Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad Fort, is a triangular-shaped hill fort located in Maval, Maharashtra. The fort stands at 3,500 feet (1,073 meters) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Pawna Lake, Tung Fort, and Lohagad Fort.

Built during the medieval period, Tikona Fort played a key role in Maratha history and was an important military base under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Tikona trek is easy to moderate, making it an ideal weekend adventure for beginners and experienced trekkers.

📜 1. History of Tikona Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Tikona Fort was built during the 7th-8th century and was used as a watchtower to guard trade routes.
• It was initially ruled by Buddhist monks, evident from the caves and water tanks inside the fort.

⚔️ Maratha & British Era

• In 1657, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Tikona Fort during his expansion in the Konkan and Western Maharashtra region.
• The fort was strategically important due to its high elevation and natural defenses.
• After Shivaji Maharaj’s rule, the fort changed hands between the Marathas and the Mughals multiple times.
• In 1818, the British took control of the fort after defeating the Marathas.

🏛️ Current Status

• Today, Tikona Fort is a popular trekking destination, attracting nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.
• The fort still retains its ancient stone walls, caves, water cisterns, and temples.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Tikona Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Tikona Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Lonavala	25 km	1 hour
Pune	60 km	2 hours
Mumbai	120 km	3 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala (25 km) or Kamshet (18 km)
• From Lonavala or Kamshet, take a local bus or cab to Tikona Peth (Base Village).

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses are available from Pune and Mumbai to Lonavala or Kamshet.
• From Lonavala, take a shared jeep or taxi to Tikona Peth.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Pune: Drive via Pawna Lake Road towards Tikona Peth.
• From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exit at Lonavala, and continue to Tikona Fort base.

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🥾 3. Trekking to Tikona Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Tikona Peth Route	Tikona Peth Village	Easy to Moderate	1.5 - 2 hours

⏳ Best Time for Trekking

✅ Monsoon (June - September) – Best season for lush greenery & waterfalls 🌧️
✅ Winter (October - February) – Pleasant weather ❄️
❌ Avoid Summer (March - May) – Very hot & dry 🔥

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 9 AM) to avoid the heat.
✔️ Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Wear good-quality trekking shoes.
✔️ Stick to designated trails – Some sections are steep.
✔️ Carry a raincoat if trekking during monsoon.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Tikona Fort?

✅ Scenic Views – Offers breathtaking views of Pawna Lake, Tung Fort & Lohagad Fort.
✅ Easy Trek – Suitable for beginners & families.
✅ Rich History – Built in the medieval era, played a crucial role in Maratha rule.
✅ Ancient Temples & Caves – Explore Buddhist caves, water tanks, and old temples.
✅ Perfect Monsoon Destination – Lush greenery, misty clouds, and adventurous trails.

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Tikona Darwaza	The main entrance, still intact.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Buddhist Caves	Ancient caves inside the fort.
Water Tanks	Large reservoirs used for water storage.
Trimbakeshwar Mahadev Temple	Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Fort Walls & Bastions	Still standing, offering great views.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Tikona Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – Trails become extremely slippery.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No proper lighting, risky for trekking.
❌ Hot Summers (March-May) – Extreme heat, dehydration risks.

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⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trek?

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues – The trek involves steep climbing.
🚷 People with breathing difficulties – Humidity in monsoon makes it tougher.
🚷 Young kids (under 7 years) – Unless they are experienced trekkers.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trek?

✔️ 2-3 liters of water per person.
✔️ Trekking shoes with a strong grip.
✔️ Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen (for summer treks).
✔️ Raincoat/Poncho (for monsoon treks).
✔️ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers).
✔️ Energy bars & dry snacks.
✔️ Power bank & fully charged phone.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Tikona Fort is a perfect blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. Whether you are a trekker, photographer, or history enthusiast, Tikona Fort offers something unique.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect nature, and enjoy the adventure! 🚶‍♂️🏰