Mission - Torna Fort

Torna also known as Prachandgadh is the highest fort (1403 m/4604 ft) in Pune region commanding excellent views. Historically this fort is regarded as Shivaji Maharaj’s first conquest making it virtually the cradle of the Maratha Empire.

Torna Fort Map

Torna Fort

For me this was the first trek and I was very much excited. We started our journey to TORNA fort on 22nd October at 6.30am. We were group of almost 70 people and all were from Amdocs DVCI. Torna is around 65kms away from Pune. After a long journey of almost 2 hours by bus we reached a base village called Velhe. We had a great and fun filling time while travelling through bus towards Torna.

Breakfast at Torna Hotel

After reaching the base village, everyone had breakfast and then after a good introduction session we started the trek at around 10.00am. It was a bright, hot and sunny day. We all started the trek with lots of enthusiasm.

But frankly speaking, I was almost exhausted and tired in the first half an hour when we started to climb moutain. But I didn't stop and continued the trek taking regular rests in between the way. As we moved across the narrow ways, on the way up, it appeared more and more tiresome and difficult but our spirit to reach Torna fort kept us moving.


As we reached near the first Gate which was around after one and half hours, it was time to do something interesting i.e. climbing the steps which goes towards that Gate. It was not that difficult but since it was the first time for me I was little nervous while climbing the steps.

So, at last we reached one of the entrance of Torna Fort, what a great relief. But this was not the end. After another 30 mins, we reached top of the fort where Menghai Devi Temple was located and it was big enough to accommodate us all. Any group wishing to stay back on the fort can enquire at the local tea shop and collect the keys of Menghai devi temple from base village. Everybody were tired and hungry after a long trek. We rested for about an hour and took a nice lunch together also.

Menghai Devi Temple

Torna was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj. He put a garland (called Toran in Marathi) of his first victory on this fort and therefore the name – TORNA. Torna is also named as prachandgadh by Shivaji Maharaj because of its vastness (Prachand - big).

Zunjar Machi

Way to Zunjar Machi

Now, we started to move towards flag post and then Zunjar Machi and the approach towards Zunjar Machi was a bit difficult but mission impossible for me. This was the most adventrous part in the whole trek because we had to do sort of rock climbing and it was a bit risky too.

But everyone some how managed to reach the place safely. The place, Zunjar Machi was worth watching. The view from Zunjar MAchi was spectacular and awesome. The efforts which we took going to this place didn't go in vain. We spent some time together over there. Then we backed our way through a door whose exit goes straight to the valleys of the moutains.

Group at Zunjar Machi

We then went to Konkan Darwaza this was also one of the best attraction to be seen. By this time we didn't have time to go Budhala Machi. But I wish to go there whenever I come to Torna Fort next time and experience the places which was uncovered this time.

Trekking Group
We started our journey back to the base village around 4.00pm and this was not easy too. It took me around one and half hour to come down to the base village. On the way I lost for a while but was able to come back to right track and reached the final destination making this first trek mission as successful for me. At the end of day, I was really exausted and tired but this visit gave me some most valuable information which I couldn't have gained without going there.
So my friend, if you get a chance anytime to visit Torna Fort then don't miss the oppurtunity because this place is beautiful and spectacular to be seen.