Torna Trek Experience

.धलेﴂनी वरा煍याचे तोरण बाﴂन छत्रपतत शिवा ी म ारा ा ू ﴂदवी वरा煍याचे तोरण. तोरणा कि쥍ला ज िﴂ ह .द खपू च आगळा वेगळा आ े ो प्रत्येिाने अनुभवावाﴂआणण त्या楍या टोिापयंत पो चून परत येण्याचा आन

History Torna Fort is historically significant as first acquired by Maharaj at the age of 16. The fort is incredibly massive; perhaps that is the reason Chhatrapati renamed the fort as “Prachandgad” (Massive/huge is “Prachand” in Marathi and “gad/killa” indicates fort). Tallest fort amongst all forts in the district of , 4,603 ft above sea level. One can trek to the Rajgad from Torna or vice versa, is a 5-6 hours hiking.

Trekking Experience Favorite amongst trekkers and now mine favorite too as I felt the thrill too. Once Lakhan (a year ago) called me asking any plans for Sunday, as we already visited Rajgad and Torna was remaining to visit, so I said what about Torna? He said okay. Then we called our other friends, and they were fascinated to accompany us.

On Sunday, June 9, at 7 o’clock we 11 people started our journey towards Torna by car from Pune. It is around 50km from the City of Pune. The base village is Velhe at the foothills of the fortification. You can reach Velhe taking right from Nasrapur Phata by NH4. The Nasrapur Phata is 30-35km from Pune, and from the Phata Velhe is somewhat 19km. You can also enter the fort via Khed Shivapur, or Baneshwar. Once you reach the village, you can park vehicles in the village, or there is path constructed till the foothill you can take the cars or bikes up there quickly.

We started hiking at 10 o’clock. From the base of the mountain, we were able to see the massive fort surrounded by dense greenery and clouds all over it. At the beginning of the trek we all were very excited and enthusiast. We have to to keepit throughout the day as well as hydrated. When we started trekking the weather was cold but as we went ahead everything we imagined seem impossible due to the heat. Some of our people were trekking first time ( and they did not know that they were hiking the tallest fort of the district). Somehow we crossed one mountain, the cold breeze started again. We felt so relaxed; we sat for some time; selfie time; clicked few photos of nature, and other friends were like forgot that we have to climb to the top as they were busy clicking pictures and chatting and enjoying the picturesque view, everything was eye- pleasing. You have to climb two mountains to reach the Bini Darwaja(Gate). There is no support; you need good trekking shoes. The trail is slippery because of rolling stones. At 2-3 point the trekking becomes very tough, railings are there but still it’s too difficult. As we were in the group; each person became very careful and supportive of each other. We endured splendid climate, breezy air, mists, and heat on the same day.

Captivating Points: Temple of Goddess Toranjai. Temple of Goddess Mengai. Maal & Safeli Bastions Budhla machi: One of the breathtaking place on the fort.

Bini Darwaja: The main door to the fort from Velhe village moreover it is located in the NW of the fort. The trail leads to the Kothi Darwaaja. Kothi Darwaja: The steps carved into the solid rock. Here we come across some rooms. Besides, there is a Toran Lake. Hanuman Bastion Konkan Darwaaja: Still exhibits the constructional hallmarks that predominated during the 17th century. It rests on the access to Budhla Machi. Zunjar Machi.

Food We had tasty Misal in breakfast while going to Velhe village. You can bring own food as there is no provision of food while you are hiking. If you are going on the weekend, you can get food on the Fort from local people at very cheap price, i.e., Maharashtrian local food – Pithal, Jwarichi Bhakari, Pohe, Rice, tea, buttermilk.. as for the accommodation; the Goddess Mengai temple is the best spot on the fort to stay in.

Mr. Deepak J. Dange

Assistant Professor Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering Maharshi Parshuram College of Engineering, Velneshwar