Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad Fort, is a historic hill fort situated in the Western Ghats near Lonavala in Maharashtra, India. It is located near the village of Tikona-Peth and is one of the popular trekking destinations in the region.
To reach Tikona Fort, you can drive or take a bus to Kamshet, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune. From Kamshet, local transport such as jeeps or autorickshaws can be used to reach the base village Tikona-Peth. From there, visitors can trek up to the fort.
The best time to visit Tikona Fort is during the post-monsoon season from September to March when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding landscapes are lush green. It's advisable to avoid trekking in the monsoon season due to slippery paths.
The trek to Tikona Fort is relatively easy to moderate and takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort has steep stairs at certain points and some sections may require a bit of climbing.
As of my knowledge cutoff date, there are no entry fees to visit Tikona Fort. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to ensure enough time to return before it gets dark.
Key attractions include the fort's massive door called the Tikona Peth, the Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple, a few water tanks, and the panoramic view from the peak which includes the view of Pawna dam and the surrounding forts of Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur.
Basic food and snacks may be available at the base village, but options are limited. It is recommended to carry your own water and food for the trek, although a few water tanks on the fort have potable water.
You should carry water, snacks, good trekking shoes, sun protection like hats or sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and possibly a light jacket depending on the weather. It's also a good practice to carry a bag to bring back any trash to help maintain the cleanliness of the fort.
There are no accommodations on Tikona Fort itself, but there are several options available in nearby towns like Lonavala and Kamshet, ranging from budget to luxury resorts.
The trek to Tikona Fort is fairly safe for all age groups, but caution should be exercised during the monsoon due to slippery paths. It's also advisable to trek in groups and avoid night trekking. Always heed local advice for weather and trail conditions.
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