Kolhapur Fort

There was a time when there were no tanks that could go across and demolish any obstacle. There were no missiles that could be fired to subdue enemy resistance. Those were the days when forts were considered to be safest haven against enemy aggression. The imposing Kolhapur Fort, better known as the Panhala Fort served this precise purpose.

Situated 20 kilometers north-west of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, it keeps vigil on the principal mountain pass that runs across the Sahyadri range of hills, a common route that was used by most enemy columns. Constructed during the reign of king Bhoja, the fort subsequently went into the possession of the Yadavas. However, Shivaji, the legendary Maratha warrior, after many battles, took the invincible fort under his command in 1673. He spent a lot of active days in this fort. When his relation with his favorite son and successor to the throne, Sambhaje went sour, this is where he imprisoned him. Nevertheless, the wily Sambhaji managed to escape from the fort. Sambhaji returned when Shivaji was lying in his death bed. Incidentally, this formidable fort, when Shivaji was at the apex of his powerful regime, could contain a record number of war horses (15,000) and 20,000 army men.

Very close to the city of Kolhapur, this fort is a great visit for any weekend. You could just spend a couple of days here and visit some other interesting destinations all around. There are some other wonderful forts around the city. And of course, there is much to see inside Kolhapur fort as well.

How to reach: The best way to reach the fort is obviously from the city of Kolhapur itself. The city has a busy railway station that connects the rest of the country. If you are flying then it is best to reach Belgaum first. You can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw from your hotel. State transport and private buses ply from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.

There are all types of accommodation options around Kolhapur. You will find hotels close to Kolhapur fort, resorts close to Kolhapur fort and cottages close to Kolhapur fort as well. MTDC provides rooms as well as old style royal tents for its guests too.