Panhala situated at an altitude of 977.2m is a
fascinating hill station with a rich historical heritage. Dotted with
ancient fortifications and buildings that have witnessed the rise and fall
of the Maratha Empire, Panhala is an enchanting place. Peaceful beyond
imagination, free from pollution, and scenic enough to overwhelm your
senses.
A Historical & Scenic Appeal
A hill station with fascinating and fresh landscapes, Panhala is an ideal
getaway from the routine congestion. This charming place, of both historical
and religious significance, is located at a distance of 20-km northwest of
Kolhapur and is a major escape from the land of concrete to the land of
greenery.
Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan
forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort
where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to
have spent more than 500 days. A few kilometers away is the Raj Dindi.
The Teen Darwaza "three door" gate meant successive doors could
only be approached at an awkward angle, trapping troops in the inner
courtyard and making it impossible to charge. A well in the corner was used
to send word to allies; lemons with incised message were dropped into the
water, and would float to a lake outside.
The Sambhaji Temple and Someshwar Temple also evoke the grandeur and glory
of the past. Other famous sights include the Blue Basalt temple on the
sacred Jyotiba Hill, the 7th century AD Mahalaxmi Temple at the nearby town
of Kolhapur and the wildlife sanctuary at Radhanagari at 52-km.
This place offers mesmerizing views of the nearby valleys. The land is an
ideal trekking destination too.
How To Get There
By Air
Nearest airport is Kolhapur at 20-km.
By Rail
Nearest Railway station is Kolhapur at
18-km on South Central Railway. One can take the Sahyadri Express train or
the Mahalaxmi Express train on any day from the Mumbai-Victora Terminus to
Kolhapur.
By Road
Bombay-Panhala 428-km via Kolhapur and
Kolhapur-Panhala is just 18-km. There are regular buses and luxury coaches
that run between Kolhapur and the Panhala Fort. Panhala is located at a
distance of 20-km off the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway. A direct drive from
Mumbai can get one to Panhala in 8 hours.
Places To Stay
Accommodation is available at
the hotels in Kolhapur.
General Information
Location
Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Main Attraction
Panhala Fort.
Speciality
Radhanagari Sanctuary, Jyotiba Hill
And Various Temples.
Best Time
Prime Attractions of Kolhapur
The climate is
delightfully cool at the altitude of 978 m from sea level. October to May is
the best time to visit.
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
The Dajipur Bison
Sanctuary is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts
near the backwaters of the Radhanagari dam. Rugged mountains and thick
forests abundant in wildlife surround this jungle resort.
Kolhapur Jewellery
The Jewellery from Kolhapur
is beautifully crafted with delicate embossing and workmanship. People from
Kolhapur have not gone too far from the traditional jewellery patterns of
the Marathas and Peshwas.
Panhala situated at an altitude of 977.2m is a fascinating hill station
with a rich historical heritage. Dotted with ancient fortifications and
buildings that have witnessed the rise and fall of the Maratha Empire,
Panhala is an enchanting place. Peaceful beyond imagination, free from
pollution, and scenic enough to overwhelm your senses.
A Historical & Scenic Appeal
A hill station with fascinating and fresh landscapes, Panhala is an ideal
getaway from the routine congestion. This charming place, of both historical
and religious significance, is located at a distance of 20-km northwest of
Kolhapur and is a major escape from the land of concrete to the land of
greenery.
Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan
forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort
where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to
have spent more than 500 days. A few kilometers away is the Raj Dindi.
The Teen Darwaza "three door" gate meant successive doors could
only be approached at an awkward angle, trapping troops in the inner
courtyard and making it impossible to charge. A well in the corner was used
to send word to allies; lemons with incised message were dropped into the
water, and would float to a lake outside.
The Sambhaji Temple and Someshwar Temple also evoke the grandeur and glory
of the past. Other famous sights include the Blue Basalt temple on the
sacred Jyotiba Hill, the 7th century AD Mahalaxmi Temple at the nearby town
of Kolhapur and the wildlife sanctuary at Radhanagari at 52-km.
Kolhapuri Chappals
Kolhapur is well known for
its textiles and cottons, but it is of course most famous for its hand-made
leather sandals or chappals. Kolhapuri chappals are popular throughout the
world for their simple styles, quality of leather and design.
This place offers mesmerizing views of the nearby valleys. The land is an
ideal trekking destination too.
Koyna Reservoir
The Koyna region includes parts
of Mahabaleshwar, the Koyna Lake and around Satara. This region has
excellent forest cover and the range from Mahabaleshwar to Jungli on the
western edge of the Koyna Lake is a less frequented area. There are many
passes and a lot of unknown trails, which can challenge even a seasoned
trekker. The ferries on the Koyna Lake are an enjoyable way of approaching
the forts on its western edge.
Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum
The New Palace in
Kolhapur houses the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum- a weird array of the former
Maharaja's possessions, who recently died in 1983. British architect Charles
Mant designed the New Palace in 1881 in the Indo-Sarcenic style
Vengurla-Malvan
Vengurla is situated in the
Southern part of the Maharashtra coastline. Its famous for its long stretch
of shimmering sand, lined with thick cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango
groves.
Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg
Vijayadurg and
Sindhudurg were naval-bases during the reign Great Chattrapati Shivaji. Both
these places gained importance because of their picturesque beaches.
Manali
