Tikona Peak

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Tikona - The Pyramidal Fort. A lesser known, deserted fort on Tikona peak near Lonavala. At a height of 3580 ft, scaling this peak and fort is a rewarding experience.

Reaching there: From Lonavala, about 30 km via Kamshet and Kale Colony to Tikonapeth village. The easier route is via lohagad and the banks of pawna lake (17 km)The fort was built during the Silhara dynasty. There is a temple on top of the peak. The view of the Pawna dam, Kathingad and valleys from the top is breathtaking.Pawna dam, with hills and valleys sorrounding it is an ideal location for a 1 day picnic, especially after the monsoons. There is also a boat club

Click on photos to get a larger view

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Warm-up shot. A view of Kathingad, on our way to Tikonapeth

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A distant view of the Tikona peak

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Introduction. The memorable part of this was the introduction by a smart kid (near Asif) as 'I am the son of my father'

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The journey begins

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A long, but pleasant walk to the base

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The fort can be seen on top

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To the right is Tikona peak. A view of the mountains and valley on left side

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A view of the valley. from the temple at the base

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A view of the valley. Shot after climbing a bit up

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Narrow and risky pathway up. Loose soil

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Posing a challenge

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But we were daring to go

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A quick turn to the left. To capture the beauty of the valley on that side

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Mighty hills opposite to Tikona peak

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It is not yet over. Another long stretch waiting for us

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Meanwhile the valley. Captured from a higher altitude

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Not sure of what is this. Some natural formation in one of the rocks

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Rest. A cave half-way up

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A view from the cave

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Another stretch, after the cave

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Reaching near. Yet so far and high

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Steps leading to the fort. Very steep

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Pause. Look back and proceed

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Half-way up the steps is a place for storage/granary, carved out of rocks

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A further set of steep steps to the entrance

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The entrance to the fort

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Sitting on the edge

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Water storage on top

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The fine art of hill-top dining. A demonstration by Kannan (aka Candie')

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A breathtaking view from the top. The Valley, Pawna lake/dam and Kathingad in the background

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On top

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Been there. Done that

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On top of the world

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Reaching for the stars

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The beginning of the return journey. Happily oblivious of what is in store for us

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The steep descend begins

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A very steep rocky stretch

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Another steep stretch. This time it was loose soil. Using a couple of ropes, a few experience trekkers positioned themselves strategically at various points helping everyone

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Scene from below. This section alone took almost an hour

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Back to plains

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Goodbye and thanks for a wonderful experience!

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Sunset. Shot from the valley

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Sunset. Pawna lake/dam and Kathingad

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Sunset. Pawna Lake/dam

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Lohagad boat club at Pawna lake / dam

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The last shot

Nature Knights

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Nature Knights is a group of adventurers from diverse
background bonded by a common interest for outdoors, environment and eco-tourism.

Nature Knights organizes expeditions, camps and treks providing opportunities for
studying the environment and explorations to places of historical importance
and heritage.

Nature Knights also organises adventure trips at locations situated at
Daunting Heights of Himalayas to the rich Valleys in
Western Ghats and Nilgiri mountains.

You can reach Nature Knights at natureknights@yahoo.com