Tikona fort trek is one of the perfect one-day trekking getaways in the Maval region of Lonavala. Its easy reach by road and short trekking distance makes its a perfect weekends trek for family with kids and trekking enthusiastic. Moreover the difficulty level required for this trek is easy. And so Tikona fort trek is also a preferred trek to start with for a novice or first time trekker. Tikona fort has got its unique name for it is situated on top of a triangular shaped mountain. The fort now, though very little is left from the original Fort, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Pavna dam region.
Tikona Trek Information
- Fort Elevation: 3500 fts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Endurance Level Needed: Easy
- Total Trek Length: Approx. 2 km
- Base Village for Trek : Tikona Peth
Our trek started off with an easy climbing up a patchy trail right after the parking area . after just 15 minutes the patchy trail opened up to lush green scenery. The scene of the scenic lush greenery, cloudy weather and a drizzle was a refreshing experience during the early hours. The trail up was simply a piece of cake and was eye soothing. We reached a huge wooden door(Vetal darwaja), which reminded of a huge door of a fort. After that the trail levelled and few distance up we reached the huge idol of Lord hanuman named as Chapetdan Maruti. We bowed before the Lord and took few minutes of a small break.
The trail thereafter took us through the ancient cave temple called Lord Tuljadevi Mandir. There is a small lake in front of the temple which when framed with the temple provides a picture perfect frame. There is a small board from where you can read the history of the fort history. There is also a remnant of a stone grinder, which would have been pulled around by animals for grinding wheat or rice. From then begins the final steep step ascent to the top. These steps tooks us to Bale-Killa or the stronghold of the fort. There at the top is a old temple called Tryambakeshwarat with a small water tank just behind it. Exploring the sides of the water tank we settle down for breakfast that we took with us. From the top of the fort, we could see the not far away Fort Tung (On another side of Pavna Dam) and at a distance was the sight of Lohagad, Visapur, Jambhuli hill.
Things To Keep in Mind
- Since Tikona is near to the major IT hubs i.e Pune and Mumbai, the weekends are when there is too much of rush. So if you are planning to go on a trek to the Tikona fort with a group or with family with kids, do plan to reach the base village early. This will give to ample time to dodge the weekend rush and also enjoy some good time away from the hustle bustle of the city.
- The whole return trek can be done under 5 hours which also makes it the most easiest and the shortest trekking destination in the Sahayadri region of the Western ghats. But being it a short trek doesn’t make it less attractive or challenging. During the monsoons the path get slushed and with loose gravel it may make some esp. kids to take extra precautions while climbing up the rock cut stairs just before you reach the fort.
- The rock cut stairs have a very steep incline and demands extra precautions while holding on to the sides.
- Take ample drinking water with you 2-3L per person.
- While planning to visit it during monsoon do take extra waterproof baggages and a sturdy raincoat. It rains heavily during those time of the year.
- For group with kids, keep extra clothes in a dry bag and encourage them to wear trekking shoes.
- Mobile connectivity is superb in the top of the Tikona fort.
Best Time To Do Tikona fort Trek
You can also visit it anytime of the year, but best time to do Tikona fort trek is during the Monsoon season.
Things To Carry To Tikona Fort Trek:
- 2-3 liters of water per person
- Some dry foods or snacks
- A sturdy raincoat.
- Energizers drink like Glucon-D.
- Few old newspapers
- And of a Camera/Mobile phone with a full charge.
How To Reach Tikona Trek Starting Point
By Car : Tikona is 51 kms from Pune and 120Kms from Mumbai . The road are very well maintained and is well marked for all to reach hassle-free, to theTikona fort trek starting point.
Google map distance of Tikona Fort from Pune : 51 Kms
Google map distance of Tikona Fort from Mumbai : 128 Kms
By Train : You Will have to alight at Kamshet station, which is two stops after Lonavala railway station. Then you can take a ST (State Transport) bus / shared jeep to reach the Kale colony from the Kamshet railway station. It is here from where you will trek the Tikona fort.
