Mode of Transport: private bus
Per head cost: 300 Rs
Journey Date: 23-June-2013
History of the fort Torna
While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was establishing Swarajya in AD. This fort was first taken in 1647. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took this fort and built the toran of Swarajya, so this fort was named as Torna fort. While inspecting the fort, Maharaja changed its name to ' Prachandagad ' due to its huge expansion. The money found in this fort was used by Shivaji Maharaj for the construction of Rajgad.
Evidence is not available today as to when and by whom Torna Fort was built. From the ruins of caves and temples here, it must have been an ashram of the Shaivite sect. etc. S. Between 1470 and 1486, the fort was conquered by Malik Ahmad for Bahamani rule. Later this fort went to Nizamshahi. Later Shivaji Maharaj took it and named it Prachandagad and built some buildings on the fort. Maharaja restored many forts after coming from Agra. Out of that, he spent 5 thousand on the pylon. After Sambhaji Maharaj was brutally murdered, this fort went to the Mughals. Shankaraji Narayan secretary brought it back to the Marathas. Further etc. S. In 1704, Aurangzeb besieged it and captured it after a battle and named it Futuulgaib meaning Divine Victory. But after four years Sarnobat Nagoji Kokate brought people to the fort and brought the fort back under the control of the Marathas and after that Torana remained in Swarajya forever. Among the forts which were given to the Mughals in the Treaty of Purandar, Torna remained with Maharaj. Interestingly, this is the only fort of the Marathas which was won by Aurangzeb. There is an ancient temple of Goddess Mengai on Torna Fort. (Courtesy Wikipedia) .
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| Binni Darwaja |
Travel and Trekking Experience
The late Nitin Chandrakant Desai's TV series Raja Shiv Chhatrapati has reignited interest in historical events, sparking a trend of visiting Shivaji Maharaj's forts. The series depicts 10-12 Mavalas capturing a fort in battle, portraying it as situated on a modest hill rather than a towering peak. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort, Torna, in 1646 at the age of 16, a time when today’s students are typically preparing for their 10th-grade exams, making Torna their own "exam" of courage. Before embarking, I researched Torna Fort on Google, learning it stands 4,604 feet above sea level. This fact should have alarmed me, but it didn’t. The TV series so captivated my mind that I underestimated the height’s challenge. Thinking the trek would be easy, I signed up for trek with the help of my colleague, Suyog Khude.
The trek was organized by RSS (Rashtriya Seva Sangh) Santacruz, and I arrived at Vakola, Santa Cruz, by 10:00 PM. The organization had arranged three buses. As a non-member, some organizers confirmed with my friend that I could join trek with RSS without issues. I reassured my friend, saying, "I’m fine, I just want to explore Shivaji Maharaj’s forts!" Along with my friend Suyog, 150 members embarked on the journey. We sang patriotic songs and powadas throughout, the vibrant atmosphere keeping us awake. By around 6:00 AM, we reached Velhe village at the base of Torna Fort.
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| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue at Vellhe Village |
As I stepped off the bus, my naive instincts prompted me to scan 360 degrees, eagerly searching for Torna Fort 😂. Unable to spot it, I assumed it was nearby. In Velhe village, I admired and photographed the striking statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Baji Prabhu Deshpande before our group headed to a local restaurant for breakfast. After enjoying misal pav, we began the trek around 7:00 AM, and I joined the group with excitement. While walking, I noticed a rope in one member’s hand, curious about its purpose. Minutes later, we encountered a natural yet man-made waterfall, paused briefly to enjoy it, and continued toward the fort. With the rainy season bringing low-hanging clouds that shrouded the mountain’s peak, gauging the distance ahead was challenging. Yet, this obscurity fueled my optimism, convincing me the fort wasn’t too high, so I pressed on.
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| Artificial Waterfall |
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| Beautiful Forest |
Most of the group had forged ahead, but as a first-time trekker, I was already exhausted. The line of hikers snaking along the winding path resembled a trail of ants. Just 40–45 minutes in, I was drained. My friend, sensing my struggle, urged me on, saying, “Only a few hundred meters to go!” After an hour of trudging, we crossed a mountain and reached a path linking two peaks. The wind there was so fierce it felt like it could lift us off the ground. Two hours later, we arrived at a rocky outcrop, about 10–12 feet high. Channeling “Bear Grylls” from Man vs. Wild, we scaled the rock with confidence. But, unlike Bear, we hadn’t learned how to descend 😁—I felt like Abhimanyu, who knew how to enter the Chakravyuh but not how to escape it.
After two hours of trekking, around 9:30 a.m., I glanced up and was awestruck by the towering fortification. In that moment, my naive perspective matured. All my assumptions were shattered—how could Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his soldiers have scaled such a formidable fort, laden with heavy weapons, and not only climbed but also conquered it in battle? Overwhelmed, I felt a pang of shame for my childish thoughts. Silently, I apologized to Shivaji Maharaj and his brave warriors and pressed on toward the fort. |
| View from mountain |
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| View from mountain |
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| View from mountain |
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| Way to Kokan Darwaja |
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| Kokan Darwaja |
After exploring the fort’s architecture as much as possible, we gathered at a dilapidated structure under restoration, spacious enough for our group. Together, we saluted as the saffron flag of Hindavi Swarajya was hoisted, fluttering proudly. One member shared the fort’s history and tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valor. We concluded with the national anthem before beginning our descent around noon. On the way down, we paused briefly at a waterfall before continuing our journey back.
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| Waterfall |
We reached the rock patch again, and I was anxious, unsure how to descend. As noted earlier, one member held a rope, which we used to safely lower everyone. My legs trembled during the descent, but a teammate steadied me, guiding my feet onto stone blocks until I reached the ground. Relieved, I continued downward. The rain had turned the soil sticky and slick, forcing us to slide down on our backsides in some spots. While doing so, one of two young boys trailing me accidentally stepped on my fingers. He quickly apologized, but his friend quipped, “Three fingers of Shahistakhan chopped off!” The pain faded as I burst into laughter.
Amid such moments, we reached Velhe village at the foothills around 2:00 p.m. After lunch at a local restaurant, we began our journey back to Mumbai by 4:00 p.m. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune route delayed us, and we arrived in Mumbai around 11:00 p.m.
Regrettably, rainy clouds obscured parts of the fort, leaving some areas unseen. I resolved to return someday to explore Torna Fort fully. I’ll wait for the chance to revisit. Heartfelt thanks to my friend Suyog Khude and all RSS members for this opportunity to experience Torna Gad 🙏.Places to see on the fort
Water cirsten
Meghai godess Temple
Budhla Machi
Binni Darwaja
Chilkhati buruj
Kokan Darwaja
Hanuman buruj
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| Shivaling at Torna Fort |
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| Nandi at Torna Fort |
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| View from Mountain |
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| View from Mountain |
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| Bastion |
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| Small Temple on fort Torna |
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| Karvi Seasonal Plant |