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

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. 

Ghoradeshwar

On a distance of only 25 kms from Pune University is a place which can unwind you and make you fell fresh. Situated  on the old mumbai-pune highway near Dehu police station.

This small mountain is not only covered with lush green trees but also has caves which are said to be built by the Pandavas. A mall climb of about 45 minutes considering you walking slowly while enjoying the nature around. Climbing should not be a problem as there are steps throughout.

Once you reach the top you’ll find a tap on your right. The water is good and can be used for drinking. As you move forward you’ll find a large tree and then two paths. First one going straight and the second going towards right.

The straight path will take you towards caves out of which a lot are small in size and the largest one has be converted to a temple of lord Shiva. There is a small hunaman temple out this cave.

Now if you have a strong heart and want some adventure then you can take a small path next to the hanuman temple. Within minutes you’ll find yourself walking on steps carved on rocks. After climbing down a bit and walking straight for a few minutes you’ll find yourself climbing a rack patch of about 12 feet. Though it’s not risky. But if you are not used to such climbing, it can get a bit scary.

Once you reach the top of the rock patch you’ll find a second Shiva temple which is more authentic than the first one u saw earlier. But what really is beautiful about this place is the view of the mumbai – pune express highway. It feels so silent and heavenly that than even while you describe this beautiful place to yourself, you fell as if you are actually talking to yourself loudly. Such is the silence. Even the sunset here is very beautiful and worth watching with mountains around and the highway cutting through them. It’s pure pleasure.

A path on the right side of the temple goes towards the top of the mountain about which we shall describe in the next paragraph.

Remember the path that goes towards the left from the tree which I described earlier ?. This path leads to more caves but which are occupied by the pujari of the temple. But before these caves you will find a path going upwards which will take you to the top of the mountain. After a walk of about 20 minutes you’ll find yourself on the top which is a plain wide stretch. This place can be used for camping, cooking etc. Mind you there is no shelter though.

And for all my friends who don’t like to visit temples or to climb, there is a solution. While climbing the stairs you will find a lot of path going towards the right , which will take to the other side of the mountain which is also good for relaxing and having a good time with beautiful nature around.

How to get there?

You can either take the old route towards Mumbai (shivajinagar – chinchwad - dehu) or take the mumbai banglore bypass which I would recommend as the traffic is less and you kind of enjoy the drive. Both the routes meet at the Dehu police station from where the location is only a kilometre towards Mumbai on the left side of the road. You can even get there by train. All the locals going to Lonavala and Talegaon stop at a station called Badadewadi. From here the location is at a walking distance.

Though there is a small so called hotel at the foot of the mountain its better you carry your own meal as it can only provide you with a few snacks only.

My Recommendation

Start from university road at about 3 pm and take the Mumbai Banglore bypass. Enjoy the drive and have a cup of tea on the way near Indira College. Reach the site by 4.30 pm. Start climbing and reach the caves or hault anywhere in the middle and enjoy the view. Climb down by dark and while going back have a nice dinner at any restaurant (Sayaji, Soul curry) on the highway. Just  perfect.

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Introduction

No matter how busy you are, you need a break to refresh yourself, to unwind yourself. Different people have different perceptions about the same. I’m form those who like to hit the road and set off for a journey, long or short, depending on the time available. If you’re one of those who is busy in his work and likes to unwind the way i like to, then this is the place to be.

Week end treks, family picnics, biking tours, long drives etc is what I will be discussing in this blog. Thus making it easy for you to plan a perfect week end getaway with your friends, family etc.

Right from the days of my medical college I have  been a passionate traveler and loved to explore new places. Now with an experience of ten years of traveling, including a road tour from Pune to Ladakh on my motorcycle, I’ve found that how you travel is more important than where you travel?

I always travel by road. Though it’s a bit expensive but I see more, learn more and thus experience more. You see at the end a trip is all about the experience.

One important thing I would like to mention is that to go on an adventurous holiday you need not have fancy and expensive bikes, SUV’s or lots of money. What you need is only passion.

So pack your bags and be ready coz I’m going to tell you about a lot of places which will not only make your holidays adventurous but also unforgettable...............