Panhala

The Panhala Fort lies 20 km away from the main city of Kolhapur, situated in its northwest. This fort holds its position amongst the most massive location in the country and is the largest one in the Deccan region. It was built in a strategic position where a major trade route ran within Maharashtra from Bijapur to the coasts of the Arabian Sea. This place is not only a must-visit for people who love exploring historic locations but also for those who love to trek.

 

Looking over the green slopes of Sahyadri, it has around 7 kilometers of fortifications along with full-proof protection guaranteed by three double-walled gates which are humongous in size. The entire stretch of Panhala Fort is dotted with parapets, ramparts, and bastions and styled with motifs of different dynasties that ruled over the fort - the Marathas, Bahamas, Mughals, and so on. The old Panhala Fort was founded in the late 12th century by Raja Bhoja. It was constructed during the period 1178-1209 AD to be later modified by the Marathas. The Indo-Islamic style fort is famously known for being the residence of the great Maratha ruler Shivaji and the Queen Regent of Kolhapur - Tarabai.

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Attractions at Panhala

Sajja Kothi -

Sajja Kothi was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD, Sajja Kothi literally means 'Punishment Cell', it is a 2 storied building offering a panoramic view of the Warana valley below. It is here that Shivaji imprisoned his son, Sambhaji for his errant ways. 

Ambar Khana -

Built by Raja Bhoj II, the Ambar Khana includes three buildings named Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati. The Ganga Kothi is the largest amongst them and it covers an area of around 950 sq. m and is 10.7 m in height. The reason for building the Ambar Khana was since the soil of the region was not suitable for agriculture, it was very important for the rulers to stock sufficient provisions for their armies during a siege. The granaries can store as much as 25,000 khandis of grain. The complex also has an armory and an underground mint. Just close to this complex stands a small Shiva temple which has a peculiar linga, which changes its color according to the temperature. 

Sunset point -
Sunset point is located on the northern end of the Panhala fort, from this point, one can see stunning views of the rays of the setting sun striking against the western walls of the fort.

Botanical Gardens -
The Botanical gardens at Panhala fort are maintained by the forest department of Panhala. With large lawns, lush greenery, and tall trees around, the park offers its visitors a refreshing walk. Furthermore, food stalls, boat rides, and horse rides make the garden a popular picnic spot. The serene gardens on the banks of the Mund river make it a peaceful and quiet place for tourists to relax and de-stress.

Jyotiba Temple -
Jyotiba temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 3124 feet in the Panhala range. The temple is about 14 km northwest of Kolhapur city and is dedicated to Jyotiba (Dattatreya). This temple is famous for a fair conducted here, on the full moon night during the months of Chaithra and Vaishakh that attracts hordes of devotees from all over India. 

 

Teen Darwaza -
Teen Darwaza or three gates were built during the Adil Shahi era, the gates were designed in such a way that they opened at awkward angles, trapping the enemy troops in the inner courtyard and making it impossible to charge into the fort. But, in 1844 the British troops eventually entered the fort through these gates and captured the Panhala fort.

Nayakini Sajja -
The Nayakini Sajja exhibits the intelligent warfare strategy used by the Marathas to deceive their enemies. The Nayakini Sajja has been very strategically located at one of the corners of the fort to conceal a deep ravine in between. Whenever the enemy would attack from this corner, they would climb over this make-believe corner of the fort and end up falling into the deep ravine below.