How to reach Tikona Fort from Pune
and Lonavla?
Ruled by the late Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the
Tikona fort, situated neat Pawna dam has lately become popular amongst people with
love for adventures and nature as a one day trekking spot near Pawna Dam. With
a history that dates back several centuries ruled by and fought for by the
Nizams, Mughals, Marathas and British turn by turn this fort still stands
heroically in the grasp of the Sahyadri ranges. The trek that leads to the apex
of the fort is a piece of a cake for the regular trekkers. The non trekkers,
don’t you worry, it is not that difficult for you too, the only criteria being
that you should be physically fit as the fort is steep.
Trekking near Pawna Dam at Tikona fort
An ideal opportunity for the amateurs
Near the parking area is a trekking spot from where
the route to the peak of the fort is easy and broad and it takes an hour
approximately to reach the fort’s entrance gate called the Bhuyari Darwaja where you can adore some candid pictures. As you
cross the gate there are the ruins of Maruti
temple with a rock deity and you can spot some caves as well where the soldiers might have resided in history. As
you go higher you will see a beautiful Tuljadevi
Mandir and you can read the history of the fort here on the boards. From
here onwards the steps built to climb the fort are high and narrow making it a
bit difficult but fun to climb the fort and there are ropes on either side for
support. As you reach the crown of the fort you will realize how beautiful the
world actually is and you can imagine how mind bobbling it would be in the days
of yore with all the forts lit up. The scene is perfect for a photographer to
capture come stunning photos with the waters and the beautiful forts that are
seen from Tikona.
You can take
a halt at night and can stay in the caves, near the entrance gate of the fort
or at the summit. The villagers at Tikona Peth provide you with food and stay
arrangements at affordable prices.
Tikona Upaharagruha is a food joint where you can have your morning
breakfast before you start your ascend.
Points to see on Tikona fort
·
Bhuyari Darwaja
(entrance gate)
·
Maruti temple
·
Tuljadevi temple
·
Trimbakeshwar
Mahadev Temple
·
7 water tanks
·
Satvahan Caves
·
View of the Pawna
Dam that has spread a long way
·
Majestic view of
the forts Tung, Visapur and Lohagad
Some tips to follow…
·
Carry sufficient
water as the heat and energy consumption will dehydrate you. Keep on drinking
water as you ascent the fort as dehydration will lead to a sick feeling.
·
Carry your own food
as there are no food stalls on the fort.
·
Wear good grip
sports shoes and full length t- shirt and track pants so there are no insect
bites to worry about.
·
If it’s the
monsoons then don’t forget your raincoats or ponchos or windcheaters and a set
of clothes to change if you get soaked.
·
Your cameras,
mobile phones, money should be packed in a couple of plastic bags as the rains
with ruin them.
Distance from main cities and time taken to reach there…
Pune to Tikona Fort via Paud Rd - 1 h 48 min (51.2 km)
Lonavala city to Tikona
Fort via
NH48 and Pavananagar-Kamshet Rd - 59 min (38.0 km)
Lonavala
railway station to Tikona Fort via Bhangarwadi Rd - 1 h 4 min (23.9 km)
How to reach Tikona Fort?
If you are travelling from Pune you can
board a local train from Pune station or Shivajinagar till Lonavala and from
Lonavala railway station you can take a cab till the foot of the fort Tikona.
Or you can plan a road trip all the way
to Tikona Fort by your own or hired vehicle. Travel to Swargate - tilak Road -
karve Road - Paud Road which leads to Chandni Chowk. Then travel in the
Mulshi/Tamhini direction where you cross Pirangut (Ghat) and then reach Paud
Village. Here take a right towards Pawna dam. You can see sign boards for Tikona/Pawna.
Then travel straight from here until you see Pawna dam on your left hand side. Follow
the signboard to Tikona from here. Take a right towards the base village,
Tikona Peth.
An alternate route -
NH4-Kamshet-Pavana-Tikona
Begin your trekking and adventurous
expedition from Fort Tikona…