Panhala is a city and a Hill station Municipal Council (3177 feet 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 Municipal Council the city is developing rapidly. The city sprawls in the
Panhala Fort commands a panoramic view of the valley below. The main historical attraction here is the Panhala fort. There are many places of interest, each with its share of haunting anecdotes.
Parashar Caves
anhala was traditionally considered
The Residence of Maharishi Parashara. The Karvir or Kolhapur Puran, a modern (1730) compilation, mentions Panhala as Pannagalay (home of serpents). In old 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).
Panhala Arboretum
Arboretum Site is R. S. No. 457 & 466 located along famous Teen Darwaja to Mangeshkar bungalow road. Area under plantation is 2.56 hectares. There are more than 3000 individuals of flowering plants. The planted species include trees (158 sps), shrubs (87 sps), grasses (7 sps), Perennial Herbs (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, Forest Department and Social Forestry.
How to Get There
Panhala is about 20 km from Kolhapur. There are continuous bus services from Kolhapur to Panhala, 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.
Where to Stay
MTDC offers rooms and tents of old style architecture, which gives a great feeling of staying in a royal place. Several private hotels are also found.
