet, just 60 km from Pune.
The fort gets its name from its shape. Tikona means triangle in Hindi. It is a triangular-shaped enclosure of walls covered with moss but stands strong even today. It stands tall at approximately 3500 feet from sea level.
This historical treasure, embellished with Maratha influences, serves as a living testament to the lively history of Konkan’s Pawana Mawal region.
Tikona Fort is a sought-after trekking haven for adventure lovers, offering mesmerising vistas of Pawna Lake and neighbouring forts like Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur.
During the monsoon season, Tikona Hill transforms into a lush green haven, completely obscuring the brown land beneath the vibrant grass.
The trek from Tikona-Peth, the base village, spans around 2 hours, leading to the hill's summit where the fort stands. The journey begins in a dense forest, gradually opening up to vast landscapes with each ascending step.
You can enjoy food like Masala corn at the trek’s onset and at various points.
Along the trail, you will encounter wooden gateways adorned with metal spikes, evoking a distinct historical ambience. It creates the sensation of passing through the fort gates, similar to the experience of people from that bygone era.
Nostalgic, isn’t it?
There is also an ages-old limestone crusher on the way. Before reaching the fort's main gate, you come across a unique, orange-coloured idol of Veer Maruti or Lord Hanuman engraved in stone.
There is also an old Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple and a deep moat or lake brimming with crystal-clear water on the way. You will also find Satvahana caves along the way that belonged to the Satvahana dynasty built during the late 2nd century BCE. To give you an idea of the area of these caves, they can easily accommodate 18-20 individuals at a time.
After crossing the Mahadev temple, the trail turns into stone steps. After just 100 steps, you will find yourself atop the hill to Tikona Fort, from where you can witness mesmerising panoramic views of the entire Pawana Mawal region - the Pawana Lake, other forts like Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur.
Upon reaching the fort, you will be surrounded by weathered moss-covered walls, resilient despite their age. You are welcomed by a huge gate made of black stone.
The expansive open area at the top of the plateau boasts numerous viewpoints, offering panoramic views. The summit also has several artificial lakes or cisterns, one of which is notably vast in size.
History of Tikona Fort, Lonavala
The fort has passed through several dynasties and rulers since it was built.
Although not much is known about the fort, it was attacked and annexed by Ahmed Nizam Shah I of the Nizam Shah Dynasty in 1585.
Several years later, in 1657, Shivaji I, in an attempt to bring the entire Konkan region together as one, attacked and took the fort from Nizam Shah along with the Tung, Lohagad, Mahuli, and Visapur forts.
Under Shivaji’s rule, the fort was the apex location to keep an eye on the entire Pawana Mawal region along with its trade routes and spot any enemies or unfavourable activities.
The fort's safety and custody were given to the Deshmukhs of the Dhamale Family in 1660.
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried attacking Purandar Fort in 1665 but failed to capture it. He again ordered an attack, this time with a new commander, Jai Singh (ruler of the Kachwaha Dynasty), along with 12000 men, and the Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj had no choice but to surrender 23 of his 36 forts of the Mawal region to the Mughals as part of the Treaty of Purandar. Tikona Fort was one of the 23 forts to be surrendered.
However, the fort was taken back by the Marathas later and again lost to the British in a small fight in 1818.
Architecture of Tikona Fort, Lonavala
The fortification is built on a plateau and has three corners which are useful for keeping an eye in all directions.
Tikona Fort's architecture narrates tales of the past.
The walls of the fort are made of large stone blocks. The same stone is also used to construct the steps leading to the fortification.
It is a fine example of Maratha craftsmanship.
The huge cisterns or lakes on the top of the plateau commend the engineering of the Maratha architects, as these lakes were strategically used for protection from enemies and for collecting and storing clean drinking water.
Entry fee and timings of Tikona Fort, Lonavala
Fortunately, Tikona Fort does not have an entry fee, making it an accessible destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
There isn’t any specific timings to visit the fort. You can visit any time of the day you want. But, it is advised not to start the trek once noon begins, as it will take you around 5-6 hours to ascend, stay at the summit for a while, and descend.
#Trivia: Do not stay on the fort too late, as it can be risky to descend the trail after daylight reduces.
Best time to visit Tikona Fort, Lonavala
Tikona Fort welcomes tourists annually, each season presenting a unique charm.
The best time to visit the fort is the monsoon months of June to September. The entire Tikona hill and the surroundings are covered in vibrant greenery, enhancing the experience.
If you want cool and delightful weather, you can also visit from November to February when the skies are clearer and clouds do not hinder the vistas from the top.
How to reach Tikona Fort, Lonavala?
Travel through breathtaking scenery that blends road and trekking adventures to arrive at the alluring Tikona Fort in Lonavala. There are handy private and public transit options to reach the fort.
By Train:
1. From Mumbai: Take a Pune-bound train, get off at Lonavala Station, and grab a 15-minute local train to Kamshet Station.
2. From Pune: Direct local trains are frequently available from Pune to Kamshet, which takes around 1 hour to reach.
Catch a bus to Tikona Peth (the base village) from Kamshet station.
By road: A road trip from Pune (46 km) and Mumbai (100 km) to Kamshet will take around 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes respectively. Kamshet is well connected to both cities by road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport. After landing, opt for a train journey or a scenic road trip to Lonavala, as mentioned above.
Upon reaching Tikona Peth, the real adventure begins with a trek to the fort. The trek is moderate in difficulty, offering breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Local guides can assist and share fascinating anecdotes about the fort's history during the ascent.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Tikona Fort
- If visiting in monsoon, wear shoes with good grips as the stone steps can get slippery.
- Make sure to purchase a use-and-throw raincoat or a poncho if you visit in the monsoon, as the showers are highly unpredictable. They are available at small shops in the base village.
Embark on a journey to Tikona Fort, where history meets adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Lonavala's Maval region. It stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
Whether you are a trekking enthusiast or a history geek, Tikona Fort promises an enriching experience.
Bring along your friends or family and soak in the enriching experience Tikona Fort offers. Book a Lonavala tour package from Lonavala Khandala Tourism and ensure you keep a good room for Tikona Fort in your itinerary. To know more about us, please fill the Contact Us form.
