A Glimpse into the Maratha Empire at Tikona Fort

Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad, is a beautiful hill fort in the Maharashtra section of the Western Ghats. Tikona is renowned for its triangular structure, which gives it its name "Tikona," with "Tikona" actually being "triangular" in Marathi. The fort stands at around 3,500 feet (1066 meters) above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges surrounding it. Tikona Fort is of historical and strategic importance as it was an important watchtower of the Maratha Empire. With its elevation, it was a suitable point to observe the movements of the enemy army along with being a defensive spot. The fort is today a trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts as well as historians due to the peaceful landscapes, old architecture, and a mystery that remains attached to its ancient walls.

Tikona Fort Historical Importance

Being one of the ancient forts on the Sahyadri hills, This Fort has been in existence since the Satavahana Dynasty (2nd century BCE-3rd century CE). This fort has also seen a large amount of bloodshed and competition for power among various dynasties like that of the Yadavas, Bahamanis, Mughals, and Marathas. During this period the most popular routes across the Western Ghats were around the Fort. It had been in the control of the Yadava dynasty, which ruled this fort and saw the Deccan plateau. The fort then went into the hands of the Bahmani sultanate and then passed into those of the Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar kings.

Only in the 17th century did Tikona Fort become significant to the history of the Maratha Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The shrewdest man in military strategy, Shivaji Maharaja, saw, as anyone would, that Fort had strategic importance. In 1657, it was taken by Shivaji from the Adil Shahi dynasty for the growing Maratha Empire. It was in using Fort as much for Maratha operations in this area as well as against the Mughal army that Fort came into its significance during the battle. This Fort was also a fort for training Maratha trainees, which had many steep hills and narrow pathways that were more suitable for training purposes, with the fort's watch towers. The architecture was designed in such a way that it offered natural protection to the fort with steep walls and narrow openings against an enemy. Tikona Fort got into the hands of the British during the Anglo-Maratha wars of the 18th century, along with all the other forts belonging to the Marathas. It seemed that after the downfall of the Maratha Empire, the British neglected the same and as such, the fort began to decay. Now, this fort stands as a symbol of bravery or strength in keeping alive the spirits of the Marathas and all those who would like to visit its ruins to connect the present with the past.

👉 Looking for a thrilling Monsoon trek near Pune? Don’t miss the chance to experience the Tikona Fort Trek with Escape2Explore. This guided adventure offers scenic trails, an ancient fort, and breathtaking sunrise views — perfect for weekend getaways and nature lovers.

Most Important Features of Tikona Fort

Triangular, whose very unusual outline makes it one of the distinguishing features within the Sahyadri ranges.

• Bale Killa (Citadel): The very top of the fort which beautifully views Pawna lake, Tung Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Visapur Fort.

• Trishul and Temple: Trishul (trident) is located where we can worship the shrine of Lord Shiva.

• Water Tanks and Caves: A number of rock to heavily cut water underground tanks or reservoirs and Buddhist caves tell much piercingly about the long history of the fort.

• Secret Entrances: Many secret fortifications inside the fort, which are guarded against enemies, have existed for a long, long time.

Trekking to Tikona Fort: A Guide

Tikona Fort, or Vitandgad, is a trekker's heaven in Maharashtra's Sahyadri mountain range. It is located at around 3,500 feet mean sea level and is a moderately difficult trek that can also be attempted by beginners. The trek is a gentle slope with very steep stairs towards the end, so it is a tough trek but not at all brutal. Winter and monsoon are the ideal times to trek up to Fort. Monsoon transforms the landscape between June and September into a green paradise of waterfalls and concealed landscapes, despite the path getting slippery. Post-monsoon and winter weather between October to February has good weather, though it makes the trek simpler to some degree without spoiling the scenery. Summer is a bit challenging with hot weather and dry trails, and therefore the trek is less enjoyable. Route Details and Landmarks

The climb to Fort begins from Tikona Peth village, the base point. The village is extremely accessible from Lonavala and Pune and hence a great weekend holiday spot. From Tikona Peth, the path is marked and around 1.5 to 2 hours to the top, depending on speed and weather. The trekking began with a gradual rise on village roads and open ground. As the trekker proceeds, he/she reaches a dense clump of wood, a shaded cool oasis before it opens up to a rocky terrain. One of the most unusual markers on the trail is a cave dug out in the rock face, a resting spot. A little further down, a pleasant stone gate, or the main gate, is the beginning of the final climb to the summit. The last climb is a flight of rock-cut stairs of some incline to the crest of the fort. The trek can go up and witness the ruins of the fort in the form of ancient tanks, bastions, and a Shiva temple. Its beginning dates back to the Maratha times when the fort used to be an army watchtower because it was strategically located overlooking the Pawna Valley.

Sunrise and Sunset View

• One of the advantages of trekking to Fort is enjoying the great sight of sunrise and sunset from the summit. Since the fort is strategically located, it presents a wide view of the surrounding hills, for instance, Tung Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Visapur Fort. For those who love sunrises, an early morning wake-up and reaching the top at the onset of sunrise is a treat. When the sun's dawn breaks peeps above the hills for the first time, and the horizon is kissed with pink, orange, and gold. Sunset fog on the horizon in the background of Pawna Lake creates an otherworldly, fairy-like ambience, all the efforts of the trek being worthwhile.

• The sunset at Fort is scenic as well. When the sun setting dips below the hills, it tints the earth with gold, and Pawna Lake mirrors the colour of the evening sky. With day giving way to dusk, the sky above is a vista of violet and red colour when the daylight recedes and welcomes the descendents who choose to descend after sunset with a vista to behold. Whether adventure, history, or nature is on the lookout, the Fort trek offers a good combination of the three. With its gentle slope, beautiful scenery, and far-reaching views, it is a place to be visited by trekking enthusiasts in Maharashtra.

Nearby Places visit

This Fort also does not have many other attractions nearby that can be done on the same trip. A few attractions near Fort are as follows:

1. Pawna Lake: Pawna Lake is situated at the base of the Fort and is frequently visited by campers, boaters, and picnickers. The scenic blue water amidst the natural scenery of Sahyadri hills makes the place ideal to relax after a trek.

2. Tung Fort: It is yet another ancient fort near Tikona, and the Tung Fort is also well-known for being difficult to climb and having a stunning view of Pawna Lake. It's a bit tougher trek to Tung Fort than Tikona and thus a great option for all those searching for some adventure.

3. Lohagad Fort: It's among Maharashtra's most well-known forts and one trip that all of us history buffs simply must undertake. One of the most powerful Maratha forts with breathtaking views from atop the fort.

4. Visapur Fort: Visapur Fort is located near Lohagad, another ancient fort and a trekker's delight. The fort is larger in size than Lohagad and features a number of old structures, tanks, and caves to visit.

5. Bhaja and Karla Caves: These ancient rock-cut 2nd-century BC caves are the delight of history and archaeology enthusiasts. The caves' Buddhist sculptures, chaityas, and stupas disclose the historical grandeur of the region.

Things to be Done at Tikona Fort

This Fort, a historical Maharashtra hill fort, is an adventure enthusiast's place, a historian's haven, and a nature enthusiast's place. Arriving 3,500 feet above, pyramidal Fort provides bird's eye views of Pawna Lake, Sahyadri peaks encircling it, and other forts in its vicinity. For its past importance and nature's grandeur, Fort enjoys a celestial fan following among tourists. Whether you are an adventure learner, a photography buff, or one who enjoys solitude among nature, Fort promises something or the other for all. The best things to do at Tikona Fort are:

• Photography and Sightseeing

  This Fort is renowned for providing scenic views, and hence it has become the heaven for tourists and photographers. While ascending to the fort, you can enjoy a diverse richness of landscapes in the form of green-coloured valleys, rock paths, and as ancient as history ruins. The summit of the fort provides a bird's eye view of surrounding forts such as Tung, Lohagad, Visapur and Pawna Lake as adorable as a picture. Monsoons cover the fort in mist, and the destination is a fairytale world. Climatic conditions in the form of mist, rolling green grounds, and waterfalls far away create a breathtaking scenery to be snapped.

• Trekking Adventure

  This Fort is the most suitable destination for beginners and medium-grade trekkers. The trek to the fort is highly convenient with the ascent taking 1.5 to 2 hours and the fort being accessible by families, groups of friends, and individual trekkers. The grade of the trek is medium with the advantage of rock-cut steps to ascend at the end of the trek, which provides the trek with an exciting attraction. The ideal time to trek to Fort is during monsoon and post-monsoon season when the whole area is green.

• Camping and Night Trekking

  For thrill-seekers, camping in Fort is an adventure. Since the fort is close to Pawna Lake, it is a nice place to stay overnight. Adventure clubs organize an overnight trek to Fort, where trekking enthusiasts climb the fort in the night with the help of the starry sky, which is an adventurous activity. Evening climbs are contrasted with the fort by the evening air and peaceful pouring magic to the climb. Morning sunrise from the top of the fort is pure magic with orange and pink sky above and green below.

How To Reach Tikona Fort:

• By Road: From Pune: Tikona Fort is around 60 km away from Pune, and it takes 1-1.5 to 2 hrs max. It's on the Pune-Mumbai highway (NH4) until Kamshet, from where it takes a left turn to reach the base village, namely Tikona Peth.

• From Mumbai: It is 120 km away from Mumbai. Take the Mumbai Pune Expressway and get down at Lonavala. Kamshet is 20 km from Lonavala, from where it is a breathtaking drive to Tikona Peth.

•  By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kamshet, around 18 km away from Tikona Peth. Many trains travel along the Mumbai-Pune railway route with frequent stoppages at Kamshet, making it easy access for tourists. Hire a taxi or bus from Kamshet to take you to the base of the fort.

•  By Airport: The Pune International Airport serves as the nearest international airport with 70 km distance from the Fort premises. For outstation visitors, one can book an airfare to Pune and then travel to Fort.

Best Time to Visit Tikona Fort: Month-Wise Travel Guide

• Monsoon (June to September)

  Monsoon season transforms Fort into a green paradise, one of the best periods for adventure seekers as well as nature lovers. The entire Sahyadri range becomes clouded and the nearby waterfalls plunge in full strength, adding a new beauty to the landscape. But the trek is not smooth since the trails are slippery and heavy rain falls. This is the account of the months:

Winter (October to February)

The best time to visit Fort is winter. Good weather, blue sky, and trekking are also good. The view from the top is just great, and the good weather makes it convenient for all.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Tikona Fort trek from Pune and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.