Torna Killa in Maharashtra

Torna Fort is  the  large fort  located in Pune district (Near about 1400 Meters above sea-level, the tallest in the district) it is also known as Prachandagad, in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is historically significant as the first most forts to be acquired by Raja Shivaji in 1643, forming the Nucleus of the Maratha empire(Swarajya Toran). As it appears Huge or Massive in , hence it is well known as Prachand and Gad as fort in Marathi Prachandgad.

History

This fort is supposed to be constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji  temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort. In 1643, Shivaji, son of a local Jagirdar Sahaji, with royal ambitions, captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it the first forts in what would become the Maratha empire (Hindavi Swarajya). Shivaji renamed the fort Prachandagad, and constructed several monuments  and towers  within  it. in1700s, the Mughal empire gained control of this fort after assassination of Shivaji’s  son  Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib (Language unknown: 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.

As a Tourist Spot:

Torna  is most popular historical monuments in the district. Especially during the  rainy season, the site attracts oodles of tourists. Moreover, lovers of adventure look at Torna  as a paragon for trekking. The fort is undoubtedly difficult to climb up and thus stands as a  challenge for the trekkers. Over the last decade the Government of Maharashtra has been
trying to develop the site as a tourist spot and also to preserve the significance of the fort as a  historical monument.

How to reach?

Torna fort tourist place in Pune district.you can reach the fort via Khed  Shivapur, Nasrapur or Baneshwar. Once you reach the village called Velhe at the foothills of the fort, you can start your treck to the fort. It is indeed a thrilling experience.

Food and Accommodation:

As far as food is concerned it is better to carry own food . You can get something to eat at the foothills. Besides there are a few hotels on the fort providing a few dishes. As for the accommodation, the temple of goddess Mengai is the best place on the fort to stay in.

Shivaji’s 1st Conquest..

Torna fort is the first fort that Shivaji captured and that too in his teens! Shivaji renamed it as Torna. Torna fort is also called Prachandgad. One of the tallest forts around Pune Torna fort also is the only fort that Aurangazeb captured in a real war!

So, Visit this first  pillar (Toran)  of  the  Hindavi Swarajya.