Tung Fort (Kathingad): The Sharp Sentinel of Pawna

Rising sharply to an elevation of 3,527 feet (1,075 meters) above sea level, Tung Fort—officially known as Kathingad (meaning “difficult fort”)—is one of the most striking watchtower fortresses in the Maval region near Pune. Surrounded on three sides by the backwaters of Pawna Lake, its steep, conical peak makes it instantly recognizable across the landscape.

Unlike sprawling plateau forts like Lohagad or Visapur, Tung covers a relatively small surface area at the top. Its primary historical function was not to house a massive army, but to serve as an indispensable military lookout post to monitor movements along the Pawna Maval valley.

📜 History & Strategic Importance

• Adil Shahi Era (Pre-1657): Built before 1600 AD by the Adil Shahi dynasty, the fort served as a outpost commanding the trade routes passing through the Western Ghats.
• Maratha Acquisition (1657): Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Tung along with Tikona, Lohagad, and Visapur in 1657 to secure the entire Maval region.
• Treaty of Purandar (1665): Under the terms of the Treaty of Purandar signed with Mughal commander Jai Singh, Shivaji Maharaj surrendered several fortresses, though Tung remained a key stronghold during subsequent Maratha counter-offensives.
• Watchtower Role: Due to its conical peak, a small garrison of 200–300 troops could keep watch over vast territory. Signals via smoke or torches were exchanged between Tung, Tikona, and Visapur to warn of incoming threats.
• British Rule (1818): General Prother of the British East India Company captured the fort in 1818 following the fall of Visapur and Tikona.

🏰 Key Features & Structure

• Tungi Devi Temple: Nestled near the top, this small shrine dedicated to Goddess Tungi Devi is still maintained and visited by locals.
• Water Cisterns: Several rock-cut water tanks sit along the trail and near the summit, designed to harvest rainwater for the garrison.
• Fortifications & Bastions: Remnants of stone fortification walls (* तटबंदी *) line the steep ridges, offering a glimpse into its medieval defenses.
• The Sharp Pinnacle Ascent: The final stretch of the climb involves traversing a narrow, steep ridge with exposed drops on either side, earning the fort its moniker Kathingad.

🥾 Trekking & Practical Information

🚗 How to Reach

• By Road:
  • From Pune: Take the Paud Road via Pirangut towards Kolvan and Pawna Dam, leading to Tungi village.
  • From Mumbai / Lonavala: From Lonavala, take the route via Kamshet or the Pawna Lake road leading directly to the base village of Tungi.
• By Public Transport: Local buses or shared cabs run from Kamshet railway station towards Pawna Dam, from where local transport can be arranged to Tungi village.

🌄 View from the Top

The summit offers a 360-degree panorama of the Sahyadris:

• Pawna Lake wrapping around the base of the fort.
• Tikona Fort standing directly opposite across the water.
• Lohagad & Visapur Forts visible on the eastern horizon.