Torna

Hill forts Pune Pune
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Difficulty
Medium
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Height
1400 m.
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Type
Hill forts
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District
Pune

Fort Images

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Featured Photo
torna from the way of Rajgad to Torna

torna from the way of Rajgad to Torna

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Maps & Routes

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Introduction

Whenever Maratha history is recalled it is always the fort of Torna that is commemorated for being one of those forts captured by Shivaji Maharaj in his teenage. It has been rightly said by James Douglas "It was Shivaji's first conquest, the nucleus around which all the others clustered, making it virtually the cradle of the Marathi Empire, which shocked the throne of the great Moguls. It has been the scene of many bloody battles. If Sinhagad is Lion's does then Torna is Eagle's nest."

On the fort are found many trees of the type “Toran”, which may be the reason for the name of the fort. The fort is located in Pune district, 18.36 degrees Latitude & 73.37 degrees Longitude. The village at the base of the fort is called “Velhe”. To the south of Torna is the river of Velvandi & to the north is the Valley of Kanad River.

Historical Background

Till now it wasn’t known that who built the fort. The caves & sculptures here indicate that the fort belongs to the period of “SHAIVA PANTH”, the followers of Lord Shiva. During 1470 to 1486 A.D., Malik Ahmed, a Bahmani ruler, captured this fort. Later Nizamshah ruled it. In the 1646, Shivaji Maharaj brought this fort under his control and named it “PRACHANDAGAD”. He was the one who built some new monuments here. After his daring escape from Agra, he came here & renovated the fort. Moguls took over the fort after Sambhaji Maharaj’s assassination. But Marathas regained control over the fort due to the efforts of Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv. In 1704 A.D., Aurangzeb captured the fort. He named it as “Futulgaib” or “The Divine Victory”. However, within 4 years Sarnobat Nagoji Kokate was able to re-establish Maratha control here. In the treaty of Purandar, Torna remained with Shivaji Maharaj. The important thing about the fort is that it is the only fort that Aurangzeb won by fighting a real war.

Trek Duration

⏱️ 2 hours from the base village.

Facilities & Amenities

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Accommodation

Temple of Goddess Mengai.

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Food

One should arrange for food himself.

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Water

A tank named Bokad tank near Mengai Devi temple provides sufficient water in winter. In summer most of the resources dry up.
A small pond present near Kothi Darwaaja provides potable water.

Best Season to Visit

🌤️ N/A

Nearby Villages

Velha,Bhatti

Location Maps

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Planning Your Trek?

Pack Smart

Carry essentials, water, and first aid kit

Start Early

Begin your trek early in the morning

Trek in Groups

Always trek with companions for safety

Keep Forts Clean

Do not litter on forts. Do not damage the fort.