The fort was earlier known as Prachandgad. Prachand means huge. The name was derived from the huge area it covers. Maharaj started his freedom odissy from this fort and as such it was renamed as Torana. Toran means bunting. Maharaj hung the bunting of Maratha Empire from this Fort and as such it has distinguished importance in the history. While undertaking some repairs, Maharaj found a few pots of gold coins. With this money a new fort was built nearby on Khandoba Hill. It is known as Rajgad. Rajgad was the capital of Maratha Empire till the capital was shifted to Raigad.
Torna is the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj ( in the year 1647), the same was conquered when Maharaj was just seventeen years of Age. Torna is 4606 ft above the sea level.
Trek to this extraordinaire fort starts from its base village “Velhe” , which is approximate 60-70 kms from Pune. Velhe can be reached Via “Panshet” or from “Nasrapur” on Pune Satara Highway.
Beginners in trekking should give it a second thought before considering this to be their first trek.
Foreign author James Douglas in his book says if “Sinhagad” is "Lions Den", then "Torna" should called as "Eagles Nest".
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