Detailed Description

Twin treks are forts that stand parallel to each other, most of the time also sharing the base village. With the monsoon here in full swing, this is an apt time to gear up for treks. Take off to picturesque locations, trek up quaint villages and enjoy a dose of history.

Trekking during this season gives you the dual opportunity to visit historic locations and capture nature at its vibrant best. It is also an excuse for capturing great memories. Here are a few twin fort treks of medium difficulty, which you can plan this season.

Tung - Tikona

These are twin forts located on either sides of the Pawna Dam in Lonavala. They were watch towers used by rulers in ancient times.

Tung fort has an elevation of about 3527 feet. The fort is also known as Kathingad or the difficult fort. This conical fort has a temple of Tungi Devi at the summit. Though it is a steep climb, it isn't a difficult one. It’s a combination of stone steps and muddy slopes.

Tikona is 3,500 feet high and is relatively easy trek. There are marked routes till you reach the ruins of the fort. At the summit, you can spot all the neighboring forts in the region, with a clear view of the trail you climbed up.   

Sarasgad - Sudhagad

Sarasgad is a fort located near Pali in Paachapur and is 2,200 feet above sea level. This fort has steep stone-carved steps.

As you begin the ascent, it may seem tricky bit it isn't as difficult. The climb is worthwhile - on your way to the summit there are caves that are reportedly said to be used by the Maratha army during ancient times. Locals call the fort Pagdicha Killa since its shape resembles a turban. There is a Shiva temple at the summit and a lake right behind it where you can relax.

The adjacent fort is Sudhagad, which is 2,030 feet above sea level. At the summit there is Bhoraidevi temple - a goddess revered by the locals. There are quite a few secret doors you will spot through this trek. A few patches are made easy with ladders and railings installed to avoid accidents.

Lohagad - Visapur

Lohagad, as compared to its twin is an easy trek. It is 3,389 feet above sea level and the aerial view resembles that of a scorpion's tail.

The trek begins from the base village of Malavli, but now there are roads made till Lohagad village making the trek shorter. Locals say these forts were used as prisons earlier. The fort has multiple levels of fortification, which are still intact.

Visapur (3,556 feet high) is another fort in Lonavala. The trek takes a different route from Lohagad village. The locals are very hospitable, so don't hesitate to ask for directions. There are cisterns around the fort and after a long trek, sit down and enjoy the scenery. At the summit, you will be able to locate other forts like Tung, Tikona and Lohagad.

Kalavantin Durg - Prabhalgad

This twin trek begins from Raigad district's Prabal Machi, a plateau where trekkers usually stop to grab food before beginning the slightly lengthy trek. It’s from here that the two routes for the twin trek begin. Kalavantin Durg is a pinnacle and 23,000 (feet) above sea level.

There is a stairway that leads to the ruins of the fort. These winding steps are cut from rocks and during monsoon there is moss congregation.

The other route from Prabal Machi is the one that leads to Prabhalgad, which is more like a jungle trek. For newcomers, this is a confusing one. Hire a guide at the foothills. Stay the night at the village, there are accommodation facilities available.