About Panhala Fort
Opening hours- 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings
Suggested Duration- 2-3 hours
Tickets- Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station- Kolhapur Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, about 27 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Kolhapur Bus Stand, about 26 km
Nearest Airport- Kolhapur Airport, about 20 km
Panhala Fort is a grand hilltop fort located in the town of Panhala, about 20 km northwest of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Built in the 12th century by Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahara dynasty, this sprawling structure later became a strategic military post under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With its elevated position in the Sahyadri hills and panoramic views of the valley below, the fort is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Kolhapur.
As you explore the fort, you'll come across the Teen Darwaza entrance, the hidden Andhar Bavadi well, ancient granaries at Ambarkhana, and remnants of Queen Tarabai’s palace. Each structure whispers stories of courage, battles, and royal legacy, especially the legendary Battle of Pavan Khind.
The fort’s massive stone walls, misty surroundings, and rich past make it a perfect destination for history lovers and nature seekers alike, offering an immersive walk through Maharashtra’s glorious Maratha era.
Panhala Fort Highlights
• Explore Panhala Fort, located 20 km northwest of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, built in the 12th century and known as the largest fort in the Deccan region.
• Visit the iconic Andhar Bavadi, a hidden three-storey stepwell designed to access water secretly during enemy sieges.
• Stand at Sajja Kothi, a historical lookout built by Ibrahim Adil Shah, where Shivaji once imprisoned his son Sambhaji.
• Witness the grand Ambarkhana granaries, once capable of storing massive grain reserves during the siege by Siddhi Johar.
• Walk through Teen Darwaza, the triple-arched gate showcasing Indo-Islamic architectural brilliance and defence strategy.
• Discover the palace and governance seat of Queen Tarabai, who ruled the Maratha kingdom from Panhala in the 18th century.
How To Reach Panhala Fort
By Road- You can reach the Panhala Fort from Kolhapur, which is about 23 km away via the NH166, taking approximately 50 minutes to reach.
Best Time To Visit Panhala Fort
Peak Season (October to February)
- Weather Insights- Pleasant winter with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C.
- Things to Do- Explore the majestic fort structures and enjoy panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges.
Moderate Season (March to May)
- Weather Insights- Summer temperatures range between 22°C to 35°C, often warm and sunny weather.
- Things to Do- Take scenic walks around the fort, visit the nearby Teen Darwaza, Sajja Kothi, and Parashar caves.
Low Season (June to September)
- Weather Insights- Monsoon months bring temperatures from 20°C to 30°C with frequent rainfall and lush greenery.
- Things to Do- Witness the fort in its most picturesque form with vibrant green surroundings.
Panhala Fort Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go!
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the fort involves walking through uneven terrain, steep paths, and large open areas.
- Start your visit early in the day to avoid the midday heat, especially during summer, and to catch beautiful views of the Sahyadri hills.
- Carry water and light snacks, as eateries inside the fort premises are limited.
- Respect the heritage site by not defacing walls or littering, and help maintain the sanctity of this historic monument by following all signboards and guidelines.
Walk through history at Ambarkhana
Ambarkhana is one of the most iconic parts of Panhala Fort, once used to store large quantities of grain during times of war. These massive granaries reflect the military foresight of Maratha rulers. As you walk through the sturdy stone chambers, you’ll get a real sense of how the fort functioned as a self-sustaining citadel during sieges, especially under the reign of Shivaji Maharaj.
Explore the secrets of Andhar Bavadi
Andhar Bavadi, or the Hidden Well, is an underground three-storeyed stepwell designed with secret escape routes. Built during the Bahamani era, it played a crucial role in supplying water during wartime while concealing the presence of its resources. Exploring its dark, spiraling stairs gives you a glimpse into the fort’s strategic engineering and how it helped withstand long enemy blockades.
_Ahmedabad.jpg)
Admire the Teen Darwaza
The Teen Darwaza is a grand triple-arched entrance gate that once guarded the main access point of the fort. Decorated with intricate carvings and solid fortifications, it’s a majestic reminder of Maratha architecture. This gateway witnessed royal processions and incoming troops, and today, it stands tall as a silent guardian of Panhala’s eventful past.
Visit the Sajja Kothi
Sajja Kothi is a one-storeyed structure built by Mohammed Adil Shah and later used by Shivaji Maharaj. Perched on the edge of the fort, this structure offers breathtaking views of the valley and is believed to have served as a watchtower and royal retreat. Local legends also say Sambhaji was once imprisoned here. The quiet surroundings and scenic views make it a perfect spot for reflection.
Tourism Board Alliances
Panhala Fort FAQs
What is Panhala Fort famous for?
Panhala Fort is famous for its deep-rooted Maratha history and strategic hilltop location that once served as a significant military base for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is known for its impressive architecture, massive ramparts, and landmarks like Teen Darwaza, Andhar Bavadi, and Sajja Kothi. The fort also played a major role during the Battle of Pavan Khind and is admired for its panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills.
Where is the Panhala Fort located?
Panhala Fort is located in the Panhala town of Maharashtra, around 20 km northwest of Kolhapur city. Nestled atop the Sahyadri mountain range at an elevation of approximately 3177 feet, the fort offers scenic views of the surrounding valleys. It is well-connected by road and is a popular weekend getaway for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
What are the must-see attractions inside Panhala Fort?
Some of the must-see attractions inside the Panhala Fort include the massive Teen Darwaza, the Andhar Bavadi designed for secret escape routes, and Sajja Kothi, where Shivaji is believed to have imprisoned his son. The fort walls offer breathtaking views, and exploring these structures gives visitors a glimpse into Maratha military strategy and design excellence.
.jpg.jpg)
.jpg.jpg)
