Torna Fort
‘Morning shows the day’ is as applicable to historical facts as to literary pursuits. The legendary Maratha leader, Shivaji Maharaj captured the Prachandagad Fort when he was a boy of sixteen. Shivaji renamed it Torna Fort, after the Tornaji temple that is situated near the entrance to the fort. This fort is located at an elevation of 1,403 meter on top of a hill in the Pune district in Maharashtra. Capturing this fort was the first step towards establishing Maratha power in central India. It was from here that he started eradicating Mughal strongholds one after another.
However, during the beginning of the 18th century, the Mughals gained control of this strategic fort by assassinating Shivaji’s son Shambaji. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb changed its name to Futulgaib or Divine Victory, in recognition of the stiff defense the Mughals had to overcome.
Torna Fort is today is a popular destination for trekkers. Visit this fort on any weekend. You will find many people hiking to “re-capture” the fort, provided they can outwit the ‘Ghost of Torna’, who works as a sentinel, doing night duties and protecting the sanctity of Shivaji and Sambhaji. According to legends, these ghosts are believed to be still there on moonless nights, guarding the fort. Trekkers have often been warned by an unknown voice. The fort’s curator of course shrugs off all such stories. But whatever it is, the Torna Fort is certainly among the more mysterious historical structures in India. Visit this fort if you are interested in Maratha history and stories of bravery. Nature lovers and adventure seekers should also definitely visit the visit the Torna Fort.
How to reach: First you will have to reach Pune, which is the closest big city. From Pune, take a bus that takes you to the Velha village. This village is located at the base of the hill. Your trek to the Torna Fort starts from this village.
There is a state transport corporation resort that is located close to the Menghai Devi temple. You can stay here. Often, the trekkers stay within the premises of the temple. There are hardly any other hotels in Torna Fort or resorts in Torna Fort. You can visit from Pune as it is just an hour away.
