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🇮🇳 India · Maharashtra

Tikona Fort

A pyramid-shaped fort with sweeping views over Pawna Lake

Last verified:

Solo-friendly 1,067m 1 day Easy Fort trek
Max Altitude1,067mTikona Fort
Duration1 dayFrom Pune / Lonavala
Distance~4 kmOne-way
DifficultyEasy 
Guide RequiredNo 
TrailheadTikona Peth 

About this trek

A pyramid-shaped fort with sweeping views over Pawna Lake

Trailhead
Tikona Peth
Nearest city: Pune / Lonavala
Stats
4 km · 400m elevation gain
1 day · Easy
Best time to go
Jun – SepMonsoon — Pawna Lake and surrounding hills at their greenest
Oct – FebClear and comfortable
Mar – MayHot, exposed climb

Route options

Most of these treks have more than one approach — pick the one that matches your fitness and experience.

From Tikona Peth
Easy 2 km 1.5–2 hrs round trip

Short, steady ascent to the fort's distinctive pyramid-shaped summit.

How to reach Tikona Peth

A short pyramid-shaped fort near Pawna Lake, reached from Kamshet station.

1
Train to Kamshet or Lonavala
Local train from Mumbai or Pune to Kamshet station (closer to Tikona, ~20 km) or Lonavala (~25 km).
2
Kamshet to Tikona Peth
Shared jeep, auto-rickshaw or taxi from Kamshet to Tikona Peth village at the base (~30–40 min). ST bus service here is infrequent — shared jeeps are more common, especially at weekends.
3
Trek
A moderate 1–1.5 hr climb from Tikona Peth, with some rock-cut steps near the summit.
4
Return
Arrange the return jeep or taxi in advance where possible — the last shared vehicles back to Kamshet typically run by early evening.
ℹ️No formal entry fee. Popular as a combined day trip with nearby Pawna Lake.

What it costs

Transport
Train: Mumbai/Pune → Kamshet
Local train
₹20–70
Shared jeep/auto: Kamshet → Tikona Peth
Per person; ₹400–600 for a full vehicle
₹50–100
On the trail
Guide
Not customary — short and well-marked
not needed
Food at Tikona Peth
Basic meals
₹100–150

Safety

Tikona is a low-risk, popular short trek, often combined with a stop at Pawna Lake for camping.

Before you go
  • Often combined with Pawna Lake camping — plan gear accordingly if staying over
  • Weekend crowds are common near the lake
On the trail
  • Some rocky sections near the summit need careful footing when wet
  • Short enough to combine with a half-day plan
Solo-specific
  • Popular and easy to find company on the trail
  • Lake-side camping areas can get crowded/noisy on weekends if seeking solitude

Emergency contacts

Pune Rural Police020-26127001
Maharashtra Tourism Helpline1800-22-1363

Packing list

Footwear & clothing
Gear

Tikona — common questions

Is Tikona Fort safe to trek solo?

Tikona is a low-risk, popular short trek, often combined with a stop at Pawna Lake for camping. Solo-specific: Popular and easy to find company on the trail.

Do I need a guide for Tikona Fort?

No — this route can be walked without a guide, which is why it's on a solo-trekking site. That said, hiring a local guide is still worth considering if it's your first time on this terrain or you're going outside the main season.

Do I need a permit for Tikona Fort?

No formal entry fee. Popular as a combined day trip with nearby Pawna Lake.

When is the best time to trek Tikona Fort?

Best in Jun – Sep (Monsoon — Pawna Lake and surrounding hills at their greenest). Avoid Mar – May — hot, exposed climb.

How do I reach Tikona Peth without a car?

A short pyramid-shaped fort near Pawna Lake, reached from Kamshet station. Train to Kamshet or Lonavala: Local train from Mumbai or Pune to Kamshet station (closer to Tikona, ~20 km) or Lonavala (~25 km).

How many days does Tikona Fort take?

1 day, covering roughly 4 km and topping out at 1,067m. Most trekkers start from Pune / Lonavala.