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Torna Fort

Torna Fort

heritage site · Maharashtra

Torna Fort (also called Prachandagad) sits near Velhe village in Pune district at 1,403 metres above sea level, the highest hill fort in the district.

State
Maharashtra
Type
Heritage Site

Torna Fort (also called Prachandagad) sits near Velhe village in Pune district at 1,403 metres above sea level, the highest hill fort in the district. It is famed as the first fort captured by a young Shivaji Maharaj.

Torna Fort is known for

first fort captured by Shivaji (1646)highest hill fort in Pune districtPrachandagad nametrekking circuit with RajgadMaratha power's founding site

A short history

The fort is believed to have originally been constructed in the 13th century. In 1646, at age 16, Shivaji Maharaj captured Torna, marking his first military conquest and the symbolic foundation of Maratha power. Shivaji renamed the fort and undertook construction within it. In the 18th century, following Sambhaji's assassination, the fort briefly came under Mughal control and was renamed Futulgaib, before being restored to Maratha control. Torna is counted as one of only two forts where Shivaji personally raised the saffron flag. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torna_Fort]

Why Torna Fort matters

Torna holds a special place in Maratha history as the first fort conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, marking the beginning of the movement that led to the founding of the Maratha Empire.

When to go

September to February

Why visit

The fort where Shivaji's story began — and one of the finest ridge treks near Pune.

How to reach

The base village is Velhe, about 65 km from Pune; Pune Junction railway station and Pune International Airport are the nearest rail and air hubs.

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