Torna  Fort or Prachandagad

Torna Fort or Prachandagad is a large fort located in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is historically significant because it is the first fort captured by Shivaji in 1643 at 16 years of age, forming the nucleus of the Maratha Empire (Garland Called Toran in Marathi). Torna Fort is the only fort, which lasted until the end of the Maratha Empire from its surmounting.

In the 18th century, the Mughal empire gained control of this fort after assassination of Shivaji Maharaj's son Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib (Divine victory), 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.

The hill has an elevation of 1,403 meters (4,603 ft) above sea level, making it the highest hill-fort in the district. Torna fort is spread widely on the top of hills thereby overpowering the other largest forts in Maharashtra and for that reason it was given a second name called Prachandagad.

The construction of this fort took place in 13th century by the followers of Lord Shiva, Shaiva Panth. The location of this fort falls on the Sahyadri range of hills. The entire surrounding fort like Rajgad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, and Raigad are clearly visible from Torna. This fort was the best on its location as quick attacks can be done to these forts with ease for capturing.

Location

The fort is about 65 km southwest of Pune in the Sahyadri mountain range. It is the highest fort in Pune district.

Best time to visit

Rock climbing is best done during winter and early summers September to January. Avoid the journey during monsoons when the path becomes dangerous due to mud and slippery rocks. Trekkers can stay in the Menghai Devi temple.

The main parts of the forts are:

• ·        Konkan Darwaja
• ·        Zunjar Machi
• ·        Mengai Goddess temple
• ·        Kothi Darwaja
• ·        Sadar
•          Budhla Machi
•          Toranjai Goddess temple 

 zunjar machi fortification

Getting There

Starting from Pune, preferably early in the morning is the best option. From Swargate Bus stand in Pune board any bus to the village of Velhe. way to Torna starts from here and is quite straight. Ask local help for the way. A walk of couple of hours leads to the "Bini Darwaaja", the main entrance to the fort. The way to top is moderate to difficult with some precautions to be taken in rainy season.

State Transport buses are available from Swargate bus stand at a frequency of about 1 hour. The last bus back to Pune is at around 6:00PM, so you may plan your climb down accordingly.
Torna is 76 kms northwest of Kolhapur. State transport buses ply regularly from Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Belgaum.

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