Trek to Tikona Fort & Bhedse Caves, Lonavala on 9th June '13

Little Information about the event:
Type: Hill Fort
Height: 3500 ft Feet above MSL (Approx)
District: Lonavala.
Base Village: Tikona peth

Leader: Vishal Khond 

Tikona Fort (Vitandgad fort), is a major hill fort in Maval region near the Lonavala. Tikona fort, literally means triangle fort, had witnessed many dynasties ruled in the Maratha region. This was the nerve centre of the many activities of entire Malwan Pawna regions. The small hamlet close to the fort is Tikona peth. The fort’s mammoth entrance is a special attraction.

It is also a great trekking destination for the adventurous tourists.
One can get the eye catching views of the Pawna Dam and the forts at Visaput, Tung and Lohagarh. The fort encloses a lake, Satvahan caves and the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev'.



The fort was built during the Silhara dynasty. There is a temple on top of the peak. The view of the Pawna dam, Kathingad and valleys from the top is breathtaking.

Tikona (Marathi: तिकोना) 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 the fort is called Tikona-Peth or Tokono-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".^[1]

The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung,Lohagad and Visapur.^[1] There is a lake at the summit.

History[edit]

Steps leading up to the ramparts of the fort.

Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries A.D.^[3] Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji 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 one of theDeshmukh from Maval region was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the region in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughalwarrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halal Khan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubad DKhan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by theMarathas

How to go to Tikona Fort from Pune (Magarpatta): Go towards Swargate, then tilak Road, karve Road and then Paud Road which will take you to Chandni Chowk. Then go in the direction of Mulshi/Tamhini. You will first cross Pirangut (Ghat) and then reach Paud Village. You have to take a right towards Pawna dam in this village. There are signs marked as Tikona/Pavana for this turn. After this, it is one long straight road until you start seeing Pavana dam on your left. Here you will see signboards for Tikona. You have to take a right towards Tikona Peth, the base village. the distance is approx 70 kms and should take you approx 2 hrs to reach there. Other alternate route is through NH4-Kamshet-Pavana-Tikona.

Located near Pavana River, Tikona boasts of a very rich history. The fort was initially part of the Nizam Empire during 1585. In 1657, it came under the rule of the Maratha Emperor, Shivaji Maharaj when he conquered the entire Konkan territory and all the other forts in its vicinity. During the Maratha reign, it served as a watch tower and helped the Marathas keep an eye on all the activities in the Konkan region. In 1665, Tikona was surrendered to Kubadkhan only to be recaptured by the Maratha dynasty.

To reach Tikona you can catch an early morning local from Pune and get down at Lonavala and then head towards Kamshet to catch a ST bus to Kale colony. From Kale colony you can board a jeep or bus to reach Gavhande village which is also known as Tikona Peth. If you want to drive all the way, you can head straight to Gavhande village via Mulshi.

Once at the base, it can get a bit confusing to locate the right path to the top of the fort. If you think you are lost simply ask the local villagers for directions and they’ll be more than happy to help you out. Another easy pointer to ensure you don’t divert from your path is always keeping Tung to your right hand side when climbing to the top. If you are on the right track, you’ll be on the fort in less than an hour.

Once at the top, you will be greeted with the awe inspiring view of the Sahyadri mountain range and the shimmering Pavana River. These ranges are home to quite a few of the other forts of Shivaji Maharaj which are worth exploring once you are done with Tikona. Exploring the entire fort of Tikona will take you about an hour. The huge gate at the entrance and the Mahadev temple at the top are among the main attractions of the fort. The historic edifice also houses a number of prehistoric caves and reservoirs. These caves serve as a good place for overnight stays, all through the year except the monsoons when they get flooded with rain water.

You can visit Tikona at anytime between June and February. However, nothing beats the beauty and greenery that engulfs this place in the monsoons. There are no eateries on the top and so carrying your meals and water is recommended.  If you are an avid photographer, a trek to Tikona, will present you with countless opportunities to photograph its splendour.