Weekend getaways in Western Ghats around Pune: “AROUND PUNE CAMPING NEAR TIKONA FORT

Dazzling night, away from home, heartily soothing music, stays in tents, surrounded by hills and in front of huge dam, how is the idea for charming weekend? Who will not be interested to spend time like this? I will definitely do like to relax and get refreshing thoughts.

What this place is all about - Do you like to go out for weekend but do not want stay for long and just one or two night stay works perfectly for you, then Rusticville is the perfect place for you! This is very near to Pune and Mumbai too. As I mentioned above, this place is situated at the bank of Pavana Dam and surrounded by hills from three sides. One of the hills near to this place is Tikona Fort. This is historical fort. Tikona means three angles. This is pyramidal in shape. The village situated at the base named Tikona Peth and rusticville is situated at Tikona peth.

One km road to this place from Tikona Peth is really amazing and adventurous too. You have to drive very slowly to avoid vehicle touching to ground. I can say it’s off road driving.

How to reach at this place –

If you are coming by your own vehicle please follow the direction mentioned in the map below.

From Pune –

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From Mumbai –

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When you are coming by your own vehicle, do head towards Pavananagr. Then take left turn towards Paud. Do not cross the Pavana Dam. From there you have to drive up a small Ghat and reach at Tikona Peth. Clear sign boards make this easy. The road to Tikona Peth is Scenic. Good photography spots on the way to capture Pavana reservoir and Tung fort situated behind the Dam.

If you are coming by local transport, I suggested coming till Kamshet by city transport. From kamshet you can take private transport like Jeep / Rickshaw. This place is about 19 km from Kamshet. Come till Tikona peth and from here you can walk for 1 km to reach at Rusticville.

What to do at this place –

Riusticville is the place developed at the base of tikona fort which offers camping packages. This includes stay in tent (twin sharing), tea, morning breakfast, Veg / Non Veg Barbeque and camp fire. Outdoor sport material is also available at this place such as volleyball, cricket set, archery etc. The location of this place is unique as I mentioned above. Arrangement of tents, gate, environment created is so charismatic that you will just want to stay there for many days. Off course the unique locations adds to the beauty of this place.

After coming here at evening you can play some outdoor games with your family / friends and then have good cup of tea. In case you come early, you may go to Tikona fort for trekking. It takes approx 1.5 hours from there to reach at the top of the fort and then in less than hour you can come down to this place. Make sure you come at the base before sunset.

Once you reach at the camp site, caretaker at Russiaville arranges barbeque next to your tents and provides all the required material along with that. If interested please carry your music system and have rocking barbecue party along with your group. Believe me this will be one of the nice experience you will have which you can cherish lifetime. Barbeque provided here are veg and non veg both, based on your choice.

(Secretly) Not only with your big group but you can enjoy here along with your special ones too. This will be very different experience too, may be during Valentine’s Day, birthday or any special occasion.

When the barbeque is provided by caretaker, its up to you how you want to make “Mahol” in your group. Its open air barbeque, which provides exotic experience to all. After this you can proceed for open air dinner. If interested you may play carom board or chill out with your friends and chit chat.

After dinner, you will be offered nice camp fire / bone fire around which you can spend your time in your own way. Some groups would like to play guitar and sing song while others wants to just chit chat.

If you are tired you may proceed to cozy tents for sleep. In the morning you can either plan for trek to Tikona fort or play some morning games like volleyball. After breakfast you may proceed to Home.

I am putting here few pics during my visit. Keep travelling and keep exploring new places and share your experience.

Website for Contact Details and Tariff - Rusticville

- महेश आवटे