Written by: Bhushan
Torna
This fort, which is located on the outskirts of Pune has a special significance in the history of the region. This was the first fort, which Shivaji conquered as a 16 year old with his loyal band of followers called ‘mavlas’. Shivaji had initially named the fort Prachand gadh, a tribute to the sheer size of the structure.
Orientation
Located at a height of 1404 mts above sea level, it is about an hour and a half’s drive from Pune. Torna poses one of the toughest climbs — amongst the forts in the region, for trekking enthusiasts. It’s a good two hours climb starting from the foothills, which are on the outskirts of a village called Velhe.
Weather
Owing to its height, the weather is generally a bit cooler than the plains below. Summers are particularly dry and harsh. But monsoon in this region is like magic wand, turning the landscape from a rugged brown to a luscious emerald green. The temperature dips to single digits in winters.
Best time to visit
Between June and October. That’s when it rains the most here lending a mystique aura to the place. The winter season – from October through to February, is also not a bad time for a sojourn here.
Getting there / Route information
The closest town to hit this fort from, is Pune. You could take a state transport bus from Swar gate (a bus terminus) in Pune, which is heading for Velhe. Buses are not very frequent. Say about one every hour. The journey to Velhe takes about an hour and half (65 kms approx). The hill atop which Torna fort is located, has its foothills in Velhe. If you are the more adventurous type, here’s a fascinating alternative. We suggest that you head from Rajgarh through the Sanjivni machi. Trek along the range of hillocks, which open out from the ramparts and walk straight ahead. You will reach the temple at Budla machi at Torna.
By Bus
The Maharashtra State transport Corporation or ST buses are your only saviours vis a vis public transport.
By Train
The nearest train terminus is located in Pune, the Pune Cantonment railway station.
Pictures of Torna
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Major attractions
Kokan darwaja
Darwaja in Marathi (local dialect) means doorway. No other word would be this apt when it comes to describing this place. You can soak yourself in the splendour of both the sunrise and sunset at the Kokan Darwaja. The Sahryadri hills range too proudly opens itself to you, exposing some of its major coronets like the Raigad, Rajgad, Lohagad etc.
Zunzhar machi
It’s a narrow fortified finger, which stretches out and overlooks the valley. It looks rugged with its ramparts, albeit in a very feminine way because of its slender width.
Bhel Buruj
It’s on a ridge taller than the one, which hosts the Zunzhar machi. And it gives you a spectacular view of the latter rampart.
Kaapur Cistern
A beautiful cave hewn out of rock below ground level and now serves as a water collecting body in the rains and the season that follows.
Bhagat Darwaja
A grand opening, which leads you from the Torna to another equally massive fort Rajgarh.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Food is the first thing that comes to mind, because you may not get much on the fort, unlike Raigad and Sinhagad. The village of Velhe may provide you with breakfast before you start off on the climb. Scarcity of water is also a major issue, if you are visiting in winter or summers. Lots of drinking water is advisable along with dry rations. Other than this carry your usual trekking gear such as knife, rope, first aid kit, a stout walking stick, binoculars etc.
Hotel availability
This is one thing you’ve got to be wary about. The fort of Torna does not offer anything by way of accommodation. In case you feel living spending the night up on the fort, request the caretakers of the Devi Mangai mandir, located on the fort. This way you can start off on a following days trek to Rajgarh, which is in relatively close proximity. A bit of courtesy can get you a very basic sort of accommodation. The other best alternative is to head back to Pune.
Local Taxi
Local transport in the Velhe village is not dependable. You will get an assorted variety of auto rickshaws. For any respectable kind of transport you will have to head for the highway and hail down either a bus or a cab passing through.
Nearest known city
Mumbai and Pune.
Contact details in case of contingency
| Hospitals/Clinics | There is no proper health facility in Velhe except for a Primary Health Centre. Pune would be the right place to head for in case of a medical emergency. Here’s a couple of hospitals you could try. Sancheti Hospital, Pune — (020) 25533333 Jehangir Hospital,Pune — (020) 26050550 |
| Police | Superintendent of Police, Pune (Rural) 020-25657878 Control Room –25657171 |
To view pics of Torna, click on the following link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sudarshan.multimedia/TornaPrachandagad#