Tung Fort, Lonavala - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 24 km from Lonavala, 67 km from Pune, 121 km from Mumbai and 31 km from Lohagad Fort, Tung Fort is an ancient hill fort situated near Pawna dam in Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 1075 m and is one of the best Lonavala attractions. It is also among well known Pune places to visit.

Tung fort is also named as Kathingad fort. It is one of the well known forts around Pune. The word Kathin in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficult challenge of reaching this fort. Tung Fort was built by the rulers of the Adilshahi dynasty before 1600 CE. However it was later occupied by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire. It is a small fortification and supported around 200 soldiers only. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because the site offers a panoramic view of the Maval region of Pawna and Mulshi valley. The Dhamale family, one of the Deshmukhs from the Maval region, was charged with ensuring the security of Tung Fort. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Thus, the major forts of Visapur and Lohagad would have time to prepare themselves to meet the invading army.

The fort is conical and consists of strongly fortified walls, ramparts and also has several bastions. It has steep climbs with a very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. The fort premise also has a rocky staircase that opens to a water cistern. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to the ruins of a temple at the summit. The forts of Korigad, Tikona, Visapur and Lohagad can be clearly viewed from the top of Tung Fort.

Tungi is the base village for the Tung Fort trek. The village of Tungi is located around 300 m from the entrance of the fort. Presently the fort is bounded by water on three sides as a result of the construction of the Pawna dam. One can also reach the base village Tungi from Pawna dam by boat. From Pawna dam, reaching this fort entrance requires a 400-metre climb. It takes 1 hour to reach the top of the fort from the base.