Tikona also known as Vitandgad, is a dominant hill fort in Maval, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. To reach the place, head towards Lonavala and then to Kamshet and then drive towards Gavhande village which is also called Tikona Peth. Once you reach the village, there is a temple and vehicles can be parked near the temple. After a small introduction session, we started our walk towards the base of the fort.
A walk about 1.5 km will take you to the starting point of the fort. The trek starts from here. The 3500 feet high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".
Then the trek goes up and turns 180 degree towards the fort. Once you go up the initial slope and turn towards the fort, you are on an edge with valleys on either side.
While going up, the views of Pawna dam and the surrounding areas are absolutely mesmerising.
Some wildflowers were also seen on the way. Then we reached the main and most guarded entry to the Fort.
After crossing the main entrance and a few minutes walk, we reached another entrance.
Then the trek goes through a vast area.
On the way we saw a temple of Lord Hanuman.
Cool weather and a walk through the woods was memorable. After a few minute walk we reached the temple named Lord Tuljadevi Mandir. There is small lake in front of the temple.
Soon we reached a 'V' shaped junction . A sign board was placed there to help visitors . We continued our climb through the left side.
There is a massive stone wheel located within the fort. This big stone wheel was operated with the help of bulls. From this point, the final ascent to the top begins.
The stairs are steep and each step is much bigger than a regular step. A rope with bolts is fixed which gives you support while climbing.
Guarded by watchtowers and water tanks, this entry is a small duct carved in stone with big steps and so is a tough path to climb.
At the end of the steps, we saw a very beautiful bastion fortification and caves on the right side. This is also known as Bale-Killa.
After crossing this, we reached a vast area with compound wall all around. We took a small break to capture the wonderful scenery around us. Then we moved to the top of the fort. The final stretch was through steps with hand railings.
There is a temple of Tryambakeshwar on the top of the fort.
Once you reach the top of the plateau, the view is amazing. This fort has the highest number of water reservoirs which are still good and holds water even now.
Standing on the top, you get a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding area. From the top, you get an excellent view of Tung Fort, Pawna dam, Lohagad and Visapur forts. Orange Maratha Empire Flag with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj riding on Horse stands tall on the top of the fort.
We had some snacks which we had carried with us and after some sight seeing we started our descend from the fort. On the way, greenery, plants and flowers of different kinds on either sides of the path inspired me to click.
Overall, it's a nice one day trek which I would recommend , especially during the monsoons .
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