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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.
Panhala is redolent with memories of Shivaji. Not surprising, though,
considering that barring his capitals at Rajgad and later Raigad, and Shivneri,
where he spent his childhood, Panhala is the only fort where Shivaji spent more
than 500 days. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827 it went to
the British.Besides, there's the Sambhaji temple Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza,
Raj Dindi
In 1701 Panhala surrendered to Auragzeb, and it was here that the Mughal
Emperor recieved the English Ambassador, Sir WilliamNorris. Within a few months
the fort was retaken by the the Maratha forces under Pant Amatya Ramachandra,
who asserted his autonomy by founding an independent dynasty.In1782 these rulers
shifted their headquarters to Kolhapur. After a local rebellion in 1844, Panhala
was taken by the British. More than 7km of Fortifications define the
approximently 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 5-9m 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.
Around Panhala :
Sajja Kothi is a major attraction at Panhala is the that was built by the
Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting anecdote attached to this
monument. It is said that when Siddi Johar, a formidable Bijapur General,
attacked Panhala, Shivaji tricked the general by escaping from the window of
Sajja Kothi while a brave stalwart Shiva Kashid disguised as Shivaji combated
the wrath of the general.
Shivaji, a religious devotee, did not undertake any perils without paying
obeisance to the goddess. The Ambabai temple stands vigil to this, which is
another, must visit at Panhala.
While at Panhala you may also visit the Sambhaji temple. The Sambhaji temple was
built in memory of Sambhaji, the first ruler of Kolhapur.
The Someshwar tank of Panhala too is worth visiting. The tank came into
existence due to the quarrying of stones that were required for the construction
of the fort wall. There is a very well camouflaged well with a three-storied
structure on top, Andhar Bav. This was cloistered to prevent any kind of water
poisoning by the enemy.
The Nayakini Sajja at Panhala manifests the intelligent warfare strategy used by
the Marathas to dupe the enemies. The Nayakini Sajja has been very strategically
located near one of the corners of the fort to conceal a deep ravine in between.
When the enemies attacked from that corner, they would actually climb over the
make-believe corner of the fort to accede the Nayakini Sajja and in the endeavor
fall into the deep ravine.
Getting there :
By Air : Nearest airport is Kolhapur at 20-km
By Train : 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.
General Information :
Climate : An average temperature at Panhala is 25 C throughout the
year.The ideal weather to visit Panhala is from October to December although
tourists visit till May.
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English.
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