Panahala Fort

Panahala Fort Information

Name of the Fort : panahala fort

Type : Hill Fort

Height :

Built by : Raja Bhoja

Materias : Stone, Lead

Open for Public : yes

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 city is pleasant almost throughout the year and the scenic view of the mountains (that is lost in mist for the larger part of the year) make it a major tourist attraction.

History of panhala Fort:

While the fort has witnessed many events, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escape from Panhala and the ensuing Battle of Paavan Khind is what Panhala is most famous for. And you wouldn’t ever miss this story if you went to Panhala, there is huge statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, all 52 kilograms of bronze, stands in the middle of the fort to honour the one person who ensured that Shivaji survived his escape to Vishalgad.

Raja Bhoja founded Panhala fort in the late 12th century. This fort is located 18 km northwest of Kolhapur. It has connection with God Parashurama as well. Panhala fort, which carries a rich heritage, is the largest of all the Deccan forts. This is the only fort where the great ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. It was built between the 1178-1209 AD.

The fort covers a most of the area having huge boundary walls of over 7 km in length and a steep slope beneath. Three magnificent double-walled gates protect the entrance of the fort. There is a large amberkhana (granary) inside the fort, which has the capacity of containing 25,000 khandis of grains.

Year wise Fort History

• Built by King Bhoja (Shilahara dynasty) between 1178-1209
• Passed on to Singhana (Yadav Dynasty) during 1209-10 CE
• Under Adil Shai rule, 1489
• First captured by Shivaji on 28 November 1659.
• Laid seige by Siddi Masud and Fazal Khan (Afzal Khan’s son) on March 2, 1660
• Shivaji escapes the seige on July 13, 1660.
• Fort recaptured by Ali Adil Shah II in January 1661.
• Annaji Pant, led by Kondaji Farzand regains Panhala, 6 March 1673.

Important places on Panhala Fort:

• Statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande : One of the greatest warriors of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs army.
• Dharma Kothi : This was a granary used to supply food to the poor and the needy.
• Andhar Bavadi : This is a three storey structure on the fort also called as hidden well.
• Teen Darwaja : The main entrance of the fort.
• Wagh Darwaja : Another entrance of the fort. This door was used as a trap for any intruders.
• Fortifications : There is more than 7kms of tathbandi at Panhala which is a must see.
• Ambarkhana : This was the food storage area on the fort. Situated at the centre of Panhala.
• Rajdindi Bastion :
• Palace of Tarabai :
• Kalvanticha Mahal :

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit is during the monsoon season and the winter season. The weather is just perfect during the winters and a stay at some Hotel and Panhala is recommended.

• Nearby Attractions:
• Mahalakshmi temple
• Jyotiba Temple
• Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir

How to Reach Panhala Fort

Well connected through main city via all means of transport. Bus services other Transport Services.

Via Road:

Kolhapur is well connected to all major cities in the Maharashtra state. Panahala Fort is 24 kms away from Kolhapur so it is about 44M to 1 hours drive from Kolhapur city

Sangli to Panhala Fort:

You can also reach Panhala from Sangli which is about 55 km from Panhala. MSRTC buses, private cars and autorickshaw services are available from Sangli to Panhala.

Via Nearest Rail Station:

Kolhapur is the nearest railway station to reach panahala Fort. The distance between station & the panahala fort is 24 kms. This Kolhapur railway station is connected all major cities in the Maharashtra and other state.

Via Air:

 Ratnagiri Airport is the nearest airport to the Panhala fort. It is about 110 kms from the fort.