Rajgad to Torna trek
All know that Maharashtra is rich with its culture, the mighty Sahyadri and strong rock forts on Sahyadri.
With the time and social media Fort trekking has gained more popularity these days.
Apart from fort trekking there is another form called range treks.
In these treks trekkers plan for long distance trek for 2-3 days span, for Example - name a few like Panhalgad to Visahlgad, Rajgad to Torna, Lonaval to Bhimshankar, Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgad etc.
After seeing and reading about such treks I was also keen to do such range treks to test endurance and stamina.
After some inquiry and reading social media I found this trek is easy and all facilities available in fort and no need to carry extra luggage, so I decided to move on, on coming weekend and make the dream plan come true
Rajgad to Torna trek.
As we have decided to stay on Rajgad so there was no hurry to start early morning.
Things to carry
* Bag
* Shoes
* Soap, Paste, Brush
* Torch
* Min 2 Water bottles
* Tent or you can stay in temple
* Mat
* Sleeping bag
* Spare dress
* Little junk food like Wafers and some snacks.
* Energy drinks like Glucose
* Personal medicine if any
* First aid kit necessary for dressing if any injury in Trekking.
* Last but most essential, A good Camera to click the memorable moments
We got together at around 12pm and left to base Village Gunjawane of Rajgad
As it's near from Pune we reached there in no time.
After parking our car we Immediately started climbing Rajgad.
Full fort along with Balikilla was appearing strong which gave me strong feeling and made me to move faster than before
I was conscious about my trek as we had to reach on top at around 4pm
Fortunately even after spending time on photography we reached on top of fort at around 4.15pm.
We had just 2 hrs to reach Top of Bali Killa and explore the fort, we managed to do it as per schedule.
As many trekkers spend night in Padmavati temple we also decided to do the same, do went inside the temple and reserved the place.
During the time of explore saw all markings were done on fort and got info how to start range trek from Rajgad to Torna
Routes are properly marked to very less chance of missing the route.
In the night we had our food on fort.
We decided to get up early at around 5.30am get fresh and move as soon as the day gets brighter at around 6.30am
At the start collect all your things and pack your bag and leave the Padmavati temple and move towards Sanjevani Machi, you need to descended down from Sanjevani machi. Full 'U' turn to machi and followed the path going downwards. First two hills were awesome just ups and downs.
After second hill, we reached to Pal Khind or Kolhe khind.
From here The route will take you to the Pali village.
Followed the route going up the hill. We came across a small hut. It is only hut in that hilly area. Confirmed the route and directions.
We started our further journey.
Due to cool breeze all over, we were not tired of walking nor felt exhausted.
We took small breaks in-between, saw the beautiful mountain covered with Fogs had the photography sessions.
Finally we reached to the base of Radtodi buruj. From here, theres the start of Rock patch to Torna fort.
Rock patches are quite easy and there was No need of ropes.
Before reaching the Torna fort, there was beautiful view of Budhala Machi, we spent time in clicks and made sure that every part of beautiful scenery was captured in camera.
Thanks to god for creating wonderful environment for trekking !!!!!
Tracing the well trodden path we reached to last rock patch of Torna. It was Zig-zag in shape enough grip on rocks,no need of ropes here just be careful while climbing. Even newcomers wont face any problem to cross it.
We Crossed the final rock patch and marched towards Konkan Darwaja. Reached to Mengai Devi temple and seeing a old lady with Lime Juce made me much happier.
The lime Juice acts as energy booster in Trekking.
We reached Torna at around 11am and took trek under the tree.
At was already 12pm we decided to descend down Torna without wandering as we had explored Torna 2 times before.
We decided to have lunch at the base Village of Torna and as we need to collect our car from Gunjawane again.
It took 1.45 hrs to reach base village- Velha.
We had our lunch in Vella and there is a Quote, Fortune Favours the Brave.
One of my cousin had come to trek Torna, with help of him we reached the Gunjawane village, took our car and left to Pune
It is must do trek for fort lovers. Endurance trek for sure!!!
Some of the snaps taken on the way
