Conquering Torna Fort: An Adventurer's Delight

One of the most sought-after trekking and historical sites in Maharashtra is the giant fort, commonly referred to as Prachandagad, also called Torna Fort. The immense fort is situated in the district of Pune at a height of around 1,403 meters (4,603 feet) above sea level, which is the highest among all the forts of the region. It is located in the picturesque Sahyadri hill range and offers bird's-eye views of the Western Ghats. Torna Fort is also popular not only because of its history but because of the thrill adventures that have been attracting history enthusiasts, nature enthusiasts, and adventure sports lovers to the fort. Location and Altitude Torna Fort is about 50 kilometres southwest of the city of Pune and can be accessed comfortably by village Velhe, the trekker's stoppage. Because of its humongous elevation, the fort overshadows other historically important forts like Rajgad, Raigad, and Sinhagad in the height factor. Climbing on Torna Fort is comparatively tiring, being a challenge, but with necessary willpower, an exercise that anyone of zeal can accomplish.

Historical Significance

The most marvelous attraction of Torna Fort is its enormous historical link with legendary Maratha war hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Torna Fort was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj, as a young boy barely 16 years old in 1646, and it was from this site that the process of conquest of the Maratha Empire started. Feeling its significance in terms of strategic location, he fortified it more to consolidate a tight hold on his headquarters command. Torna Fort was a beacon of light in Mughal-Maratha battles. The fort changed hands with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and was given the name "Futulgaib." But it was regained by the Marathas and reclaimed its grip on the history of Maharashtra. It still stands as proof of the courage, strength, and unbridled character of the Marathas until this very day.

Maharashtra has a chain of ancient forts, but Torna Fort stands out from them for the fact that it was at its peak when the Maratha Empire was established. Shivaji Maharaj established the idea of Swarajya (self-governance) here which flourished as one of India's largest empires. The fort was an unconquerable command centre for several wars and guarded the Maratha land from intruders. Besides that, the fort is decorated with several gates, temples, bastions, and water cisterns to reflect its militarism and engineering capabilities. The huge stone structures and boulder-like terrain of the fort reflect the type of engineering capabilities present at that time in the area. The temple of the Menghai Goddess inside the fort is still a pilgrimage site to this day for pilgrims and history enthusiasts travelling through.

Nearby Places of Torna Fort

1. Rajgad Fort (10 km) – The first capital of the Maratha Empire, known for its grand structure and trekking trails.

2. Sinhagad Fort (30 km) – A historic fort with a rich past and stunning views.

3. Purandar Fort (40 km) – A significant fort associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

4. Madhe Ghat Waterfall (30 km) – A beautiful monsoon waterfall with scenic hiking trails.

5. Panshet Dam (35 km) – A serene lake perfect for boating and relaxation.

6. Varasgaon Dam (40 km) – A peaceful picnic spot with lush greenery.

7. Lavasa (55 km) – A planned hill city with lakeside activities and scenic beauty.

How to Reach Torna Fort from Metro Cities

From Pune

The nearest metro city is Torna Fort in Pune. Therefore, tourists can begin from Pune.

• By Road: The most convenient way to access Torna Fort from Pune is by road. It's 50 km from Pune, and the journey will be between 1.5 to 2 hours. One can take the NH48 road from Pune to Katraj and further to Velhe village, the base village of the trek. Private vehicles hired taxis, and bikes on rent are readily available in Pune.

• By Train: No direct trains to Torna Fort. The nearest railway station is Pune Junction. A cab or bus can be booked from here to Velhe village.

• By Flight: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ). Using flight services, individuals can travel to Velhe village by taxi or local means to the destination.

From Mumbai

There exists a city named Mumbai and there are two ways to reach the fort.

• By Road: Torna Fort is 210 km from Mumbai. The tourists use the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Pune exit, and the same road to drive to Velhe. Driving distance covers approximately 4-5 hours depending upon the traffic flow.

• By Train: The nearest railway station to reach is Pune Junction. There are several trains available from Mumbai to Pune. The journey can again be by bus or taxi from Pune to Velhe.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. From Pune and follow as mentioned.

• By Car: A private car or a taxi can be used to travel further to Torna Fort in comfort.

• Public Transport: MSRTC bus from Swargate Bus Stand, Pune, runs daily up to Velhe village on a regular timetable. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation runs them.

Shared Transport: Independent groups of trekkers and trekking groups and most individual tour operators organize shared transport from Pune and Mumbai for independent trekkers and trekking groups.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring Torna Fort from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.