Torna Fort

Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is a historic hill fort located in Velhe, Pune district, Maharashtra. Standing at 1,403 meters, it is the highest hill fort in the district and historically significant as the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646. The site features massive ramparts, ancient temples like Menghai Devi, and unique structures such as Budhla Machi and Zunjar Machi. It remains a prominent trekking destination in the Sahyadri range.

Visitors can expect a moderate to difficult trek starting from Velhe village, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the fort entrance. The summit offers panoramic views of neighboring forts including Rajgad, Raigad, and Sinhagad. Explorable historical remnants include the Bini Darwaja, Kothi Darwaja, water cisterns, and the Menghai Devi temple. The terrain involves steep rock-cut steps with railings, dense Karvi bushes, and exposed ridges, particularly challenging during the monsoon season.

Originally built by the Shiva Panth in the 13th century, Torna was the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646 at age 16, marking the beginning of the Maratha Empire. Gold discovered during repairs funded the construction of Rajgad Fort. The Mughals briefly controlled it after Sambhaji's assassination, renaming it Futulgaib, before it returned to Maratha control via the Treaty of Purandar in 1776.

The fort houses the Menghai Devi (Tornaji) and Torneshwar Mahadev temples, which serve as spiritual sites for trekkers and locals. It symbolizes Maratha valor and resilience, being central to the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya.