Panhala

About:

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.

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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,

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

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

Nearest Petrol Pump:

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.

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