"Tricky Torna", GHAC has mentioned this particular phrase many times in the description of the trek route that stretches from Rajgad Fort to Torna Fort in Pune, Maharastra. But how tricky it is and what 'tricks' you need to learn, to know these you have to get yourself out in the field. For example, my resolve to 'trek light' came from the 'tricky' feeling of my trusted companion, my rucksack, almost making me tumble down through the slopes of the hill, moist, muddy and slippery in monsoon, while we were going towards Torna! There were more. But you need to experience them first hand, cause there lies the 100% satisfaction and that adrenaline rush which pulls out the adventurer in you and in me out there, in the intimate company of the bold nature.
So, long story cut short, this was my FIRST trek (should have been 2nd or 3rd given the 'tricky' nature) and the route was from Rajgad fort to Torna fort and descend down. First day was short. It took hardly 4 hours from the village to reach Rajgad fort and there was a temple on top, our own 5 star hotel for the night. The experience of testing the sleeping bag for the first time and sleeping in the company of howling wind as if we are inside a tornado - AMAZING. You wouldn't regret.
2nd day was an early start towards Torna, which is a long way from Rajgad. Our journey became more memorable with us losing our way inside the forest. Trust me, it was fun and this is why you should start early. We lost an hour there and reached the temple on top of Torna fort just as it was getting darker outside. Time? Well, forgot I was wearing a watch! Who needs to track time when you can actually get away from your routine there in the wild!
Next day we had a leisurely start and took our own sweet time to descend. And this descend was tricky too. Torna totally lives up to its defining title, "tricky". After all, these forts were made by those brave hearts from Shivaji Maharaj's time and the one question that you would be bugged with at the sight of the historical remnants, "How did they manage to commute on regular basis and live here"? To know the answer or not to know but just to experience the toughness of their lives, just go there and enjoy.