TikonaLonavla, Pune [10th July, 2011]

Prashant Shedge Mob: +91-9967662665

TikonaTikona fort, also known as Vitandgad, is one of the easier forts to climb and would be a good introductory, yet interesting trek. The fort is close to Pavana Dam. The fort is on top of a ~3500 foot hill and offers unhindered views of the entire region including the forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.

The mountains on Deccan plateau in the vicinity of Bor Ghat have many ancient caves like Karle,Bhaje, Bedse, Bhandara and Shelarwadi. The forts of Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona werebuilt in order to defend these caves. This region also has a number of Ghat routes connecting‐the ports on the western coast to the cities located on the Deccan plateau. These forts served asprotectors of these important trade routes of ancient India. As the caves found in this areabelong to the Buddhist and Heenyana era, it is believed that these forts must have been builtaround 800 to 1000 AD.

Not much is known about the history of this fort. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynastyconquered it in 1585 and thus it was made part of the Nizam territory. In 1657 king Shivajiconquered Tikona along with the forts of Mahuli, Lohgad, Visapur, Songad, Tala and Karnala.Thus, all areas of Konkan, which earlier belonged to the Nizam's territory, came under kingShivaji’s control. This fort was strategically very important to keep a watch on the entire regionof Pauna Mawal. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was assigned the task of ensuring security of fort Tikona.This fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the regiontogether with Halalkhan and others. However, the Marathas later recaptured the fort.

In 1682, king Sambhaji met with Aurangzeb's son Akbar. After this meeting, Akbar was offered tostay at fort Tikona, however was sent later to Jaitapur since the climate here didn't suit him. Asmall battle was fought with the British on Tikona in year 1818 and the fort was damaged to agreat extent. Till date the fort of Tikona lies in the form of ruins.

TIKONA Complete overview

The Awesome panorama with Lohgad, Visapur & Koregad visible from the top of TIKONA

TIKONA

TUNG

PAWANA LAKE

How to reach TOP There is 2 paths to ascend this small fort from two villages at

nearest base from Tikona Peth and Javan. We are going from Tikona Peth.

Take a left (to Pavan Nagar) from a police post after kamshet tunnel to your left towards pune on mumbai-pune expressway, go 7.7kms ahead take left, then 5.3kms take left and reach the base village called Tikona Peth. The climb has two routes to reach top one (The 2 of 3 corners of the fort) from the jungle and second from the clif aside…which is risky in monsoon. Take the jungle route to climb and other to descent.

Rain TankWater

Motorable road to the base

START from HERE

View of the Pawna Lake with Tung fort at the backdrop.

The climb to Tikona

Scenes on the plateau

The final stretch called “Shivaji Trail” has recently been restored and hand railings have been added on the steep sections. The steps are split into 2 sections. There is a viewpoint at the end of the first stretch. If you wander to the sides, you can see small caves which are again good photo spots with Tung Fort in the background.

THANK YOU

Regards,Prashant Shedge