TIKONA FORT
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 to the fort is called Tikona-Peth or Tokono-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".
fort Tikona can be clearly identified from the new expressway.
Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji 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.
We started our trek from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, we had
private vehicles.
A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple. The whole fort can be seen in an hour's time, as the area is not so big. Turn left to the entrance. In a short while a cave can be seen. About 10 to 15 persons can be stay 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. 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.
After That we headed towards Tung Fort....
TUNG FORT
As the name Tung (Kathin) suggests, we may assume that the trek of this fort is very difficult, but it’s very easy. The fort Tung was built to protect the region of Pavan Maval.
This fort was built with an intention to keep watch on transport from Bor Ghat. From this fort we can easily locate Lohgad, Visapur & Pavan Maval.
This fort was not as significant as others in the history. In 1657, it became a part of Swarajya with all other forts situated in Maval region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was appointed to protect this region. In 1665, Jaysingh invaded this region. Dilerkhan and others destroyed the villages around Tung & Tikona, but were unable to conquer these forts.
Its sharp, conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark, even from a distance. It has an oval shape, thick walls and numerous bastions. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to the ruins of a temple at the summit.
As the top of the fort is very small, it takes only 1 hour to see it. Way towards the fort goes along the temple of Maruti. From here we can go further by steps. After few minutes we reach at Hanuman Mandir. Next to this is the main entrance to the fort. Through this we can go at the top. At right side we see Ganesh Mandir. At the backside, we see water trench. From here we head towards citadel. Here we see temple of Tung Devi. Opposite to it is a cave in ground.
Lots of Trekkers do this Trek together so we did, It was simple to do this forts in a single day and because of own vehical we had much time to do one more fort which we desided to do at last minute of 7pm same day. We desided to do Korigad....
KORIGAD
Korigad (also called Koraigad, Koarigad or Kumwarigad) is a fort located about 20 km away from Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 929 m above sea level. The closest village is Peth Shahpur.
Shivaji Maharaj incorporated this fort in Swarajya along with Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Col. Prother invaded this fort but could not succeed even after prolonged fighting. Finally he succeeded on 14th March, by dropping a cannon ball where the ammunition was stored. Along with this fort the English also conquered Ghangad.
Koraigad appears like a wall from Peth Shahpur. On the top of the fort is a huge plateau. The ramparts on this fort are around 1 ½ kms in length. One can move along the complete top of the fort by walking on the bailey. While coming up from the Peth-Shahpur route, we come across many caves, some cisterns and an idol of lord Ganesh. After entering the Ganesh Darwaaja (Peth Shahpur route), we can see the remnants of the old buildings. Here we can see the temple of Goddess Korai Devi. This temple has been renovated recently. There is a “DEEPMALA” right in front of the temple. The idol of Korai Devi is around 4 feet high. There are many bastions on the Southern side of the fort. There are 6 cannons on this fort. There are two more temples on the fort. There are two large ponds on this fort and ahead of them are two caves.
After roaming around fort we spend 15-20 min. for see The Aamby Vally from top view....
This is the smallest and fastest fort I have seen in my all treks..... ;-)
Some Pics From Group:
https://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektotiknatungkorigad