Panhala – Maharashtra

In the Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, here is a scenic hill station called “Panhala” located at altitude of 3177 feet above sea level. This hill station is of historical significance relating to founder of the Maratha Empire Shivaji.  Apparently the Panhala fort is the only fort where Shivaji spent more than 500 days apart from his home. This hill station was also the capital of Maratha Empire until 1782.  It is also popular for the scenic view of the mountains that it provides. So if you are curious about history, a trekking enthusiast, or an historian then “Panhala” is certainly a destination that needs to be explored.

Read More: CHIKALDHARA TOURISM FESTIVALS: A FEW IMPORTANT FACTS

How to reach Panhala ?

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Panhala Map

By train:

The closest railway station is in Kolhapur located at a distance of 20 km from Panhala. The Kolhapur Railway Station is well linked to major cities and towns in the country.

By road:

There are a number of state owned bus services i.e. MSRTC that operate from places like Kolhapur, Sanglietc to Panhala. Taxi services are also available from Sangli to Panhala.

By flight:

The closest airport to Panhala is in Kolhapur. The Kolhapur Airport which is located at a distance of 35 km from Panhala is well connected to most of the major cities and towns in the country.

Climate and best time to visit Panhala

“Tropical” is what the climate of Panhala can be typically described as. The summer which begins in March and ends in May is hot with temperature ranging from 33 degrees to 24 degrees. The rainfall received during the monsoon season that begins in June and ends in September is “moderate”.  The winter season which begins from November and extends to February is pleasant with temperatures varying from 14 degrees to 30 degrees. The best time to visit is in between October and March.

Places To Visit Around Panhala

1. SajjaKothi: Is a fort that was constructed during the Maratha regime in Maharashtra. It was in this fort that Shivaji used to conduct a meeting during wars. It was also at this fort that Sambhaji was informed about his father’s death.
2. Panhala Fort: Is a fort that was built between the years 1178 to 1209 AD. This fort is considered to be the biggest fort in the whole Deccan plateau. This is said to be the fort in which Shivaji is said to have lived for more than a year. It is a major tourist attraction of this region.
3. Sunset Point: Is a point in this region which provides a beautiful view of the “setting sun”.
4. Parashar Caves: Are sacred caves in which Maharishi Parashara was said to have lived. A Marathi poet called Moropant also is said to have written a majority of his works in these caves.

Also Read: TOP 10 HILL STATIONS IN THE WESTERN GHATS