Tikona
Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km 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".

About Tikona
The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’, a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur. There is a lake at the summit.
Tikona fort, literally means triangle fort, had witnessed many dynasties ruled in the Maratha region. This was the nerve centre of the many activities of entire Malwan Pawna regions. The small hamlet close to the fort is Tikona peth. The fort’s mammoth entrance is a special attraction.The main route to the fort is from the village of Tikona Peth
Interesting things to Visit
The Tikona fort is a great trekking destination for the adventurous tourists. One can get the eye catching views of the Pawna Dam and the forts at Visaput, Tung and Lohagarh. The fort encloses a lake, Satvahan caves and the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’.
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.
Nearest Visiting places
- Lohgad
- Visapur
- Pawna Dam
Help Line/Phone Number
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Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km 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”.The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’, a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur. There is a lake at the summit…..more
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Location info
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Address:
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District: Pune
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Nearest City: Pune
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Best time to visit: Any Time
History of Tikona
Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and aanexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657 Shivaji Maharaj (The Great Maratha Emperor) brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the regionn in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halalkhan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubadkhan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas.
Things to do at Tikona
The Tikona fort is a great trekking destination for the adventurous tourists
How to reach Tikona
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Nearest Railway Station:Pune Station
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Nearest Airport:Pune Airport
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Road Transport:From Lonavala, about 30 km via Kamshet and Kale Colony to Tikonapeth village.+
Hotels & accommodation nearby
Lots of hotels at lonavala
Things to carry
Trekkers carry your usual fare that includes, rope, first aid kit etc. unless you are traveling in the peak summer, you need not carry potable water, Please do get a pair of binoculars along.
Best time to visit Tikona
October to March: cool and pleasant weather ideal for trekking. Avoid monsoon (June–September) as trails become slippery and dangerous.
Timings & opening hours
Typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Some forts may close earlier during monsoon or for maintenance.
Entry fee & tickets
Free entry for most hill forts. ASI-protected forts may charge INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreign nationals.
Duration needed
3–4 hours including trek to the top and exploration. Larger forts may require a full day.
Safety tips
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. Carry sufficient water — many forts have no water sources on top. Do not climb on unstable walls or edges. Start the trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat. Inform someone about your trek plan.
Nearest airport, railway & bus
Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ) or Mumbai International Airport (BOM). Nearest railway station: Pune Railway Station or nearest station on the Central Railway. Well-connected by road from Pune and Mumbai.
Mobile network coverage
Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.
Food & restaurants nearby
Most hill forts in Maharashtra have local snack stalls at the base serving pithla bhakri, vada pav, and tea. Carry food for longer treks — many forts on hilltops have no facilities. The nearest village or town offers Maharashtrian thali meals.
Climate & weather
Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.
Nearest petrol pump
Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Tikona. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to trek to the top? The trek to most forts takes 1–3 hours depending on the fort’s height and the trail condition. Some forts have road access up to the entrance.
Is there food and water available on the fort? Most forts have no facilities on top. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person and some snacks. Local stalls at the base village sell refreshments.
Can I visit during monsoon? Many forts are open year-round but trails become extremely slippery during monsoon. November to February offers the best trekking conditions.
Quick facts
- Location: Maharashtra
- Best time to visit: October to March for comfortable exploration
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours to explore the site
- Entry: Nominal entry fee at most ASI-protected sites
- Photography: Allowed at most sites; videography may require permit
Map & location view
- Destination: Tikona
- State: Maharashtra, India
- Region: historical region of Maharashtra
- How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
- Google Maps: Search for “Tikona, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.
Photo gallery of Tikona
Video gallery
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