Tikona

Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 kms from Pune The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle"
Fact File
Location: Lonavala
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai - 120 km
Pune - 80 km
Lonavala - 20 km
Villages at Foothills: Tikona Peth
Altitude:4320 ft (1317 m)
Latitude: 18°60'52"N
Longitude: 73°55'02"E
Best time to visit: Throughout the year. Best during the monsoon {mosmap lat='18.605252'lon='73.550291'zoom=6}
topHistory Not much is known about the history of this fort. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered it in 1585 and thus it was made part of the Nizam territory. In 1657 king Shivaji conquered 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 king Shivaji,s control. This fort was strategically very important to keep a watch on the entire region of 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 region together 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 to stay at fort Tikona, however was sent later to Jaitapur since the climate here didn't suit him. A small battle was fought with the British on
Tikona in year 1818 and the fort was damaged to a great extent. Till date the fort of Tikona lies in the form of ruins.
topAttractions
The whole fort can be seen in an hour's time, as the area is not so wide. Turn left after passing the entrance. In a short while a cistern and cave can be seen. About 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in this cave. However, it is not suitable for a stay during monsoon. The path going uphill adjacent to the cave takes us to the entrance to the bastion. The steps in this stretch are a bit tiring. One can see cisterns on the right and fortification on the left after passing through
the entrance.
After taking a few steps straight ahead, a trail climbs down on our right. Here too are a few cisterns. Return back and join the main path, which takes us to a stretch of broken steps. A climb uphill brings us to a Mahadev temple, behind which is a big moat. Circumventing this moat takes us to the flag-post. From the bastion one can have a view of adjacent fort Tung, Lohgad, Visapur, Bhatrashi hill, Morse hill, Jambhuli hill, Pauna region and Fagne dam. Thus, the whole of
Mawal region is visible from fort Tikona.
topReaching There
- By Air -
Pune is the nearest Airport 80 km away.
- By Rail -
Kamshet on Pune - Lonavala route is the nearest rail head.
- By Road -
From Kamshet regular ST buses ply to Tikona Peth via Kale colony.
topTrek Routes
- Tikona Peth Route (Grade : Easy) -
The main route to the fort is from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, alight at Kamshet, which is two stops ahead of Lonavala on the Mumbai- Pune rail route. From Kamshet railway station, take a bus / shared private vehicle
(jeep) to Kale colony. One can also get a vehicle to reach Tikona Peth from Kale colony. A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple and not at all tiring. After passing through the entrance door, a path leads
towards left and takes us to the citadel in about 20 minutes.
- Kevre-Bramhnoli-Tikona Route (Grade : Easy) -
A combined trek of Tung and Tikona can also be done. For that, climb down to Tungawadi after visiting fort Tung. From here reach the village of Bramhnoli with a launch available from the village of Kevre. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Bramhnoli to Tikona Peth.
topBus Timings
Kamshet Kale Colany 2.30,16.00,7.00,17.30,7.00,10.00
topAccommodation
Except monsoon, about 10 to 15 persons can be lodge themselves in the cave with the right camping gear.