Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Torna Fort


Torna Fort or Prachandagad is about 40 km southwest of Pune on the Mumbai Bangalore Highway. It is the highest fort in Pune district.


Torna Fort  is a large fort located at 1405 metres above sea-level (the tallest in the district). It is historically significant because it is the first fort captured by Shivaji in 1643, forming the nucleus of the Maratha empire. The name derives from Prachanda (Marathi for huge or massive) and gad (Marathi for fort).

Zunjar Machi
From Pune, drive to the Mumbai Bangalore Highway. You can either use the old Katraj ghat route or take the new bypass route through the new Katraj tunnel. Just after passing the first Toll Plaza on this highway take the first right to Nasarapur. From here get to Velhe village, which is about 25 kms. Its from the Velhe village that you climb the fort.

Those seeking public transport from Pune can start early in the morning from Swargate bus stand. The relevant routes go by via Khed Shivapur, Cheladi/ Nasarapur/ Baneshwar, then Winzar, to the village of Velhe.

The climb to Torna is not difficult though it’s very exhausting due to its constant steep climb. There are railings installed where ever needed. This fort should be more difficult to climb during monsoons as it may be getting very slippery considering the path which is full of rocks and mud.

If you are deciding for a single day trek, be sure you start early and climb down early too. Due to the bushes one may get lost if it gets dark and trust me you don’t want that to happen.

Sun set while climbing down


Bini Darwaja (Door)
About the fort, there is a cistern out there which has enough water. You have the Meghai Devi temple, which is recently renovated and can easily accommodate 15 to 20 people at a time. Be sure to carry your meals. (The only place where you may get some it is at the foots of the fort at Velhe village.) The walls of the fort are in good conditions and the two machis viz; Budhla Machi and Zunjar Machi are in opposite directions with the cistern in the center.

My Recommendation

I would strongly recommend to plan a stay out there. The climb leaves you exhausted and the fort is quite big to see around. By the time you finish seeing the fort; you suddenly find out that it’s time to climb down. So go out there for a stay so that you could enjoy the beautiful fort and the nature out there peacefully.  






Way to Budhla Machi
Meghai Devi Temple



Monday, January 3, 2011

Chandbibi Mahal


 I have been going to Ahmednagar for ten years now. Always during my visit here I used to see this structure situated far away on a hill top which every one called as the Chandbibi Mahal. I always wanted to  visit it but form the view that I got from the city, I always thought it would be a small ,  broken  and left alone kind of structure but I must admit that I was very wrong.
 
Commonly known as "Chandbibi Mahal".It is actually a tomb of Sultan Khan II the famous minister of Murtaza nazam Shah I 

 So during this visit to Nagar I decided to explore this place. Starting from the Ahmednagar ST stand I traveled towards Nagar college and then took left towards Bhingar city and within a few kilometers I was at the foot of the hill which on its head had placed this structure, like a crown.
The hill is about 3080 feet high from sea level and a small tar road climbs up to the top. The condition of the road is fine and it allows a four wheeler to commute easily. As you reach the top and take a first look towards the structure and it looks very simple. A simple two storied building but yet very attractive. The building is plain with eight sided platform. By the simple contrivance of a stone terrace built about twelve feet high and 100 yards broad the tomb seems to rise with considerable dignity from the center of an octagon.

There are small steps which allow you to climb the building. As I climbed the first floor I was stunned by the view. The huge angular window from which I could see beautiful scenery. It felt so calm and refreshing that I could sit there for hours. May be the setting sun added to the whole experience. Al the floors are similar and the terrace is good as well.



The Ahmedngar Municipal Corporation has done a good job not only in maintaining the site but also in keeping the building and area around it very clean.

 Though I saw an ice cream wala when I arrived, he had left after some time leaving no options for any kind of refreshments. .There is nothing out there. Not even a tea stall. I guess that’s why the building and the surrounding area is so clean.

To sum it up, the whole experience of visiting this site was good. It felt very calm and peaceful.

My Recommendation

Though its a beautiful piece of architecture and a wonder place  to visit, it’s not worth a trip. You can spend an evening over here if you are in the city or simply include it as a small stop if you are passing through the highway.