Tikona Fort

Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad, is a historic hill fort located in Tikona Peth, Pune district, Maharashtra. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet near Pawna Lake, it served as a strategic watchtower during the Maratha Empire. The fort features well-preserved ramparts, gates, and rock-cut water cisterns. It is recognized for its triangular shape and offers panoramic views of surrounding Sahyadri peaks and valleys.

Visitors can expect a moderate trek of about 45 minutes to reach the summit from the base village. At the top, they will find intact fortification walls, several rock-cut water tanks, a Hanuman temple, and open grassy plateaus. The site provides clear views of Pawna Lake and neighboring forts like Tung and Lohagad. Basic food stalls are often available at the base village, but no permanent facilities exist on the fort itself.

Tikona Fort was strategically important during the Maratha period as a surveillance point controlling access to the Maval region. It changed hands between Marathas and Mughals multiple times before being firmly secured under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Its elevated position allowed monitoring of trade routes and military movements between Pune and Konkan.

The fort houses a small Hanuman temple that remains active for local devotees. It holds cultural value for trekking communities and Maratha history enthusiasts in Maharashtra. Annual pilgrimages and heritage walks are occasionally organized by local groups to preserve awareness of its historical legacy.