Torna Fort is the highest hill fort in the Pune District. Situated at an altitude of 4,603 ft. from sea level, it stands out among other forts in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Standing 8 km west of Rajgad Fort, this high fort is another citadel of history. It commands excellent views and is easy to climb. Its two wings are called “Zunjar Machi” to the east and “Budhala Machi” to the south.
There are temples of the goddess Menghai and Toranjai on the main fort. Also, there are perennial water tanks on the main fort and Budhala Machi.
The view from the fort is spectacular. You can see many prominent forts like Raigad, Lingana, Rajgad, Purandar, Sinhgad, Raireshwar, Pratapgad and Madhu-Makrandgad forts.
As stated by James Douglas, “If Sinhgad is a cave then Torna is an eagle’s nest!”
This fort truly stands for what his words.
Budhala Machi on the Torna fort has a unique structure. Budhala in Marathi means vessel. And the shape of the Machi is similar to an oil container kept upside down. Hence the name.
It is believed that one of the reasons to call this fort “Prachandgad” is the massive structure of this Budhala Machi.
Torna fort was the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646 when he was 16 years old. He repaired it and named it “Prachandgad”. Because of the massive size of the fort, it is also called “Prachandgad”. This name is derived from Marathi which means “Prachand” – massive and “Gad” – a fort.
This is where the core of the Maratha Empire was built. It has a great history as it has gone under many rulers.
It was used to store the plunder that was gathered during raids in the surrounding areas. In 1658, Shivaji Maharaj completed the building of the Rajgad fort and made it his capital. Torna changed hands between Moguls and Marathas a few times till the British took it over.
23:30
Please reach your pickup point and mark your attendance. We will travel by private bus to base camp or the starting point of the trek.
01:45
We arrive at the starting point of our trek. Our field experts will provide pre-trek information and instructions to all participants.
02:00 – 07:00
Now we start the trek to Torna Fort. Walking on the Torna Fort, one sees a large cone-shaped peak i.e. “Vishala Pinnacle” which is situated at the centre of “Budhala Machi”. We enter the fort by climbing a simple ladder.
It takes 4-5 hours to reach the top of the fort. We enter Torna Fort through the Konkan Gate.
The sunrise view is a reward for your efforts to climb the fort.
07:00 – 11:00
Explore Torna Fort
We visit & explore the various parts of forts & other remnants. Also, we enjoy the views of the surrounding from the top of the Torna Fort. Later we start descending the fort via the regular route to Velhe village.
11:00 – 13:00
Reach Velhe village & Refresh yourself. (Toilets are available there.)
Let’s have a meal together. Served hot and tasty vegetarian food.
13:00 – 16:00
Start the journey back to Pune with very pleasant memories and non-biodegradable garbage.
16:00
Reach Pune and now it’s time to say goodbye to your travel companion. Let’s keep in touch via phone / social media and meet again on another memorable trip.
SEE YOU SOON! 😀
Day 1: Highlights
• Altitude Gain / Loss (ft.): ⇑ 1,050 ft.; ⇓ 1,850 ft.
• Walk (approx.): 8 hrs., 14 km.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Meal after the Trek
Deccan > Nal Stop > Warje Bridge > Nasrapur > Velhe (Base)
23:00 – Deccan
23:15 – Nal Stop
23:30 – Warje Bridge