Tung Fort

Tung Fort of a hill overlooking the Maval area in Maharashtra, India. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty in around 1600, and then captured by the Shivaji. The fort is quite small and only capable of holding around 200 soldiers, but is very not easy to come near. It has a narrowed peak and is clearly visible from the adjoining area. “The Original name is 'Kathingad'”

Today, due to the construction of the Phagne Dam on the Pawna River, Tung Fort is surrounded on three sides by water. It is a popular hill-walking destination and ferryboat takes visitors from the Phange Dam to Tungi village at the base of the fort. A vertical walk takes you to the thick walls and ruined bastions of the fort. In the middle is a temple and water reservoir. Walkers are rewarded with stunning views. A small but enriched with nature, especially in monsoon. It is a stiff. It is covered from 3 sides by Belag kada. A small temple of Bhairavnaath in the starting of the fort. The temple is very good and you can stay here. If you see from Pawanaa dam you can see one big rock which is nothing but TUNG. if you see it from the base you will find it very difficult and you will say it is hardly impossible to climb on this rock. You cannot see the road to go on the top but once you start  is very easy and you can easily climb this fort. The fort is covered by water from 3 sides and you can think that we are on sea fort. On the top you can see a Nirmal Taki which is carved in 10 * 5 mtrand it provides the water for the whole year.

Tung Fort acted as a watchtower and small target delaying invading forces, giving the major forts at Visapur and Lohagad more time to prepare defences. These tow hill forts, along with Tikona and Korigad, are clearly visible from the top of Tung. Thus looking at the number it may come to our mind that the fort cannot be defended for a long time. However, the Mughal sardar Shaistekhan was not able to capture the fort in spite of a huge army.

The fort mainly served as a watch tower (तेहालंनी दुर्ग) and was used to distract the invaders till the main forts of Visapur and Lohgad could ready them for the battle. The fort was under the control of the then Senapati Netaji Palker after the loot of Surat by the Maratha forces. In the later period Chhatrapati Rajaram transferred the fort under the leadership of     Sarkhel Kanoji Angre who was the Maratha naval chief at that time.

Where it is: Near Pavana Dam

Dist: Pune

Base village: Tungwadi

Time to reach: 45 minute
IMAGE COURTESY: PRATIK BODAS