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Torna Fort is located 70 km southwest of Pune. Torna Fort’s name is written in the golden pages of the history of the Marathas, as it was the first fort captured by none other than the mighty Shivaji Maharaj in 1643.
Torna is also famous for its location as it is the highest hill-fort in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Torna Fort is located at a height of 4603 ft. above sea level. It is also known as Prachandagad because of its enormous structure. In Marathi, “Prachand” means huge, and “gad” means fort.
The historical link is fascinating as Torna was constructed in the 13th century by Shaiva Panth, who was a follower of Shiva. Shivaji Maharaj captured me in 1643 when he was only 16 years old. Torna Gad must feel honored and proud as it is the first fort added to the Maratha Empire by Shivaji Maharaj.
In the 18th century Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, conquered Torna Fort and renamed it Futulgaib, meaning divine victory, as the Mughals conquered the fort after a lot of effort.
Other features which tourists find intriguing include Menghai Temple, also known as Tornaji temple, and is situated just at the entrance of Torna Killa. Tourists stay here as it offers a calming and soothing effect. The trek to Torna Fort is challenging but the tourists take this adventurous trek for the sake of the dazzling panoramic views that the fort offers from the top.
Torna Gad in Maharashtra has two major wings, known by the names of “Zunzar Machi” and “Budhala Machi.” The Budhala Machi is entered via “Konkan Darwaza” which is also known as Konkan Gate. The Torna Fort has a big vertical rock in the “Budhala Machi” which just looks as thumbs pointing upwards when watched from a distance. The tourists enter from “Binicha Darwaza” which is also known as Bini Gate.