Tikona is the pointed hill above Pawna Lake: a small, easy fort with one of the best views in Maval. Its name means “triangle”, and the pyramid-shaped hill is easy to spot even from the expressway. From the base near Tikona Peth village, a climb of 45 minutes to 1.5 hours takes you through a big stone gate to the Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple and a top that looks over Pawna Lake to Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.
Why Tikona matters
Tikona, also called Vitandgad, watched over the Pawna Maval valley. Little is known of its beginnings, but there is a rock-cut monastery hall on the fort thought to date from around the 7th to 8th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took it in 1657, along with Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Korigad. Under the Treaty of Purandar of 12 June 1665 it went to the Mughals, and the Marathas later won it back. It passed to the British in 1818.
How to reach Tikona
- By train: to Kamshet, two stops beyond Lonavala towards Pune. From Kamshet, a bus or shared auto runs to Tikona Peth, about 20 km.
- By road: about 60 km from Pune, via Kamshet. A motorable road runs to the foot of the fort, about 2 km beyond Tikona Peth.
The climb
From the base, a clear path climbs the hill. It is an easy trek; most people reach the top in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The final stretch climbs rock-cut steps to the top. Take care there in the rain.
What to see on Tikona Fort
- The main gate. The fort’s large entrance is one of its best sights.
- Water tanks. Several rock-cut tanks and cisterns, including a big tank behind the temple.
- Caves. One or two small rock-cut caves near the cisterns, used by trekkers for shelter.
- The Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple near the top.
- The view. Pawna Lake below, with the forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur around it.
Tips for your visit
- Go early for cooler weather and clear views.
- Carry water. There is little shade on the way up.
- Take the rock steps slowly when they are wet.
- No litter, no writing on walls.
Places near Tikona
- Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort, the twin forts across the valley.
- Korigad Fort, south of Lonavala.
- Bedse Caves, on the way from Kamshet, in my list of caves near Pune.
