Torna, also called Prachandagad, “the huge fort”, is where the Maratha story begins: it was the first fort taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in 1646. At about 1,403 m it is the highest fort in Pune district. From Velhe village, a climb of about 2 to 3 hours through meadows and up carved rock steps brings you to the Bini Darwaja. On top are two great spurs, Budhla Machi and Zunjar Machi, and views across to Rajgad.
Why Torna matters
In 1646, while the Adil Shahi court at Bijapur was in confusion over the illness of its sultan, the young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, then about 16, took Torna. It was the first fort of the kingdom he went on to build. A popular story says treasure was found during repairs here and spent on building Rajgad, the fort across the valley that became his first capital.
The fort itself is older. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century by followers of a Shaiva sect.
How to reach Torna
- By bus: state transport buses run from Swargate, Pune, to Velhe. The ride takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- By road: about 60 to 65 km from Pune via Nasrapur. There is parking in Velhe village.
- From Mumbai: about 220 km; most people come via Pune.
- The start: the trail begins near the police station in Velhe.
The climb
- Velhe to the plateau (about 20 minutes). An easy path through fields.
- The plateau to the Bini Darwaja (about 2 hours). The trail follows a ridge and grows steeper, ending in rock patches with steps carved into the rock. This is the hard part. Railings help in places, but some are damaged, so do not trust them with your weight.
- On the fort. Through the Bini Darwaja and the Kothi Darwaja you reach the top. Give yourself 3 to 4 hours to see the fort properly.
Start early. Plan to be back in Velhe before dark.
What to see on Torna Fort
- Bini Darwaja and Kothi Darwaja. The two gates on the Velhe route. The Bini Darwaja is hidden from below until you are almost at it.
- Menghai Devi temple. Also called the Tornaji temple, near the entrance. Trekkers sometimes stay the night here.
- Budhla Machi. “Budhla” means an oil vessel, and this huge spur looks like one turned upside down. The ridge path to Rajgad starts here.
- Zunjar Machi. The narrower spur on the other side, with a view down to Velhe. The way onto it has been blocked or difficult in some seasons, so check locally and skip it in rain.
- Water cisterns, bastions and the Konkan Darwaja. Scattered along the ramparts. Rock-cut tanks on the citadel hold water, but carry your own.
The ridge walk to Rajgad
A long ridge connects Torna’s Budhla Machi with Rajgad. The walk takes about 5 to 7 hours over many small hills. It is one of the classic treks of the Sahyadri, and most groups do it over two days with a night on one of the forts. Go with someone who knows the route. See my Rajgad Fort guide.
Tips for your visit
- Carry 2 to 3 litres of water and food. There is little on the fort.
- Wear shoes with real grip. The upper rock patches are steep.
- Avoid the climb in heavy rain. The rock steps get slippery.
- Do not lean on the railings.
- Respect the fort. No litter, no writing on walls.
Places near Torna
- Rajgad Fort, across the valley, the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a UNESCO World Heritage fort.
- Sinhagad Fort, another of the great forts south-west of Pune.
