| - Elina Mohanty
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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