The Adventure Begins

My alarm buzzed at 3:30 in the morning, jolting me from my sleep. The world was still sleeping at this time, draped in darkness. I groggily changed my clothes and washed my face in an attempt to wake myself up. By 4:05, I was riding behind on a scooter, heading to the first pickup point where our journey would begin.

Not long after, we were on the road, our bus weaving through the city, its headlights sweeping the streets. As it was early, the traffic, other than a few huge semis, had not caught up to us yet. We made our way from neighborhood to neighborhood, picking up people who had also signed up for this short trek. The drive was long and quiet at first, the bus vibrating gently on carpeted highways and winding roads. By the time the sun began to tint the sky with orange, we had made good progress. 

At 6:45 am, we stopped at a quaint little restaurant called Hotel Karvi (whose name is derived from a beautiful shrub that blooms purple only once every 8 years and is native to the Western Ghats) for breakfast. I had a simple yet satisfying poha with a small filter-coffee, while the others, most of whom were far older than me, at least triple my age, rejoiced over vada-pav and tiny cups of chai. Conversations flowed freely as they exchanged stories of previous treks and adventures, becoming acquainted with one another.

We finally reached the base of Tung Fort around 8:30 am.

Starting the Trek to Tung Fort

Tung Fort, also known as Kathingad Fort, is located in the Maval region of Maharashtra, near Lonavala, and rises sharply to a small peak of sorts at 3,526 feet above sea level. The fort was built during the reign of the Adil Shahi dynasty and later captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where it served as a watchtower due to its strategic position. Its conical shape made it ideal for monitoring enemy movements at the time.

The fort stood tall above us, its short yet steep ridges piercing the sky. The path began with worn-down stone steps, weathered and eroded by nature, leading us away from the city and towards the Sahyadris. The climb was steep, with tall steps and stones in our way, but I found it surprisingly easy to maneuver through them. I looked behind. A few were panting, while others paced themselves. I, being myself, darted ahead, pausing often to take photos of the morning light gleaming through the clouds. Wildflowers and banana plants swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves dotted with dew, as the distant hills came back into view through the mist.

As we ascended, the path changed to a more rugged trail of rocks and damp soil. It wound through thick green bushes and gravel. On the way, we passed through several stone gateways from the time of Shivaji Maharaj with weathered and mossy statues of Indian gods nearby. Each time I turned back, the view expanded, valleys stretching across as far as the eye could see, accompanied by the great, Pawna Lake. The hillside was cloaked in lush greenery, with moss carpeting the stones, wild grass swaying in the wind, and dense shrubs spilling over the path.

Nearing the Summit of Tung Fort

We passed one flagpole fluttering against the sky, then another, gaining height each time. Pawna Lake looked stunning from above. Vast, still, and cradled by never-ending green hills. Its surface shimmered in the shifting light, reflecting the clouds and valleys in the most breath-taking way possible.

By the time we neared the top, the breeze had gained, tugging at our clothes and rushing through the foliage. Our group reached the top just in time. We stood there in triumph, but only briefly. Right after we were done gorging our muffins and quenching our thirst with Frootis, the first drops of rain fell against the rocks. We quickly enjoyed the panorama and then put our raincoats on.

What started as a drizzle, quickly became pouring rain. The sky above darkened, and within minutes, my pants were drenched. Thankfully, I had managed to cover my torso and my backpack just in time.

Escaping the Downpour!

Going down was easier in terms of effort, but the slick, slippery rocks and steep slopes we had faced earlier now made each step a strategic move. My shoes squelched in the mud, and drops of water rushed past our feet. Slowly and steadily we made our way down, in good time, helping each other when the path demanded it.

By the time we reached the base again, the rain was relentless. We ran for shelter, ducking under the tin roof of a small temple near our bus. Once under cover, we quickly regrouped and swiftly changed out of our wet clothes. As we rushed back into the bus, spirits remained high despite the drenching rain. We were soaked, but exhilarated. This had been a Sunday truly well spent.

Despite the infamous Pune traffic making its presence felt, the bus ride somehow felt shorter. Perhaps my naps were to blame for playing tricks on my sense of time! The windows had fogged up from the humidity. The air buzzed with stories. Music played in the background. We talked more this time, bonding through the adventure. I felt sore, happy, and alive as we said goodbye to the evergreen Sahyadris and once again entered the concrete jungle of Pune.

FAQs for the Tung Fort Trek

• What is the best time to visit Tung Fort?
  The best time to visit Tung Fort is during the monsoon months, from late May to October. This season offers extremely lush green views and valleys covered in mist. The surroundings are incredibly scenic, though the trail can be slippery. However, if you prefer clearer skies and safer footing, the post-monsoon days of October are ideal, offering pleasant weather for trekking.

• How difficult is the Tung Fort trek?
  The Tung Fort trek is considered easy in difficulty and is good to introduce someone to trekking. The overall trek isn’t very long, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours one way. The final ascent to the top involves climbing over steep, rocky patches. which requires a bit of caution, however it is pretty short and should take only about 10-15 minutes to pass. Hence, the Tung Fort trek is suitable for beginners and is a good way to gain interest in trekking.

• How do I reach the base village of Tung Fort?
  The base village for the trek is Tungwadi, also called Tungi, located 20 kilometers from Lonavala and 60 kilometers from Pune. To reach it, you can drive to Lonavala and then hire a local cab or drive towards Pavana Dam or Tikona Peth via Bushy Dam. From there, Tungwadi is just a short while away. The fort is quite close to Pavana Lake, and other forts like Tikona, Lohagad and Visapur, which you can spot on the way.

• Are there any entry fees or permissions required?
  No official entry fee or permission is required to trek Tung Fort. However, upon arrival there is a small parking fee.

• What should I carry for the Tung Fort trek?
  For the Tung Fort trek, you should carry trekking shoes with good grip to easily navigate the terrain and avoid slipping. Also pack things like a cap or hat, sunscreen if trekking in sunny weather, a backpack, a trekking pole, and a poncho or raincoat to stay dry during the rains. Make sure you don’t forget to pack a good supply of water and some trail snacks to rehydrate or gain energy during your climb. Furthermore, remember to wear light, breathable clothes and avoid shorts or denims.

Author:

This blog was written by 14 year old Shaan Shah during his summer internship at Adventure Pulse.
You can also follow Shaan on his personal substack!