Kathingad/Tunga Fort
Maharashtra

Tung fort is also named Kathingad fort. The word "Kathin" in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficult challenge of reaching this fort. The fort is conical and has steep climbs with a very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. From Pawana dam, reaching this fort requires a 400-metre climb.

History

Tung Fort was built before 1600 CE. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty but was captured by Shivaji. It is small, and not 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 suggest that its main function was as a watchtower guarding the road to Pune city. The Dhamale family, one of the Deshmukh 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. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because from top of the fort, a lot of area in the Maval region of the Pawana and Mulshi valleys can be seen, and thus, from the top of the fort, a watch on these areas can be kept.

GETTING THERE

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

From Lonavala, one can reach the base village Tungwadi around 20 km via Bushy Dam-INS Shivaji-Peth Shahapur-Tungwadi. From Tungwadi village, reaching this fort requires about a 300-metre climb. Road is not so good to travel, work in progress.

ENTRY FEES

There is no entry fee to visit the fort, only ID is needed.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

It is the best place to visit for some adventure during holidays.

· Tung Devi Temple

· Maruti Temple

· Ganesh Temple

· we can see other forts from the top such as Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona, Korigad

OPENING/ CLOSING TIMINGS AND DAYS

The fort is open 24 Hrs to general public for all days of the week. One has to show their ID to enter the fort and for foreign nationals, passport is mandatory. It comes under Maharashtra tourism and department also promotes the heritage site. This fort is a must visit place if you are going on a Maharashtra tour.