Hill Stations and Forts

Hill Stations and Forts

Panhala

Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. The history of Panhala Fort is one of the oldest, and famous amongst Maratha warriors. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

An average temperature of 25 *C.It is a must place to visit, while in kolhapur. A 45 minute journey, accompanied by beautiful landscape , a trip to Panhala will surely be a memorable one!

Gaganbawada

Gaganbawada the hill station untouched by commercial tourism, beautiful, misty blue & green throughout. The steep hills, valleys & gorgeous waterfalls that gurgles through them. Trekkers, Rock-Climbers & nature lovers can enjoy & explore its hidden treasure.

Ganganbawada is a hill station on the way to Sindhudurg district & Goa about 55 km away from Kolhapur. This is a very quite place which is 3000 ft. above sea level known as a CHERAPUNJI of Maharashatra as it has the highest recorded rainfall .It is also known as a spiritual place since Late Pujya Shri Gagangiri Maharaj spent most of his life meditating on the hill of Gagangad. An ashram is situated on the hill well known for its spirituality. Every year many devotees visit this ashram for meditation, and yoga.

The beauty of Gaganbawada is enhanced, in monsoon. A place worth visiting...!

Amboli
Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches.

Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 km away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.
Getting around: Taxis and rickshaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.
Weather: Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate -- a welcome respite in summer.

Getting there: Belgaum 64 km away, is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway. Mumbai is 549 km by road. Pune is 390 km. State Transport buses ply from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.

Mahabaleshwar (175 km from Kolhapur)
Placed in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Western India, and also one of the most popular. Mahabaleshwars religious and historical associations are not inconsiderable. It has two ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar from which the town takes its name and Atibaleshwar. Pratapgadh Fort, a stronghold of the Maratha leader Shivaji, is only a short drive away.

The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgadh Fort, 24 km away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries,blackberries,jams and jelly.

Amba- Pavankhind
A small hill station with salubrious climate popular with trekkers. Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau. Amba is about 65 km from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.

Vishalgad
The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort houses the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.
Getting there : Vishalgad is 76 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.

Sammaangad
This fort has inspiring fables woven around it. Situated in the Gadhinglaj taluka or district the fort has secret passages and strong bastions.

Bhudargad
This fort is situated on a huge vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of Lord Shiva.
Getting there: Located about 65 km south of Kolhapur

Paargad
Surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque forest, the fort has exquisite bronze statues of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.
Getting there: Paargad lies to the south of Kolhapur, 28 km from Chandgad.