Panhala - a quaint hillstation near Pune - Hotels and Resorts in Panhala

Panhala

Panhala dashes all preconceived notions of a conventional Indian hillstation. The hill town measures just about 7 Km in circumfrence, and its strategic location near Kolhapur with easy access to Konkan meant that at various point in history it was embraced by different dynasties. However Panhala is mostly identified with Shivaji Maharaj who captured it in 1659.

Because of its miniscule size, a small plateau tucked within a 12th century fort, Panhala pleads to be explored on foot. The lack of development and organized activity is a part and parcel of the Panhala charm.Its an ideal place to do a whole lot of nothing!

development and organized activity is a part and parcel of the Panhala charm.Its an ideal place to do a whole lot of nothing!

The best way to see the town is on foot. Start at Sajja Kothi on the eastern wall of the fort and walk north along the ramparts to Teen Darwaza an imposing gateway to the west of the town. This easy undemanding walk can take upto 45 minutes. Tourist guides would be eager to point out the homes of politicians industrialists and the holiday retreat of Lata Mangeshkar

Jyotibha Temple

This hilltop temple lies on an offshoot of Kolhapur-Panhala road. Long flights of stairs lined with little stalls peddling pooja offerings leads from the parking lot to the temple complex. In this temple the diety of the royal Scindia family reside. The legend goes that Jyotiba is an incarnation of three gods Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh and Jamadagni.

To reach Panhala you need to take the Kolhapur Highway, NH4 and its just off the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri state highway

Sajja Kothi

This single storey structure rising out on the easter side of the fort offers a compelling view of the valley outside.Sambhaji, Shivaji's son was imprisoned here for his errant ways. Sambhaji later escaped to run straight into the hands of his father's enemies.

Botanical Gardens

An impressive arched gateway of the old fort serves as the entrance to the green lawns of these gardens maintained by the forest department.

Sunset Point

This vantage point is located on the northern end of the fort. Its good spot to watch the sun go down.

Teen Darwaza

This imposing gateway comprised three gates on the western wall of the fort. It was through which the british entered Panhala when they finally captured Panhala in 1844. In an act of political vandalism they destroyed themaingate, the one that had held them at bay to the south of the town.