Panhala Fort

The fort of Panhala occupies a prime place in the history of Maharashtra and is also a favourite destination as a hill station. Built by the Shilahara dynasty of Kolhapur in 12thÂ century, the fort passed into the hands of the Yadavas of Devgiri, Bahamani, Adilshahi and subsequently the Marathas. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’sÂ spent many days on this fort which was under the dominance of the Marathas until the 17thÂ and mid-18thÂ century. Queen Tarabai was the founder of the Panhala throne of Karvir alias Kolhapur princely state.

The fort has witnessed great many upheavals and battles. Shilahara dynasty, Yadava and Bahamani kingdoms, Shivaji, Devagiri Yadavas, Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur army, Mughal Aurangzeb (1700) became the controllers of the fort from time to time. It became Maratha state capital under Tarabai upto 1782, and then British conquered it in 1827. Â An interesting view from Panhala is that of the pass that connects the rest of Maharashtra with its coastal areas. The fort can be visited during any season but what make it more compelling, mysterious and exciting are the fog and the dense greenery that sprouts up during the monsoon.