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Panhala, a hill station, is characterized by its legacy
of valour and sacrifice. This hill station, on the Sahyadri
mountain range, is remembered as the place where Shivaji’s
loyal; Shiva Kashid laid down his life to save the Maratha
hero. Siddi Johar, who was a Bijapur general, attacked
the fort, where Shivaji stayed. While Shivaji escaped
from the window, Shiva Kashid, in the disguise of Shivaji
fought bravely with Siddi Johar and died a martyr. Panhala
is dotted by magnificent forts and places of historical
significance. Among all the largest fort is the Panhala
fort. And it is also the only place where Shivaji spent
more than five hundred days.
Apart from historical significance, Panhala is famous
for trekking. Away from the noise and pollution of the
city, Panhala attracts tourists every year. Panhala
lies in Kolhapur district.
Places to visit
Ambarkhana
This fort was built by the Marathas. It houses the
palace, the administrative division and the granary.
This fort is protected by Teen Darwaja or the “Three
Gates” that allows one to enter the fort.
Sajja Kothi
This fort was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD.
It is here that Shivaji was attacked by Siddi Johar,
Bijapur general, However, Shivaji escaped while his
loyal, Shiva Kashid, in the disguise of Shivaji fought
bravely with Siddi Johar and died. It is also here that
Shivaji imprisoned his errant son Sambhaji.
Ambabai temple
This temple is dedicated to the devout goddess of Hinduism,
Ambabai.
Sambhaji temple
As the name suggests, this temple is built to commemorate
the life of Sambhaji.
Nayakini Sajja
This structure of this fort throws light at the warfare
strategy used by the Marathas to deceive their enemies.
It was located next to one of the corners of the fort
to hide the ravine or moat. When the enemies tried to
climb over the particular corner, they would fall into
the ravine.
Panhala also offers other tourist attractions such
as Someshwar tank and Andhar Bav.
Shopping
Since Panhala is close to Kolhapur, the streets of
Panhala are famous for selling Kolhapuri chappals.
How to reach to Panhala
Airport nearest to Panhala, is the Kolhapur airport,
which is at a distance of 35km from the hill station.
As for the railway station, the Kolhapur railway station
is only 26 km from Panhala.
By road, there are frequent buses between Kolhapur
and Panhala. Bombay to Panhala is 428-km via Kolhapur.
Drive from Mumbai can get one to Panhala in 8 hours.
There are regular buses and luxury coaches that run
between Kolhapur and the Panhala Fort.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels. Some of them are listed here:
Hotel Hill Top
Hotel Valley View
MTDC Station
Hill Resorts in India offers online booking for hotels
in Panhala and also several tour or holiday packages
to the hill station
Best Time to Visit
Panhala’s weather is known for treating various
ailments. The perfect time to visit Panhala is from
October to December.
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