Torna Fort

Pune, Maharashtra (One Day)

Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is a large fort located in Pune district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is historically significant because it was the first fort captured by king Shivaji Maharaj in 1646, at the age of 16, forming the nucleus of the Maratha empire. The hill has an elevation of 1,403 metres (4,603 ft) above sea level, making it the highest hill-fort in the district. The name derives from Prachanda (Marathi for huge or massive) and gad (Marathi for fort).

This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort. In 1646, King Shivaji captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts that would become one of the forts of the Maratha empire. King Shivaji renamed the fort ' 'Prachandagad' ' as Torna, and constructed several monuments and towers within it. In the 18th century, the Mughal empire briefly gained control of this fort after assassination of King Shivaji's son king Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, the then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib in recognition of the difficult defense the Mughals had to overcome to capture this fort. It was restored to the Maratha confederacy by the Treaty of Purandar.

The fort is about 50 km via Pabe ghat southwest of Pune in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri mountain ranges at the base village Velhe. One can go from Pune via Satara road and take right at Nasarapur village. This distance is near about 65km. It is the highest fort in Pune district.

This highest fort in Pune district has VELHE as its base village. To reach Velhe first reach NASRAPUR by NH 4, this is approx 35 kms from Pune Station. Turn right at the Nasrapur Phata from the highway and travel westwards approx 30 kms to reach the village Velhe. At Velhe you can park your vehicles and start trekking. One can also go for a 2 day trek which is via Rajgad fort. You will have to go to Rajgad first and then walk along the ridges of Sahyadri Mountains to reach Torna. This ain't a tough road but will take approximately 6 - 7 hours