Panhala

About 20 km from Kolhapur, Panhala is the smallest city in Maharashtra and is best known for the fort associated with the Maratha king Shivaji. At an elevation of almost 3100 ft, the climate in the town is pleasant almost throughout the year. The scenic view of the mountains (lost in mist for the more significant part of the year) makes it an important tourist attraction.

While the cool and pleasant climate of Panhala relieves you of your stress and the pollution-free atmosphere gives you a great escape from city life, it also offers a brilliant trekking trail from the base of the village to the fort.

History of Panhala

Dotted with ancient buildings and fortifying walls, the Panhala Fort, considered the largest of all Deccan forts and the most significant interest in the town, was built between 1178 and 1209 AD. Rising about 400 mt above the surrounding plain, the fort has numerous tunnels that stretch out from underneath the fort, the longest of which runs almost 1 km long. It is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent over 16 months of his life in the fort.

There are several other monuments at the fort that are considered notable to the Archaeological Survey of India. The Parashar caves, considered the residence of Maharishi Parashar (author of many ancient Indian texts like the Vishnu Purana), are also crowd pullers. Another famous resident of these caves was Moropant or Mayur Pandit, the Marathi poet who produced most of his work here.

Places to stay

With a few budget hotels and an MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) lodge rounding off the accommodation options in Panhala, tourists prefer to book into hotels at Kolhapur. Despite the nominal rates at Panhala, the number of options in terms of cost and comfort available in Kohlapur makes it ideal for visitors. However, most of the hotels are concentrated near Tararani Chowk; a 10-minute walk away from the center of Kolhapur. Therefore, the government guest house needs prior booking.

Places to eat

The Kolhapuri cuisine immensely influences the food in Panhala. Restaurants around Panhala serve local specialties like Pandra Rassa, Tambada Rassa, and Kadi (a spicy soup-like dish flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice). However, you can find the authentic taste of the region in the restaurants in Udyam Nagar, where you get delectable meat dishes like sukka mutton.

Festival of Panhala

The Pattan Kodoli village in the Kolhapur district, 38km away from Panhala, is renowned for celebrating the Vittal Birdev Annual Yatra. The Pattankodoli Haldi Festival is a colorful festival of the Shepherd community in Maharashtra. The festival starts on the 17th of October and ends on the 24th of October.

Thousands of devotees coming from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra attend it. And they offer prayers to Shri Vittal Birdev, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. In addition, the tradition allows devotees to throw Haldi, turmeric powder, over a Baba sitting under a banyan tree.

To witness the sunset rays paying homage to Mahalaxmi. It is the wonder of wise architects. The rays of the setting sun bow at the feet of the Goddess through a window. Thousands of people celebrate this special event as ‘KiranUtsav.'

Shopping 

Kolhapur is famous for its Kolhapuri Chappals - footwear from leather and wood. Don't miss the Kolhapuri jewelry - Saaj, a type of antique jewelry. Also, visit the jaggery mills. Jaggery here is made from scratch.