Panhala
Located at an altitude of 3177 meters and 18 km away from Kolhapur, Panhala is a scenic hill station and popular with tourists. The place has famous Panhala fort has a great knowledge of Maratha Empire.
Panhala (Marathi: पन्हाळा) is a city and a Municipal Council Hill Station (3177 meters above sea level) 18 km northwest of Kolhapur, in Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Panhala is the smallest city in Maharastra and being a City Council is developing rapidly. The city sprawls in the Panhala Fort has a panoramic view of the valley. The main historical attraction here is the Panhala fort. There are many places of interest, each with its share of memorable anecdotes.
History
The history of Panhala is closely related to the history of the Maratha empire, and its founder, Shivaji. Panhala is the only fort that Shivaji spent more than 500 days, other than his childhood homes. It was Maratha state capital until 1782 and in 1827 became part of the British Empire.
This imposing fort, 20 km northwest of Kolhapur, is built on a spur of the Sahyadris peripheral, rising more than 400 m above the plain, and is the largest of all the Deccan forts. The strategic importance of Panhala, guarding one of the main routes through the Western Ghat, can be judged by its long and varied history. Built between 1178 and 1209, was first Shilahara headquarters ruler Bhoja II, and later passed into the hands of the Yadavas. It was a favorite post Bahamanis Bidar, Mahmud Gawan, the powerful prime minister, encamped here during the rainy season of 1469. In the early 16th century Panhala was absorbed into the kingdom of Bijapur. The Adil Shahis were responsible for strengthening and rebuilding the ramparts and gateways. The fort was attacked by Shivaji in 1659, but it was not until 1673 that he was able to occupy permanently.
After the death of Sambhaji in 1689, was captured by Aurangzeb. However, it was re-captured in 1692 by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar under the guidance of Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi. In 1701 Panhala was finally surrendered to Aurangzeb, and it was here that the Mughal Emperor received the English Ambassador, Sir William Norris. Within a few months the fort was retaken by the Maratha forces under Pant Amatya Ramachandra. Tarabai who secured their autonomy by founding an independent dynasty. In 1782 these rules changed its headquarters to Kolhapur. After a local rebellion in 1844, Panhala was taken by the British. More than 7 km of fortifications define the approximately triangular zone of Panhala fort. The walls are protected for long stretches of sheer cliffs, reinforced by a parapet with slit holes. The remaining sections have 5-9 m high walls strengthened by rounded bastions. Unfortunately, the East Gate called Char Darawaja, through which passes the road to reach the fort, was demolished by the British.
The fort has another satellite fort visible. He says there were wells full of Ghee to cure the soldiers. The famous poet Kavi Moropant We stayed here. Nearby are the Sambhaji temple, Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, and Raj Dindi. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape.
Parashar caves
Cuevas Parashar
Panhala was traditionally considered the residence of Maharishi Parashara. The Karvir or Kolhapur Puran, modern compilation (1730), mentions Panhala as Pannagalay (home of snakes). In ancient inscriptions the name appears as Pranlak and Padmanal.These are supposed to be the caves where the sage Parashar lived. Moropant, an 18th century Marathi poet, wrote most of his work in these caves. These caves are mentioned in the Karvir Puraan as tirths (holy water).
Geography
Panhala is located at 16 ° 49'12 "N 74 ° 7'12" E. [2] It has an average elevation of 754 meters (2473 feet).
Panhala Arboretum
Arboretum Site is RS No. 457 and 466 are located on the famous Teen Darwaja to Mangeshkar bungalow road. The area under plantation is 2.56 hectares. There are more than 3,000 people from flowering plants. The species planted as trees (158 sps), shrubs (87 sps), grasses (7 sps), perennial grasses (19 sps), bamboos (6 sps), orchids (3 sps), palms (5 sps), climbers (33 sps), ferns (6 sps), pines (9 sps), cycads (2 sps). The activity itself is a unique activity in Maharashtra, and is a joint venture of Panhala Municipal Council, Department of Forestry and Social Forestry.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,Panhala had a population of 3,450. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Panhala has an average rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 88% and female literacy is 76%. In Panhala, 10% of the population is 6 years old.
How do I get there?
Panhala is about 20 km from Kolhapur. There are bus services from Kolhapur to Panhala continuous, or also autorickshaw services are available. 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.
Nearest Railway Junction
Miraj - 55 km
You can get private cars and auto rickshaws from Miraj station for Panhala.
[Edit] nearest railway stations
Kolhapur - 20 km
Sangli - 55 km
Where to Stay?
MTDC offers rooms and tents of ancient architecture, which gives a great feeling of being in a real place.
Several private hotels are also found.
Labels: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Panhala