Tung: Along the Watch tower in Maharashtra

TUNG FORT: Holiday Get Aways in Maharashtra's favorite Hill Station
A quick 3 N/ 4 D get away from Mumbai or Pune
COSTS: INR 12 - 15,000/ for 3 N/ 4 D for 2 pax
ACCOMODATION: The twin cities of Lonavala & Khandala offer options to suit every pocket

Not so far away from the bustling twin cities of Mumbai and Pune, nestled among hills is where the magnificent Queen of Hills, popularly known as Lonavala. This is perhaps the greatest getaway for anyone in Mumbai and Pune from their hectic and busy lives. Over the years Lonavala and Khandala have symbolized the urban relaxation mantra and most major companies conduct their executive training as well as outbound team building programs here. It is a small little town, (Lonavala and Khandala are just 4 kms away) and a splendid view of the ghats is what mesmerizes you.
It is also one of the most highly sold out destinations in Maharashtra and in the Indian tourism circuit. My course of work led me to this town not so long ago and i discovered a fantastic place, nestled in the hills called Tungi. This unspoilt scenic grandeur offers one of the best views of the Pawna Lake and the historic Tungi Fort.

The sleepy little village of Tungi is juxtaposed against the panoramic grandeur of the Tungi Fort which is also known as Kathingad in Marathi or Difficult Fort as the name suggests. A number of travel and nature clubs conduct numerous treks to Tungi and yet this place remains unspoilt.

Now a little bit about the history of this place.

Tung Fort was built before 1600 AD. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty but was captured by Shivaji. It is small, not being able to hold more than 200 troops at a time. As such, it would not have been able to defend itself on its own for a long time. Its shape and structure suggests that its main function was as a watchtower guarding the road to Pune city. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Thus, the major forts of Visapur and Lohagad would have time to ready themselves (to meet the invading army).

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 a temple. A rocky staircase leads a few feet down to a water reservoir. There are ruins of a temple at the summit. From the top of the fort Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona and Korigad forts are clearly visible.

It is about 12 km from Malawli railway station and can also be approached from Lonavala. Tung Fort has an elevation of 1075 m above sea level. After the building of Pawna dam, it is now surrounded by water on three sides. One can ferry across in a boat from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi.

This place is not easily accessible from lonavala and here are the general guidelines. You would need to hire a car if you wish to see the fort, however it does involve quite a long trek. One way is to ferry across Pawna and reach Tungi village. The other is from the main town of Lonavala. Ask anybody for Kumar Resorts when you reach Lonavala and from the main road take the road towards Sahara Aamby Valley. As soon as you reach Cloud 9 Resorts take a left and you will see Essar Agro signboards. This is the way to reach Tungi Village also and the Fort.

The road is somewhat unpredictable and in the monsoons you especially need to be extra careful. So put on your walking shoes and walk along the Mighty Marathas as you visit one of India's finest scenic locations.

Lonavala town is 28 kms away from the main Tung Base and once you are back in the town there are quite a few places you can go galavanting. I will write in detail in my next visit to that region.