Torna - Swarajyache Toran

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

History: 

This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shiva Panth in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort.

 Malik Ahmed, a Bahamani ruler, captured this fort during the reign of Alauddin Khilji during the late 1470s.In 1646, 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. Shivaji Maharaj 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 the assassination of Shivaji's son Sambhaji raje. 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.

Accessibility: 

Velhe is the base village for the Torna trek. 

By Road: Pune can be reached from Mumbai via Mumbai Highway in 3 hours (148 KM). From Pune city to the fort, it is a distance of 52 KM which is two hours distance to reach the fort.

By Rail: Nearest Railway station: Pune Railway station (52 KM)

By Air:  Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (52 KM)

Best time to visit: October to March 

Trek level: Medium 

Places to visit:  

The fort is massive and on a clear day Rajgad, Raigad, Sinhagad, Lingana forts can be easily seen from the fort. Approx to complete the tour of Fort. Places to visit on the fort-

1-Temple of Goddess Mengai

2-Temple of Goddess Toranjai 

3-Maal and Safeli bastions

4-Budhla Machi

5-Bini Darwaja

6- Kothi Darwaja

7- Hanuman Bastion

8- Konkan Darwaja

9-Zunjar Machi

The fort of Torna is well surrounded by mountains, lakes such as Gunjawani & Panshet, and some waterfalls too. Half of the road to this fort includes beautiful meadows, and the other half leads with unique rock-carved steps which are marvelous in structure. 

'जय शिवराय '