Panhala Fort: A Historical Treasure in the Western Ghats

Panhala Fort is the largest and most impressive fort in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range, Panhala Fort offers us a panoramic view of the surrounding rates and hills. Panhala Fort is not only a magnificent sight but also a witness to many historical events and legends. The Panhala Fort was built by the Shilahar dynasty in the twelfth century and was later transferred to various rulers including the Yadav, Bahamani, Adilshahi, Mughals and the Marathas.

Panhala Fort has witnessed many battles and sieges especially during the Maratha Empire. The fort is also associated with the events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, spending more than 500 days escaping the siege of Siddhi Johar in 1660.And this is why he is also famous. Panhala Fort is a popular destination for every tourist who wants to experience the rich heritage and culture of Maharashtra. One Day Kolhapur To Jyotiba-Panhala Trip – Visit famous places

The Panhala fort has three gates, an Ambarkhana which we can call a granary, a Saja Koti where the prisoners are punished and there is also an Andhar Bavadi i.e. a hidden well. Panhala fort has many temples monuments and museum which shows the history of Panhala fort and its importance. Panhala Fort is a must visit tourist destination for anyone who is interested in history, nature and generally. Panhala Fort is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the Western Ghats and learn about the glorious history of Maharashtra.

History of Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort has a long history spanning more than 8 centuries. This fort has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties and empires The Fort has played an important role in shaping the history of Maharashtra. The Fort was built in the twelfth century by the Shilahar dynasty as a hill fort to protect their territory from invaders. After the The fort, the Yadavas, who ruled most of Maharashtra in the thirteenth century, also expanded and fortified it.

The fort later came under the control of ten dynasties who ruled the Deccan region during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Bahamani made the fort his southern outpost and many structures and features were added to the fort. The fort changed hands several times during the 16th and 17th centuries between the imperial Mughals and the Marathas. The fort has seen many battles and madness during this period due to desperate attempts to capture the actual possession of The fort.

Panhala Fort is most famous for its association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured The fort from Adilshahi in 1659 and made it his capital headquarters. The Fort is also the place where Shivaji Maharaj escaped from the siege of Siddhi Johar in 1666 with the help of his loyal general Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Who sacrificed his life for the safety of Shivaji Maharaj.

Panhala Fort remained under Maratha rule until 1782 when it was surrendered to the British by a prominent Maratha minister, Nana Fadnavis. Due to this he was captured by the British. Until India’s independence in 1947, The Fort was used by the British as a military station and sanitarium The Fort is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is also a popular tourist attraction.

Architecture of Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort is a remarkable example of the fort architecture in India. The Fort has a unique layout and design that reflects the influence of various cultures and styles. The Fort also has many architectural features that make it stand out from other forts in India.

Panhala Fort has an irregular shape that follows the contours of the hill on which it is built. The Fort covers an area of about 7 square kilometers and has a perimeter of about 14 kilometers. The Fort has three concentric lines of fortifications that provide multiple layers of defense. The Fort has four main gates and several smaller gates that allow access to different parts of The Fort. The Fort also has a network of underground tunnels and secret passages that connect different sections of The Fort.

Panhala Fort has many architectural features that showcase the skill and creativity of its builders. Panhala Fort has a mix of Hindu, Islamic and European styles that reflect the different periods and rulers of The Fort. Some of the notable features of The Fort are:

• The Teen Darwaza (Three Gates), which are the main entrance to Panhala Fort. The Teen Darwaza are massive stone structures that have intricate carvings and inscriptions. The Teen Darwaza also have iron spikes and wooden doors that provide extra security.
• The Ambarkhana (Granary), which is a huge complex that was used to store food and supplies for Panhala Fort. The Ambarkhana has three sections: the Ganga Kothi, the Jamia Kothi and the Dharma Kothi. The Ambarkhana can store up to 25,000 khandis (about 1,500 tons) of grain.
• The Sajja Kothi (Punishment Cell), which is a small tower that was used to imprison and torture enemies and traitors. The Sajja Kothi has a narrow staircase that leads to a dark and damp cell. The Sajja Kothi also has a window that offers a view of the valley below, which was meant to mock the prisoners.
• The Andhar Bavadi (Hidden Well), which is a secret well that was used to supply water to Panhala Fort in times of siege. The Andhar Bavadi is located inside a small temple and is hidden by a stone slab. The Andhar Bavadi has a depth of about 40 meters and a diameter of about 3 meters.
• The Wagh Darwaza (Tiger Gate), which is a hidden gate that was used by Shivaji Maharaj to escape from the siege of Siddi Johar in 1660. The Wagh Darwaza is located on the western side of Panhala Fort and is camouflaged by the surrounding vegetation. The Wagh Darwaza leads to a narrow path that goes down the hill.

Panhala Fort is different from other forts in India in many ways. The Fort is one of the largest forts in India and has one of the longest fort walls in India. The Fort is also one of the few forts in India that has a double line of fortifications, which makes it more secure and formidable. The Fort is also one of the few forts in India that has a combination of natural and artificial defenses, such as hills, valleys, moats, bastions and ramparts.

Tourist Attractions in Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort is a great place to visit for anyone who loves history, nature and adventure. The Fort has many tourist attractions that offer a glimpse into the past and present of The Fort. The Fort also has many activities for tourists that make the visit more fun and memorable. The Fort can be visited at any time of the year, but some seasons are more suitable than others.

Panhala Fort has many tourist attractions that showcase the history and culture of The Fort. Some of the major tourist attractions in The Fort are:

• The Teen Darwaza (Three Gates), which are the main entrance to Panhala Fort and have intricate carvings and inscriptions.
• The Ambarkhana (Granary), which is a huge complex that was used to store food and supplies for Panhala Fort and can store up to 25,000 khandis (about 1,500 tons) of grain.
• The Sajja Kothi (Punishment Cell), which is a small tower that was used to imprison and torture enemies and traitors and has a window that offers a view of the valley below.
• The Andhar Bavadi (Hidden Well), which is a secret well that was used to supply water to Panhala Fort in times of siege and is hidden by a stone slab.
• The Wagh Darwaza (Tiger Gate), which is a hidden gate that was used by Shivaji Maharaj to escape from the siege of Siddi Johar in 1660 and leads to a narrow path that goes down the hill.
• The Someshwar Temple, which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a beautiful idol of Shiva and a Nandi bull.
• The Parashar Caves, which are natural caves that were used by the sage Parashar for meditation and have a spring that flows from the rocks.
• The Kalavantinicha Mahal (Palace of the Courtesan), which is a palace that was built by Shivaji Maharaj for his favorite courtesan Kalavantin and has a balcony that overlooks the valley.
• The Rajdindi Bastion, which is a bastion that was used by Baji Prabhu Deshpande to fight against Siddi Johar’s army and sacrifice his life to ensure Shivaji Maharaj’s escape.
• The Panhala Museum, which is a museum that displays various artifacts, weapons, coins, paintings and documents related to Panhala Fort and its history.

Panhala Fort also has many activities for tourists that make the visit more enjoyable and exciting. Some of the activities for tourists at Panhala Fort are:

• Trekking: Panhala Fort is a great place for trekking enthusiasts who want to explore the fort and its surroundings. There are many trekking trails that lead to different parts of The Fort and offer scenic views of the landscape. Some of the popular trekking routes are: Teen Darwaza to Wagh Darwaza, Ambarkhana to Rajdindi Bastion, Someshwar Temple to Parashar Caves and Kalavantinicha Mahal to Sajja Kothi.
• Photography: The Fort is a paradise for photographers who want to capture the beauty and charm of The Fort. There are many spots in The Fort that offer stunning views of the fort, the valley, the hills and the sunset. Some of the best spots for photography are: Teen Darwaza, Ambarkhana, Sajja Kothi, Wagh Darwaza, Someshwar Temple, Parashar Caves, Kalavantinicha Mahal and Rajdindi Bastion.
• Shopping: The Fort has many shops and stalls that sell various items related to Panhala Fort and its culture. Tourists can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, paintings, books, jewelry, clothes and snacks from these shops and stalls. Some of the items that tourists can buy are: wooden toys, leather goods, pottery, metalware, kolhapuri chappals (footwear), kolhapuri saaj (necklace), kolhapuri masala (spice mix) and kanda bhaji (onion fritters).
• Sightseeing: The Fort has many nearby places that tourists can visit for sightseeing. Some of these places are: Jyotiba Temple, which is a temple dedicated to Lord Jyotiba who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva; Rankala Lake.

How to Reach Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort is a well-connected and easily accessible destination for tourists who want to visit this historical and scenic place. The Fort can be reached by various modes of transportation, such as road, rail and air. The Fort also has different route options to choose from, depending on the preference and convenience of the tourists. The Fort also has some tips for travelling that can help the tourists to have a smooth and enjoyable journey.

The Fort can be reached by road from major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. Panhala Fort is located on the NH 48 highway, which connects it to cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.

Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities to reach The Fort. The distance and time taken to reach The Fort by road from some of the nearby cities are:

• Mumbai to Panhala Fort: 375 km (6 hours)
• Pune to Panhala Fort: 230 km (4 hours)
• Bangalore to Panhala Fort: 610 km (10 hours)

The Fort can also be reached by rail from various parts of India. The nearest railway station to The Fort is Kolhapur, which is about 25 km away from The Fort. Kolhapur railway station is well-connected to other major railway stations in India, such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Visitors can take a train to Kolhapur railway station and then travel further by cab or bus to Panhala Fort.

The Fort can also be reached by air from different cities in India. The nearest airport to The Fort is Kolhapur airport, which is about 30 km away from The Fort. Kolhapur airport has flights to and from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Tirupati. Visitors can take a flight to Kolhapur airport and then hire a cab or take a bus to The Fort.

Panhala Fort has some tips for travelling that can help the tourists to have a hassle-free and pleasant journey. Some of the tips for travelling to Panhala Fort are:

• Plan your trip in advance and book your tickets and accommodation beforehand.
• Carry enough cash and cards as there are limited ATMs and banks near Panhala Fort.
• Carry warm clothes and raincoats as the weather can be cold and rainy at Panhala Fort, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.
• Carry water bottles, snacks, medicines and first-aid kits as there are limited shops and medical facilities near Panhala Fort.
• Respect the local culture and traditions and follow the rules and regulations of Panhala Fort.

Safety Measures at Panhala Fort

The Fort is a safe and secure destination for tourists who want to enjoy the historical and natural beauty of this place. The Fort has some safety measures for tourists that ensure their comfort and protection. The Fort also has some tips for safe exploration of the fort and its surroundings. Panhala Fort also has some emergency services available in case of any mishap or accident.

The Fort has some safety measures for tourists that make their visit more pleasant and hassle-free. Some of the safety measures for tourists at Panhala Fort are:

• The fort has a well-maintained road that connects it to the nearby city of Kolhapur and other major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. The road is also guarded by security personnel and CCTV cameras.
• The fort has a proper entry and exit system that requires the tourists to buy tickets and register their details at the entrance gate. The tickets are valid for a day and allow the tourists to access all the attractions within the fort.
• The fort has a guide service that provides the tourists with information and guidance about the history and culture of the fort. The guides are trained and knowledgeable and can speak different languages. The guides also help the tourists to navigate the fort and its complex layout.
• The fort has a security service that patrols the fort and its premises regularly. The security personnel are alert and vigilant and can handle any situation or threat. The security personnel also assist the tourists in case of any emergency or problem.

The Fort also has some tips for safe exploration of the fort and its surroundings. Some of the tips for safe exploration of Panhala Fort are:

• Carry enough water, food, medicines and first-aid kits as there are limited shops and medical facilities near the fort. Also, avoid drinking water from unknown sources as it may be contaminated or unsafe.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as the fort has a lot of walking and climbing involved. Also, carry warm clothes and raincoats as the weather can be cold and rainy at the fort, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.
• Respect the local culture and traditions and follow the rules and regulations of the fort. Do not litter, vandalize or damage any property or structure within the fort. Do not disturb or harm any wildlife or plants within the fort.
• Be careful while exploring the fort as it has many steep slopes, narrow passages, hidden wells and secret tunnels that can be dangerous or risky. Do not wander off alone or stray away from the marked paths. Do not enter any restricted or prohibited areas within the fort.

The Fort also has some emergency services available in case of any mishap or accident. Some of the emergency services available at Panhala Fort are:

• The nearest hospital to The Fort is Kolhapur Civil Hospital, which is about 25 km away from the fort. The hospital has all the facilities and equipment to treat any injury or illness. The hospital also has an ambulance service that can reach the fort in case of any emergency.
• The nearest police station to The Fort is Panhala Police Station, which is located near the entrance gate of the fort. The police station has a team of officers and staff who can handle any law and order situation or crime. The police station also has a helpline number that can be contacted in case of any emergency.
• The nearest fire station to The Fort is Kolhapur Fire Station, which is about 25 km away from the fort. The fire station has a team of firefighters and vehicles who can deal with any fire or smoke situation. The fire station also has a helpline number that can be contacted in case of any emergency.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Panhala Fort is a fascinating piece of Maratha history that offers a glimpse into the past and present of Maharashtra. Panhala Fort has many attractions, activities and services that make it a great destination for tourists who love history, nature and adventure. Panhala Fort can be reached by various modes of transportation and has different route options to choose from. Panhala Fort also has some safety measures, tips and emergency services that ensure the comfort and protection of the tourists.

If you are planning to visit Panhala Fort, here are some recommendations for you:

• Plan your trip in advance and book your tickets and accommodation beforehand.
• Choose the best time to visit Panhala Fort according to your preference and convenience. The best time to visit Panhala Fort is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the fort is less crowded.
• Hire a guide or join a tour group to learn more about the history and culture of Panhala Fort. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly and can make your visit more enjoyable and informative.
• Explore the fort and its surroundings at your own pace and interest. There are many attractions and activities to see and do at Panhala Fort, such as trekking, photography, shopping and sightseeing. You can also visit some nearby places, such as Jyotiba Temple, Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort View Point and Vishalgad Fort.
• Enjoy the beauty and charm of Panhala Fort and its surroundings. Panhala Fort is a place where you can experience the rich heritage and culture of Maharashtra. Panhala Fort is also a place where you can admire the scenic views of the Western Ghats and the valley.

Panhala Fort is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the glorious past and present of Maharashtra. Panhala Fort is a place where you can witness the bravery and sacrifice of the Maratha warriors, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Shiva Kashid. Panhala Fort is also a place where you can appreciate the skill and creativity of the fort builders, who created a masterpiece of fort architecture. Panhala Fort is a place where you can feel the spirit and pride of Maharashtra.