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The popular as well as an adventurous trek across the state of Maharashtra is nothing but the Tikona Fort trek. As the fort situated in the mountainous range, Sahyadri, adjacent to the beautiful town of Lonavala is the place, where trekkers can take the experience of the beauty of nature, historic values, and the sense of adventure. In general, this trek is rather easy to moderately difficult and the best for starters and experienced persons as well with the scenic interest. In this article, we will explore the trek to Tikona Fort, the distance, time, and tips for a smooth trekking experience.

The Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad Fort, is a historic hill fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The fort’s name, Tikona, comes from its unique triangular shape (“Tikona” means triangular in Marathi), which gives it a distinctive look compared to other forts in the region. This fort has been a prominent military structure throughout its history and played a key role in guarding the trade routes in the area.

Tikona Fort has a history dating back to the 16th century. It was earlier under the Mughals, which was captured by the Maratha Empire under Shivaji Maharaj. Over the centuries, it has seen several battles and changes in rulers. Though it is in ruins now, Tikona Fort remains one of the popular trekking destinations for history enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and nature lovers.

The Tikona Fort trek is short and moderately challenging, with the features being characterized by great views of the valleys, lakes, and other forts in the surrounding areas. The journey to the fort involves walking through dense forests and over rocky paths on steep inclines. During the walk, you pass through ancient gates, temples, and water cisterns, all these are a testament to the glorious past of this magnificent fort.

The trek is ideal for anyone who wants a short weekend from the busy cities like Mumbai and Pune. There are panoramic views of the surroundings, including the very famous Pawna Lake, Lohgad Fort, and Tung Fort. If you are a nature lover or simply a history admirer, you will surely treasure memories of Tikona Fort Trek.

The Tikona Fort trek distance is 3.5 to 4 kilometers one way. It's a short trek so perfect for anyone who is relatively new to the trekking trails or wants to complete a trek in a couple of hours. However, the short distance will not make the trek easy since it involves many steep climbs and some rough ground, so don't be mistaken.

The starting point of the trek is a base village known as Tikona Peth, located near Pawna Lake. The trek begins from there, moving upwards towards the top of the fort. In the beginning, the path will pass through fields and small villages; however, with ascension, it will turn out to be rocky and steep. The route is full of twists and turns on your way up to the top.

Tikona Fort trek time will depend on the pace at which you walk, your fitness level, and the number of breaks you take along the way. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the top of Tikona Fort. If you are a beginner or not very experienced in trekking, it may take a little more time. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to descend.

For most trekkers, the entire time for Tikona Fort trek is going to be around 4 to 5 hours, assuming you are making both ascents and descents. If you want to break it up or take in views or explore the fort once you reach the summit, it's going to be longer.

From the base village of Tikona Peth, you begin the trek. The initial leg of the trek is not strenuous at all, especially because you walk through open fields and small villages. After this stretch, the trail steepens and becomes quite arduous for you; hence one needs to be quite cautious in walking on the rocky trail.

Along the route, you will encounter a series of rock-cut steps that lead you up the hill. These steps can be a bit slippery during the monsoon season, so it’s important to wear proper footwear with good grip. The path also winds through dense forests, where you may see various flora and fauna. The cool shade of the trees makes this part of the trek more pleasant, especially in the summer.

About an hour of trekking will lead you to some ancient gates which take you inside the fort. The gates are in ruins, but they are very important because they represent the historic importance of the fort. You will find steeper terrain close to the summit, and at times, you will have to use your hands and feet for climbing. The final part of the hike is the most demanding, but once you are on top, the view is just very rewarding.

At the summit of Tikona Fort, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The view from the fort is 360 degrees of the Pawna Lake, Lohgad Fort, Tung Fort, and other nearby hills and valleys. The view at the top is one of the main attractions while trekking on Tikona Fort, and there is often time taken to just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the location and click photos.

There are various ruins on top of the fort like a temple devoted to the local deity, water cisterns, and bastions which comprised the defense part of the fort. You would get an overview of the previous history of the fort and strategic importance of that place.

Useful tips which would ensure your trek is successful and you do not face much hassles.

Wearing Comfortable Footwear: The trek has rocky and steep topography, so sturdy shoes or trekking boots are required. The right footwear will help you get a proper grip and avoid slipping.

Carry Enough Water: The trek is not too long, but it can get scorching hot in the summer months. Carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.

Pack light: Given the moderate nature of the trek, carry the essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and light clothing. Steer clear of heavy bags because they will drag you down.

The best time to trek to Tikona Fort is from October to February, when the weather is a bit cool. It is strictly not recommended to visit during the rainy season, as the path might be slippery and hazardous.

The trek should start early in the morning so that the sun would not be very hot during the afternoon and would provide sufficient time to explore the fort.

The surroundings of Tikona Fort have wild animals and thick forests. It is advisable to respect the environment by not littering and maintaining the place clean.

The trek of Tikona Fort is a great adventure for all nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and trekking beginners. This place offers an excellent opportunity to experience the beautiful landscape of the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra and get a glimpse of the historical fort at the same time. The trek from the base to the top takes around 2-3 hours on average, and the distance is approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometres. The panoramic views and the history combined with natural beauty make the trek an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, the Tikona Fort trek is a must for those seeking adventure and a slice of history.