Torna Fort
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Torna is a very large fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra state, India. One of the most beautiful forts in Maharashtra, it was among the first forts captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in his early years.
Treasure found on this fort was used to fortify the nearby Rajgad fort.
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[edit] Location
The fort is around 40 km to the south west of Pune in the Sahyadris range.
[edit] Parts of the fort
The main parts of the forts are:
- Konkan Darwaja
- Zunjar Machi
- Mengai Goddess temple
- Kothi Darwaja
- Sadar
- Budhla Machi
- Toranjai Goddess temple
[edit] History
The history of this fort dates back centuries. It was ruled by many rulers including the Moghuls and finally captured by Shivaji.
[edit] Tourism
Torna Fort is a favoured destination for trekkers especially during the post-monsoon months from September to December. Accommodation is provided on the site in the Menghai Devi temple, under the care of Maharashtra government.
[edit] Routes
From Pune, travellers start in the early morning from Swargate bus stand and board any bus to the village of Velhe. [Pune(Swargate)---->Khed Shivspur---->cheladi(nasarapur(Baneshwar))--->Winzar--->velhe.]The main path to Torna starts from here, and local people can help with directions. The way to the top is moderate to difficult, with some precautions to be taken in rainy season. It is a two-hour climb to the "Bini Darwaaja", the main entrance to the fort.
There is an interesting alternative path from Rajgad. A pleasant ridge walk of 5-6 hours starts from "Male Darwaaja" of Rajgad, near the left side of "Sanjeevani Machi", and ends at "Budhla Machi" of Torna Fort.
