Little Info of Forts:
Range Trek from Rajgad to Torna.![]()
Region: Pune.
Height: Rajgad - 4620 ft , Torna – 4200 ft.
Grade: Medium
Cost: Rs. 1400/-
Which includes travelling from Swarget to Swarget via Local Vehicle like ST/Jeep , Breakfast, Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s lunch & expertise charges.
Cost Does not include: Insurance, Anything other than mention above.
Max. Participation: 15 ppl.
RAJGAD : literally meaning King of forts, Situated in the Pune district. Rajgad fort is 42 km to the south west of Pune city. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Maratha Kingdom (Hindavi Swarajya) ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years, after which he moved to Raigad fort and made that his capital.
The fort can be divided into four different parts based on geographical terrain and fortification. These are the three sub-plateaux (Machee) namely Padmavati Machee, Suvela Machee and Sanjeevani Machee, and the central volcanic plug called Balekilla (meaning "small fort" or "citadel").
Fascinating points on Rajgad fort:
Padmavati Machee (north end)
This machee is the site of Padmavati Temple, Padmavati Lake, Chor Darwaja, Pali Darwaja, Gunjavane Darwaja, Daru Kothar (storage of arms and ammunition), Diwankhana, Rajwada (ruins), Ghod Tale (Horse Lake), Sadar (office) and Dhalkathi (flag hoisting place)..It is also a site of Samadhi (Tomb) of King Shivaji's first wife, Saibai.
Sanjeevani Machee (southwest/west end)
The machee faces west and has a three-stepped (layered) fortified structure. Each of the lower levels is separated from the higher one by a fortified bastion with a gate that could be defended independently. The lowest level is fortified by double curtain walls (chilkhathi) separated by a deep trench, on average 12 feet across. One can walk between these walls. The outer wall has openings to let soldiers out for sudden attack.
Suvela Machee (south east)
This is another machee facing east with lots of secret routes and doorways. This one is a double-stepped fortified machee with the steps separated by a bastioned doorway. At the end of first step a hole cuts across the rock; one can sit on this hole (nedhe).
The final (lowest) step like Sanjeevani Machee is has a double curtain wall.
To the south side of this machee there is a triangular bastion called Kaleswari buruz having an escape door near it. The home of the renowned military leader Tanaji Malusare was in this machee.
Bale Killa (centre)
This is the highest part of the fort which has remains of palaces, water cisterns and caves. It has an entrance door called Mahadarwaja. One can view the whole fort and the vast surrounding expanse.
TORNA : The fort is also known as Prachandagad (huge fort), due to its massive size. In 1646, when Shivaji was 16, he launched his first military attack by capturing Torna fort, paving the way for the great empire. Many battles have been fought on this fort.
The fort is truly grand and stretches for couple of kilometers.
Fascinating points on Torna fort:
Goddess Toranjai: it is a simple temple where goddesses Somjai and Toranjai are worshiped. Ahead we can see the lakes toran and mhasoba.
Maal and Safeli Bastions: On the west of Kothji Darwaja are the bastion maal, and the latter one is to the south of the former. Near Safeli is the construction called lakadkhaana, where wood was stored. Here is the way to Kokan Darwaja and Budhla Machi.
Budhla Machi: In Marathi ‘budhla’ means vessel, and budhla machi looks like a vessel kept upside down. This cliff is a breathtaking spot on the fort.
Bini Darwaja: This is the main entrance to the fort from velhe and is situated to the northwest of the fort. The bastion on the left side has collapsed. The path ahead leads to the Kothi Darwaja.
Kothi Darwaja: Ascending the steps carved in the rock, we enter the Kothi Darwaja facing east. Here we come across some guard rooms. Way along the wall towards east takes us to the temple of goddess Toranjai.
Hanuman Bastion: This bastion is situated to the east of Kothi Darwaja. Here we can see the idol of hanuman facing south and a flag post. The way ahead leads to the bastion Bhel. Further eastwards we come to Zunjar Machi.
Temple of goddess Mengai: this is the only place on the fort where one can stay. It has two doors and the roof is stillin the needs of repairs. In front of the temple is a Deepmala.
Zunjar Machi: It is situated on the western side & a wonderful spot to see.
Trek Schedule:
Saturday 14th Feb 2015
Meeting Point: 05.30 am @Swargate.
06:00 Hrs: Will move to Gunjavane by local vehicle.
07:40 Hrs: Breakfast-Tea with and intro.
08:00 Hrs: Start trek to Rajgad
12:00 Hrs: With an ultimate views of padmavati & trek route will reach on top.
13:30 Hrs: With an Lunch will move to Torna.
17:45 Hrs: @ Budhala Machi.
18.10 Hrs: Photographic Sunset.
20:00 Hrs: @ Torna Top & stay in toranjai temple.
21:00 Hrs: @ Dinner.
22:00 Hrs: @ Good Night.
Sunday 15th Feb 2015
06:00 Hrs: Wakeup call
Finish off Morning activities
07:00 Hrs: Breakfast – Tea
08:00 Hrs: Move to Zunjar Machi
10:30 Hrs: Descend
13:00 Hrs: @ Velhe village
14:30 Hrs: With Lunch will move to Swarget.
16:00 Hrs: We will be @ Mumbai by 21:00 Hrs (Subjectively)
Check List:
Compulsory items:
A proper two sided haversack to put all the things, So that one has hands free while trekking, id proof, Lunch for Saturday, approx 3 ltr water, Torch with extra batteries, plate, spoon, bowl, bedding like shawl, mat (as we are going to have open space stay), woolen jacket, towel, some snacks, Should wear good trekking shoes, full sleeve shirt/T-shirt & Full Pant, if you have any medical issue please carry your own medicine as we carry only First aid, carry some extra cloths.
Non-compulsory items but helpful:
Cap, Sunglasses, Woolen Jacket, Camera , Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry, mosquito’s repellent, Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution.
(It’s totally self responsibility to take care of things.)
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Riddhi: 98190 64745.
Sudhir: 91675 46547.
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