About Torna Fort Pune
- Timings: Every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including Sunday and Public Holidays.
- Best Days and Times: Monday through Sunday, including holidays, from 6 am to 9 am, at cooler temperatures and with fewer crowds.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Tickets: Free Entry
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction Railway Station ( 65 km from Torna Fort)
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport - 70 km away
- Nearest Bus Stop: Velhe Bus Stand, from the base village for the trek. Daily route of MSRTC bus service from Swargate Bus Stand, Pune, up to Velhe.
Torna Fort (Prachandagad) is a large fort located 65 km from Pune in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. This 4,603 ft tall fort in the Pune district presents an unmatched view of the Sahyadri ranges and other famous forts of Maharashtra, such as Raigad and Sinhagad.
Trek to Torna is an adventurous ride with an intersection of rocky patches, steep sidewalks, and lush green forest around. During monsoon and winter, the fort gets loaded with greenery. It goes through some of the prettiest plateaus, wildflowers, and ancient ruins and is a hot favourite of trekkers and history enthusiasts. It is also known for the Menghai Devi temple, Zunjar Buruj, and dilapidated fort walls that resonate with Maratha bravery. It’s the perfect combination of history, adventure and nature.
Torna Fort Pune Highlights
• Be amazed by Zunjar Buruj- Climb up this imposing bastion and be amazed at the strategic planning that must have gone into the construction of this situational bastion. Spanning over 5 km and still in good condition, it is indeed a treat to your eyes.
• Visit Menghai Devi Temple- This temple is centuries old and located close to the peak, providing a tranquil place to stop and a window into the spiritual aspect of the fort.
• Be Fascinated by History- Explore old stone gates, underground water tanks and ruined walls that exhibit Torna's historic military past and the architectural skill of the Marathas.
How To Reach Torna Fort Pune
- By Road ( Recommended) - Take the NH4 and via Nasrapur-Velhe Road. It's between 60 and 65 km and should take you about 2-2.5 hours. The roads are beautiful but curvy near Velhe, the base village.
- By Bus- Board an MSRTC or private bus to Velhe village from the Swargate Bus Stand of Pune. There is a bus service at intervals, and particularly in the mornings.
- Two-Wheeler- For those who are adventure freaks, bike riding from Pune provides an exhilarating journey that drives through ghats and scenic countryside sights. Lots of parking spaces in Velhe.
Best Time To Visit Torna Fort Pune
1. Peak Season: October to February
- Weather-Pleasant and chilled with clear skies, perfect for trekking and views.
- Things to do- Long treks to hike, archaeological exploration of the fort’s premises, capturing enchanting sunrises and photography.
2. Moderate Season: July - September
- Weather - During Monsoon, you see the green covering the hills & mist kissing the slopes and slippery tracks.
- Things to do- Ideal for adventure trekkers who like rain, waterfalls and colourful landscapes.
3. Low Season: March to June
- Weather- Hot, dry and midday sun that could be quite harsh, tiring and dehydrating for the trekkers.
- Things to do- Go early to hike, take photos before the heat and the crowds set in.
Torna Fort Pune Other Essential Information
- Begin early: Preferably, start the hike before 8:00 am, not to get under the heat and finish in broad daylight. And carry water, snacks that are high in energy, sunscreen, a hat and a small first aid kit.
- Dress appropriately: For monsoon, a good grip on all-terrain trekking shoes is a must.
- Connectivity: The Mobile signal is low or unavailable at the top. Inform someone before you start.
Early Morning Trek Adventure
Indulge in an early morning trek and enjoy the sunrise from the top. As the first ray that hits the Sahyadris and converts their canvas to gold.
Explore Ancient Architecture
Walk through the worn fort doors, explore hidden water tanks and worm your way through huge stone walls. History will come alive as echoes from the past guide you through the ruins while the stones themselves tell stories of medieval siege warfare, ancient defence systems and the once vibrant royal palace.
Nature Photography & Bird watching
Since the fort is surrounded by wetlands, the trail becomes more bountiful, as here you can capture the specimens of the majestic 'Butterflies', 'Flowers' and the Birds'. During monsoon, the misty surroundings in the blankets of green foliage make for dreamy frames for photography enthusiasts.
Tourism Board Alliances
Torna Fort Pune FAQs
Who do I need permission from for the hike towards Torna Fort?
Torna Fort doesn't require a permit for trekking or camping. You can take a walk by yourself or in a group without having to get permission.
How hard is the trek, and how long is the trek?
The route is a moderate trek including steep and rocky terrain. Authorities say it’s a 3-to-4-hour hike up, and a 5-to-6-hour round trip, including exploration.
Can we stay overnight with a tent camping at the fort?
Camping is allowed around the peak near the Menghai Devi Temple. With space for 50 people, the temple is also a possible overnight location.
Are we able to access water and food on the trek?
There is no drinking water on the fort. The villages, such as Velhe, have restaurants, carry a minimum of 2-3 litres of water and snacks for the trek.
What is the ideal time for Torna Fort?
The best months to trek are September through February. The monsoon brings green landscapes and slippery trails, and winter, clear vistas and good weather.
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