State - Maharashtra
Location - 22 km from Kolhapur
Altitude - 3177 feet
Famous for - Fort, Historical Fort
Serves as - Picnic spot, Trek, Historical importance
Panhala Fort also known as Panhalgad, is one of the most important forts of Maharashtra. This fort of Panhala is a witness to the rich history of Maharashtra during the reign of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The location of Panhalgad Fort was of prominence importance given it's strategic advantage towards viewing and supervising the trade routes of Bijapur. Built during the 12th century, Panhala Fort is one of the largest forts in the Deccan. Being part of the Sahyadri Ranges the fort has an awe-inspiring architecture which reflects the Bijapuri style. Almost all walls of this massive fort of Panhalgad are intact. The Panhala Fort is located in the Panhala Village which is about 22 km from Kolhapur.
Panhala Fort serves as a must visit spot for tourists when in Kolhapur. One would definitely be impressed by the spell-bounding architecture, the deep and rich history and the location of this fort. Visit to the Panhala Fort during monsoon places an added advantage. The captivating lush green beauty surrounding the fort enchants the visitors. The serene beauty of the dense valley makes the historical monument of Panhala Fort enchanting. Apart from the captivating beauty there is so much to see around and within the fort premises. The huge statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande reminds us of the history lesson we took in the class about the famous Battle of Pawankhind. Then there is the hidden well called the Andhar Bavdi, the huge and impressive fortifications, Teen Darwaja and so much more.
Once at Panhala Fort, one can see some of the best historical monuments. Few of which includes -
1. The Statue of Tanaji Malusare - The huge statue of Tanaji Malusare at the entrance of Panhala Fort is pretty welcoming.
2. The Fort Gates - There are three fort gates that one can see. One is the Wagh Darwaza, the other is the Char Darwaja and then there is Teen Darwaza.
3. The Fort Wall - The 7 km long, triangular and massive fortifications around the Panhala Fort is still intact and strong. This wall is surrounded by dense vegetation and greenery.
4. Tombs - There are two main tombs that can be visited at Panhala Fort. One is of Jijabai and other is of Sambhaji II.
5. Temples - There are few temples that can be visited inside the Panhala Fort including the Mahalaxmi Temple, Ambabai Temple, Mahakali Temple and Someshwar Temple.
6. Andhar bavdi - In the earlier times, the Andhar Bavdi served as a well and main source of water for the people living inside the fort. The Andhar Bavdi is a 3 level construction and has a winding staircase right at the perimeter of the well. The whole structure of Andhar Bavdi is amazing.
7. Ambarkhana - Ambarkhana served as the storehouse for the Panhala Fort. This storehouse is located at the center of Panhala Fort and is constructed in the Bijapuri architectural style.
8. Rajdindi Bastion - The Rajdindi Bastion served as an emergency exit during those days. It is said that during the Battle of Pavankhind, Shivaji Maharaj exited through this bastion and headed towards Vishalgad Fort.
9. Dharma Kothi - Dharma Kothi is a stone building that served as an additional granary during those days.
10. Kalavanticha Mahal - Kalavanticha Mahal referred to the Courtesan's Terrace Room and is located on the east side of the fort closer to the rampart.
11. Sajja Kothi - Sajja Kothi was built in the Bijapuri style architecture and is a one story structure . It is said that Shivaji Maharaj had imprisoned Sambhaji in the Sajja Kothi when he threatened to defect to Aurangzeb.
There is no entry fee to visit Panhala Fort near Kolhapur. It is open to everyone and entry inside the Panhalgad is free to every visitor.
Monsoon makes Panhala Fort visit worth while! The lush greenery surrounding the fort adds to the existing panorama of Panhalgad. Visiting Panhala Fort post monsoon would be an excellent idea. Winters too are enjoyable and promise pleasant weather. Summer are too hot. Hence the best time to visit Panhala Fort is from late August to early March.
A trek to Panhala Fort serves as a treat for history lovers as they are rewarded with sight of innumerable historical monuments right till the top. The difficulty level of Panhala Trek is easy. Many trekkers prefer monsoon trek option to Panhala Fort. The walk within the lush green forestation can liven up one's spirit. Though the trek to Panhala Fort isn't as difficult as one expects it to be, yet it promises lifetime memory.
The nearest city for Panhala Fort or Panhalgad is Kolhapur which is 22 km from Panhala. Kolhapur is 373 km from Mumbai and 230 km from Pune. One can drive down to Kolhapur via NH48 and Bengaluru - Mumbai Highway up to Kolhapur and further continue it's visit to Panhala Fort. There are many trains, buses and domestic flights from Mumbai and Pune to Kolhapur. The nearest airport for Panhala Fort is Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport in Kolhapur which is 30 km away. Once in Kolhapur, there are many local buses, cab services and private vehicles to continue the journey to Panhala Fort.
Distance of Panhala Fort from Kolhapur - 20 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple - 21 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Mumbai - 381 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Pune - 238 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Sawantwadi - 171 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Goa - 237 km
Location - 22 km from Kolhapur
Altitude - 3177 feet
Famous for - Fort, Historical Fort
Serves as - Picnic spot, Trek, Historical importance
About Panhala Fort near Kolhapur
Panhala Fort also known as Panhalgad, is one of the most important forts of Maharashtra. This fort of Panhala is a witness to the rich history of Maharashtra during the reign of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The location of Panhalgad Fort was of prominence importance given it's strategic advantage towards viewing and supervising the trade routes of Bijapur. Built during the 12th century, Panhala Fort is one of the largest forts in the Deccan. Being part of the Sahyadri Ranges the fort has an awe-inspiring architecture which reflects the Bijapuri style. Almost all walls of this massive fort of Panhalgad are intact. The Panhala Fort is located in the Panhala Village which is about 22 km from Kolhapur.
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| Sajja Kothi of Panhala Fort |
Panhala Fort serves as a must visit spot for tourists when in Kolhapur. One would definitely be impressed by the spell-bounding architecture, the deep and rich history and the location of this fort. Visit to the Panhala Fort during monsoon places an added advantage. The captivating lush green beauty surrounding the fort enchants the visitors. The serene beauty of the dense valley makes the historical monument of Panhala Fort enchanting. Apart from the captivating beauty there is so much to see around and within the fort premises. The huge statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande reminds us of the history lesson we took in the class about the famous Battle of Pawankhind. Then there is the hidden well called the Andhar Bavdi, the huge and impressive fortifications, Teen Darwaja and so much more.
 |
| The green environs surrounding Panhala Fort |
Monuments to See Within the Panhala Fort
Once at Panhala Fort, one can see some of the best historical monuments. Few of which includes -
1. The Statue of Tanaji Malusare - The huge statue of Tanaji Malusare at the entrance of Panhala Fort is pretty welcoming.
2. The Fort Gates - There are three fort gates that one can see. One is the Wagh Darwaza, the other is the Char Darwaja and then there is Teen Darwaza.
3. The Fort Wall - The 7 km long, triangular and massive fortifications around the Panhala Fort is still intact and strong. This wall is surrounded by dense vegetation and greenery.
4. Tombs - There are two main tombs that can be visited at Panhala Fort. One is of Jijabai and other is of Sambhaji II.
 |
| Andhar Bavdi in Panhala Fort |
5. Temples - There are few temples that can be visited inside the Panhala Fort including the Mahalaxmi Temple, Ambabai Temple, Mahakali Temple and Someshwar Temple.
6. Andhar bavdi - In the earlier times, the Andhar Bavdi served as a well and main source of water for the people living inside the fort. The Andhar Bavdi is a 3 level construction and has a winding staircase right at the perimeter of the well. The whole structure of Andhar Bavdi is amazing.
7. Ambarkhana - Ambarkhana served as the storehouse for the Panhala Fort. This storehouse is located at the center of Panhala Fort and is constructed in the Bijapuri architectural style.
8. Rajdindi Bastion - The Rajdindi Bastion served as an emergency exit during those days. It is said that during the Battle of Pavankhind, Shivaji Maharaj exited through this bastion and headed towards Vishalgad Fort.
9. Dharma Kothi - Dharma Kothi is a stone building that served as an additional granary during those days.
10. Kalavanticha Mahal - Kalavanticha Mahal referred to the Courtesan's Terrace Room and is located on the east side of the fort closer to the rampart.
11. Sajja Kothi - Sajja Kothi was built in the Bijapuri style architecture and is a one story structure . It is said that Shivaji Maharaj had imprisoned Sambhaji in the Sajja Kothi when he threatened to defect to Aurangzeb.
Entry Fee To Visit Panhala Fort near Kolhapur
There is no entry fee to visit Panhala Fort near Kolhapur. It is open to everyone and entry inside the Panhalgad is free to every visitor.
Best Time to Visit Panhala Fort near Kolhapur
Monsoon makes Panhala Fort visit worth while! The lush greenery surrounding the fort adds to the existing panorama of Panhalgad. Visiting Panhala Fort post monsoon would be an excellent idea. Winters too are enjoyable and promise pleasant weather. Summer are too hot. Hence the best time to visit Panhala Fort is from late August to early March.
A Trek to Panhala Fort near Kolhapur
A trek to Panhala Fort serves as a treat for history lovers as they are rewarded with sight of innumerable historical monuments right till the top. The difficulty level of Panhala Trek is easy. Many trekkers prefer monsoon trek option to Panhala Fort. The walk within the lush green forestation can liven up one's spirit. Though the trek to Panhala Fort isn't as difficult as one expects it to be, yet it promises lifetime memory.
How to Reach Panhala Fort
The nearest city for Panhala Fort or Panhalgad is Kolhapur which is 22 km from Panhala. Kolhapur is 373 km from Mumbai and 230 km from Pune. One can drive down to Kolhapur via NH48 and Bengaluru - Mumbai Highway up to Kolhapur and further continue it's visit to Panhala Fort. There are many trains, buses and domestic flights from Mumbai and Pune to Kolhapur. The nearest airport for Panhala Fort is Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport in Kolhapur which is 30 km away. Once in Kolhapur, there are many local buses, cab services and private vehicles to continue the journey to Panhala Fort.
Distance of Panhala Fort from Kolhapur - 20 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple - 21 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Mumbai - 381 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Pune - 238 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Sawantwadi - 171 km
Distance of Panhala Fort from Goa - 237 km
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