Panhalgad / Panhala

Panhalgad was on my mind since Childhood. As we started our drive from Kolhapur towards Panhala, Extracts from pages of history in form of lay of Siege by Siddhi Johar, Shivajimaharaj’s tactical and strategic escape to Vishalgad, Rajdindi Marg, Valour of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the fight with two swords, bloodbath at Ghodkhind / Pawankhind, the sound of the cannon that indicated Shivaji Maharaj has reached Vishalgad after which only Bajiprabhu Deshpande took his last breath and finally dedication of Shiva Kashid started flashing in my mind.

Sajja Kothi – Sadar E Mahal

Shivaji Maharaj held his secret and confidential discussions and also devised strategy to escape the siege of Siddhi Johar from this building. Those days one could get a view of the Siddhi Johar’s soldiers from the balcony of Sajja Kothi.

It is from Sajja Koti that Shiva Kashid dressed like Shivaji Maharaj went to meet Siddhi Johar and in the meantime Shivaji Maharaj made a miraculous escape to Vishalgad on a stormy night via Rajdindi Marg.

As I stood in the balcony I remembered Shiva Kashid to be one of the brave Soldier. Even after knowing that he would be beheaded by Siddhi Johar on realising the fact, Shiva Kashid proudly went to meet his death to save his king. Hats off to commitment and dedication of these brave souls.

This two Floored structure was built by Maksood Aka in the year 1608. The construction was made using stones and Lime. Don’t miss the panoramic view of the warana valley from here.

Ambar Khana ( Food Grains Storage place ) - Balekilla.

There are three such huge storage places next to each other raising to about 40 ft in height. These have provision for opening from top from where the food grains were poured and also acted as ventilation.

These were constructed by 'Raja Bhoj' in the year 1052.

These stock up places has a storing capacity of 5 lakh sacks.

TEEN DARWAJA / KONKANI DARWAJA

DARUGOLA KOTHAR / THE ARSENAL

In olden days this building was used for storing the explosive, this building was thoughtfully built on the height away from the human residences to avoid untoward incident.

ANDHAR BAV

This three storey structure has a well at the basement, middle floor has a secret escape route and the top floor is for soldiers to take rest. Since the structure is in the darkness it is called as Andhar ( darkness) Bhav.

Kalavanteen Mahal

This three storey building was built during the regime of Ibrahim Adilshah . It is said that most beautiful women entertainers used to stay here. Dance programmes were held here to entertain the rulers. The structure in now in ruins.
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Statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande

The experience is not capable of being expressed in words. Our guide made it still lively.

The Journey from Pune to Panhala via Kolhapur can be covered in 4-5 hours by road.