Tunga Fort
Situated close to the Pavana Dam, Tunga Fort is a perfect getaway for weekends to unwind and relax. The fort is surrounded by breathtaking scenes of Khandala and Lonavala. To the south of Tunga is the iron fort of Lohagad. The fort is famous for its steep ascend and offers a good challenge to trekkers and explorers.
If you are coming from Tikona fort, you will have to board a boat to reach the base of the Tunga fort. The ride is simply amazing which allows you to enjoy the water ride over Pavana Lake. You can also reach the base via Khusalkhamb with the help of ST bus. If you are an enthusiastic biker, you can hit the road via Mulshi and reach Tunga via Tikona. Riding a bike can get tough on these roads and you will also have to park your bike at a nearby village before you begin your trek.
The decades old fort depicts the intellectual architecture of the Maratha warriors who built the fort. During the reign of Shivaji Maharaj, Tunga was used to monitor the movements on the other forts. Although trekking Tunga fort can get difficult for non trekkers, the regular voyagers can easily climb the fort. The path is certainly slippery, but when equipped with the right gear, one can successfully reach the top.
Once you reach the top, you will find a water tank and a temple of Mahadeo. After the hectic climb, you can rest in the temple which has been well maintained. The view of Pavana dam and the surrounding forts from the top of the fort is also simply amazing. Monsoon is the best time to enjoy this mesmerizing view and to experience the enthralling walk through the cloud cover on the way to the top of the fort. During this time of the year, you will also get to see quite a few rare bird species and gorgeous waterfalls gushing down the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
July to Jan is the best time to visit this Fort. A trek to Tunga fort can be completed in a day’s time considering the climb and travel. The local trains from Pune will take you to Kamshet and from there you can commence your trek to the fort. Tunga fort is one of less crowded places, and thus offers peaceful atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate.
There are no eateries at the top and it’s best to carry your own food and water. Though monsoon is the best time to visit Tunga fort, winter also brings it own fun to trek and take photographs.
More articles by Kadambari Khaire Ghate
- The Blue Mug - Play - March 18th, 2010
- Toons – The Café Down Under - March 18th, 2010
- Pune International Dance Congress - March 11th, 2010
- Celebrate being a woman - March 8th, 2010
- Woman Power - March 4th, 2010
