Torna Fort, Pune - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 58 km from Pune, Torna Fort is a large hill fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the must-include places in Pune adventure tour packages.

Situated at an altitude of 4,603 ft, Torna Fort is regarded as the highest hill-fort in the Pune District. The fort is also called Prachandagad due to its massive size. The name derives from word Prachandagad where Prachanda means massive) and gad means fort in the local Marathi language. This fort is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts in the Pune region, particularly for those seeking a more challenging trek.

The fort is believed to have been built by the Shiva Panth in the 13th century. Malik Ahmed, a Bahamani ruler, captured this fort during the reign of Alauddin Khilji during the late 1470s. Torna Fort holds historical importance as it was the first fort captured by Shivaji I in 1646, when he was just 16 years old. Shivaji renamed the fort from Prachandagad to Torna and constructed various monuments and towers within its premises. In the 18th century, the fort briefly fell under Mughal control following the assassination of Shivaji's son, Sambhaji Maharaj. Aurangzeb renamed it Futulgaib, acknowledging the formidable defenses the Mughals had to breach to capture it. Subsequently, under the Treaty of Purandar in 1776, the fort was returned to the Maratha Empire, where it remained until 1818, when it was surrendered to the British East India Company.

An outstanding example of medieval Indian architecture, Torna Fort spans approximately 3 square kilometers and is encircled by steep cliffs and deep valleys. The fort features two primary entrances: Bini Darwaja to the north and Konnur Darwaja to the south. Both entrances are substantial stone gates adorned with iron spikes and intricate carvings. The Bini Darwaza is the first gate encountered closer to the base, while the Kothi Darwaza serves as the main entrance. The upper section of the fort features various structures and elements, including Budhla Machi, a prominent rock formation resembling the back of a giant whale located on the western side of the fort, which provides stunning views of the valley below and the adjacent Rajgad Fort. Additionally, Zunjar Machi, another rock formation on the eastern side, takes the shape of an elephant's trunk and offers a sweeping vista of Velhe village and Panshet Dam.

Within the fort, there are two ancient temples dedicated to Goddess Menghai Devi, regarded as the patron deity of Torna Fort, and the Toranjai Temple. The fort also contains multiple water tanks designed for rainwater collection, as well as caves that served as shelters and storage for soldiers and local inhabitants. The lower section of the fort features a plateau adorned with grass and flowers, commonly referred to as Velhe Pathar or Budhla Pathar, which is a favored camping destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Embarking on a trek to Torna Fort presents an exhilarating and fulfilling adventure for those seeking both excitement and historical insight. The trek commences from the base village of Velhe, situated approximately 50 km from Pune. The trekking path from Velhe to Torna Fort spans about 8 km and typically requires around 4 hours to complete. This trek is considered challenging, yet the route is clearly marked with signboards and directional arrows.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free