Panhala

About Panhala

Panhala is about 20 km from Kolhapur. Panhala is a scenic hill station (3177 feet above sea level) 18 km northwest of Kolhapur, in Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Panhala commands a panoramic view of the valley below. The main historical attraction here is the Panhala fort. There are many places of interest, each with its share of haunting anecdotes.Panhala has a rich historical heritage and has many old forts and buildings that are symbolic of the Maratha Empire. It also has a strong scenic appeal and is a popular hill station. Panhala is a hillstation.The verdant hills, the terraced farms and the omnipresent mist bestow Panhala with a unique allure, a mystic. The aerial roots of the banyan trees that flank the road form a beautiful archway, a prelude to the royal remains of the fort to come. Panhala commands a panoramic and awesome view of the valley below.

The small yet scenic hill resort, Panhala lies in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range. Panhala is located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Panhala is situated about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road .

Panhala Hills is located South of Maharashtra State just 18 kms. from the famous city Kolhapur. Kolhapur best known for it’s historical Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala lake, New Palace Mueseum, Town Hall and near by places such as Jotiba Temple, Radhanagri Dam, Dajipur Santuary, Vishalgad, Kalammawadi Dam, Narshimawadi Datta Mandir, Bahubali and also famous for its Leather foot wear, Engineering Industries and Sugar Mills is a small city situated on the Panhala, Maharashtra, India Pune-Bangalore High way.

History

The history of Panhala is closely linked with the history of the Maratha empire, and with its founder, Shivaji. Panhala is the only fort where Shivaji spent more than 500 days, other than his childhood homes. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827 it became part of the British Empire.

This imposing fort, 20 km northwest of Kolhapur, is built on an outlying spur of the Sahyadris, rising more than 400 m above plain, and is the largest of all the Deccan forts. The strategic importance of Panhala, guarding one of the principal routes through the Western Ghat, can be judged from its long and varied history. Built between 1178 and 1209, it first served as the headquarters of the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II, and subsequently passed into hands of the Yadavas. It was a favorite outpost of the Bahamanis of Bidar; Mahmud Gawan, the powerful prime minister, encamped here during the rainy season of 1469. By the beginning of the 16th century Panhala was absorbed into the kingdom of Bijapur. The Adil Shahis were responsible for strengthening and rebuilding the ramparts and gateways. The fort was raided by Shivaji in 1659, but it was not until 1673 that he was able to occupy it permanently.
After Sambhaji’s death in 1689, it was captured by Aurangzeb. However, it was re-captured in 1692 by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar under the guidance of Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi. In 1701 Panhala was finally surrendered to Aurangzeb, and it was here that the Mughal Emperor received the English Ambassador, Sir William Norris. Within a few months the fort was retaken by the Maratha forces under Pant Amatya Ramachandra. Tarabai who asserted her autonomy by founding an independent dynasty. In 1782 these rulers shifted their headquarters to Kolhapur. After a local rebellion in 1844, Panhala was taken by the British. More than 7 km of fortifications define the approximately triangular zone of Panhala fort. The walls are protected for long sections by steep escarpments, reinforced by a parapet with slit holes. The remaining sections have 5-9 m high ramparts, strengthened by round bastions. Unfortunately, the East Gate called Char Darawaja, through which the road passes on arrival at fort, was demolished by the British.

The fort has another satellite fort visible . It is said that there were wells full with Ghee to cure the soldiers . The well-known poet Kavi Moropant Stayed here . Nearby are the Sambhaji temple, Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, and Raj Dindi. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life to cover Shivaji’s escape.

Interesting things to do

Can take lots of phots of the scenic beauty.

Interesting things to Visit

Parashar caves
Panhala was traditionally considered the residence of Maharishi Parashara. The Karvir or Kolhapur Puran, a modern (1730) compilation, mentions Panhala as Pannagalay (home of serpents). In old inscriptions the name appears as Pranlak and Padmanal.These are supposed to be the caves where the sage Parashar lived. Moropant, an 18th century Marathi poet, wrote most of his work in these caves. These caves are mentioned in the Karvir Puraan as tirths (holy water).

Ambarkhana. The Ambarkhana was built by the Marathas and it houses the palace, the administrative division and the granary.

Teen Darwaja, which are three gates that provide access to the fort.

Sajja Kothi, which was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting story related to this fort.

Ambabai temple, where you can pay respect to the Goddess. Sambhaji temple is another place you can visit, which was built in the memory of Sambhaji, as the name itself suggests.

Someshwar tank and Andhar Bav. Do not forget to visit the Nayakini Sajja,

Nearest Visiting places

• Vishalgad
• Mahipalgad
• Kalanandigad
• Radhanagari Sanctuary
• Jyotiba Hill
• various temples
• Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
• Koyna Reservoir
• Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum
• Vengurla-Malvan
• Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• MTDC offers rooms and tents of old style architecture, which gives a great feeling of staying in a royal place.Hotel Hill Top,
• Hotel Valley View
• MTDC Station at Panhala.
• Several private hotels can also be found.

Help Line/Phone Number

Chakreshwar Mahadev Temple, also known, as Kankeshwar Temple is a highly sanctified shrine in Kanki, located about 20km from Korba. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, in the form of a Shivling on the main altar of the temple. The idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesh can also be seen placed behind the Shivling. This primeval temple is furnished with exquisite carved images of gods and goddesses. The entrance door features images of Nagkanyaka. Hundreds of ancient sculptures and idols can be seen scattered around the temple complex……more

Copyright 2016 HolidayLandmark All rights reserved

Location info

• Address:20 km from Kolhapur

• District: Kolhapur

• Nearest City: Kolhapur

• Best time to visit: October to December

How to reach Panhala

• Nearest Railway Station:

• Nearest Airport: Kolhapur airport

• Road Transport: There are continuous bus services from Kolhapur to Panhala, or also autorickshaw services are available.

Things to carry

Mineral water bottles, food, first aid kit,camera and so on

Best time to visit Panhala

October to March: cool and pleasant weather ideal for trekking. Avoid monsoon (June–September) as trails become slippery and dangerous.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Some forts may close earlier during monsoon or for maintenance.

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry for most hill forts. ASI-protected forts may charge INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreign nationals.

Duration needed

3–4 hours including trek to the top and exploration. Larger forts may require a full day.

Safety tips

Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. Carry sufficient water — many forts have no water sources on top. Do not climb on unstable walls or edges. Start the trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat. Inform someone about your trek plan.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ) or Mumbai International Airport (BOM). Nearest railway station: Pune Railway Station or nearest station on the Central Railway. Well-connected by road from Pune and Mumbai.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Most hill forts in Maharashtra have local snack stalls at the base serving pithla bhakri, vada pav, and tea. Carry food for longer treks — many forts on hilltops have no facilities. The nearest village or town offers Maharashtrian thali meals.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Panhala. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to trek to the top? The trek to most forts takes 1–3 hours depending on the fort’s height and the trail condition. Some forts have road access up to the entrance.

Is there food and water available on the fort? Most forts have no facilities on top. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person and some snacks. Local stalls at the base village sell refreshments.

Can I visit during monsoon? Many forts are open year-round but trails become extremely slippery during monsoon. November to February offers the best trekking conditions.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: October to March for comfortable exploration
• Ideal duration: 1-2 hours to explore the site
• Entry: Nominal entry fee at most ASI-protected sites
• Photography: Allowed at most sites; videography may require permit

Map & location view

• Destination: Panhala
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: historical region of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Panhala, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.