Torna Trek

  • Fort Name : Torna
    Fort Height : 1,403 Meters.
    Type : Hill forts
    Fort Range : Pune
    District : Pune
    Grade : Medium

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. If Sinhagad is Lion’s cave then Torna is Eagle’s nest.”

History

In 1646, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts that would become one of the forts of the Maratha empire. Shivaji renamed the fort  ‘Prachandagad’ as Torna and constructed several monuments and towers within it

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.

 

Fascinating Spots

  • Menghai Devi / Tornaji temple
  • Zunzar Machi
  • Budhla Machi
  • The Raigad, Lingana, Rajgad, Purandar fort, Sinhagad are seen from Torna

Things to Carry

  • Minimum 2 ltrs of Water
  • Munching Items: Dry Fruits, Chocolates or Energy Bars.
  • Good quality trekking Shoes
  • Hand Sanitizer, mask
  • Smartphone or Compact Camera
  • Power bank
  • Rainy season jacket/poncho/ umbrella
  • Pair of dry cloths.
  • Necessary medicines (if any)
  • ORS, Glucon-D
  • Few old news papers
  • Torch / Emergency Light

Trek Time
Average 3 hours to reach the top.

Group Size
Max 25

Schedule

Other logistics would be sent on WhatsApp group of all confirmed participants!

Do’s

  • Keep the forts clean. If you find some plastic bottles or any trash that is non-degradable, carry it in a bag and then dump it in our city dustbins.
  • Wear clothes that are comfortable. Avoid jeans in rainy season.
  • Walk, don’t run.
  • Consume plenty of water
  • Respect Nature
  • Follow leaders instructions

Dont’s

  • If at some places photography is not allowed, you should not click photos.
  • Ensure that you do not pollute such places by leaving trash behind. Leave nothing but your footsteps.
  • DO NOT wear anything funky that might attract wild animals. And don’t tease wild animals if you encounter any.
  • Don’t make random marking on trees or the structures on the fort.
  • Do not drink/smoke.
  • No Selfies at dangerous places

For more information please reach out to –
Mobile / WhatsApp – 9822241880
Email – contact.iCampers@gmail.com