The most significant figure in the city of Panhala is the Panhala fort located 20 kilometers northwest of the Kolhapur town. This grand fort was associated with Shivaji when he defeated the Bijapur general Afzal Khan and captured the fort. <br> <br>History of the place <br> <br>It is said that the grand citadel was built by Bhoja II and Ibrahim Adil Shah I during the years 1178 to 1209 and was used actively till the year 1947. The grandeur of the place was such that it was further expanded during the years of 1489 to 1557, and made completely of stone and lead. <br> <br>The legend also says that in the battle of Pavan Khind, nearly three-quarters of his force died and the fourth ultimately fell into the hands of Adil Shah, Shivaji finally occupying it in 1673. The Panhala Fort is an embodiment of the Kolhapur heritage, enriching it day by day. It is also said that the Panhala fort was the shelter for 15000 horses and home to more than 20,000 soldiers of Shivaji during his time at the fort. <br> <br>Significance of the place <br> <br>Panhala fort is one of the torchbearers of Kolhapur history and there’s a connection of God Parshuram with the forts in the Deccan region. <br>It also has a large political influence and significance as it was the home to several great rulers including Shivaji, Yadav, and Bahmani dynasties. It was the same place where Baji Prabhu sacrificed his own life for the sake of Shivaji’s escape. <br> <br>Not only political and historic significance but also Panhala fort is a place to be remembered due to its cultural heritage. It is a place filled with several beautiful and culturally significant temples including Ambabaji temple, Someshwar temple, and many more beautiful temples which are a delight to the visitors’ eyes. <br> <br>Ways to reach the Panhala Fort <br> <br>● By Air - The aerial route is said to be the fastest route to reach the Panhala fort. The nearest airport to the Panhala Fort is the Kolhapur airport. This airport is well connected to all the major parts of the country via direct running flights on a daily basis. <br> <br>● By Train - The Kolhapur railway station is located just around 30 kilometers from the city by the canal and is connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune and many other places. <br> <br>● By Road - Public transport and both state and private buses have regular interactions with Panhala and are very easy to reach fron nearby places. <br> <br>Things to see! <br> <br>Find definitive spots for youngsters in Panhala, be it water parks, amusement parks, or jungle gyms. Panhala is a great spot for adventure sport-loving enthusiasts, as it has several interesting things to do like Bungee Jumping and water sports. Also, it is one of the best places for photography lovers as well. <br> <br>Bottom note <br> <br>It is one of the best travel destinations with temples, and ancient Indian architecture on offer for tourists to sightsee! Enjoy Panhala as it is the perfect destination to fall in love with the Kolhapur lifestyle and good old golden days.

The most significant figure in the city of Panhala is the Panhala fort located 20 kilometers northwest of the Kolhapur town. This grand fort was associated with Shivaji when he defeated the Bijapur general Afzal Khan and captured the fort. <br> <br>History of the place <br> <br>It is said that the grand citadel was built by Bhoja II and Ibrahim Adil Shah I during the years 1178 to 1209 and was used actively till the year 1947. The grandeur of the place was such that it was further expanded during the years of 1489 to 1557, and made completely of stone and lead. <br> <br>The legend also says that in the battle of Pavan Khind, nearly three-quarters of his force died and the fourth ultimately fell into the hands of Adil Shah, Shivaji finally occupying it in 1673. The Panhala Fort is an embodiment of the Kolhapur heritage, enriching it day by day. It is also said that the Panhala fort was the shelter for 15000 horses and home to more than 20,000 soldiers of Shivaji during his time at the fort. <br> <br>Significance of the place <br> <br>Panhala fort is one of the torchbearers of Kolhapur history and there’s a connection of God Parshuram with the forts in the Deccan region. <br>It also has a large political influence and significance as it was the home to several great rulers including Shivaji, Yadav, and Bahmani dynasties. It was the same place where Baji Prabhu sacrificed his own life for the sake of Shivaji’s escape. <br> <br>Not only political and historic significance but also Panhala fort is a place to be remembered due to its cultural heritage. It is a place filled with several beautiful and culturally significant temples including Ambabaji temple, Someshwar temple, and many more beautiful temples which are a delight to the visitors’ eyes. <br> <br>Ways to reach the Panhala Fort <br> <br>● By Air - The aerial route is said to be the fastest route to reach the Panhala fort. The nearest airport to the Panhala Fort is the Kolhapur airport. This airport is well connected to all the major parts of the country via direct running flights on a daily basis. <br> <br>● By Train - The Kolhapur railway station is located just around 30 kilometers from the city by the canal and is connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune and many other places. <br> <br>● By Road - Public transport and both state and private buses have regular interactions with Panhala and are very easy to reach fron nearby places. <br> <br>Things to see! <br> <br>Find definitive spots for youngsters in Panhala, be it water parks, amusement parks, or jungle gyms. Panhala is a great spot for adventure sport-loving enthusiasts, as it has several interesting things to do like Bungee Jumping and water sports. Also, it is one of the best places for photography lovers as well. <br> <br>Bottom note <br> <br>It is one of the best travel destinations with temples, and ancient Indian architecture on offer for tourists to sightsee! Enjoy Panhala as it is the perfect destination to fall in love with the Kolhapur lifestyle and good old golden days.

Snuggled in the heart of the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, the Jyotiba Temple is one of the major holy sites of Hinduism. The Temple stands towering and divine near the Wadi Ratnagiri in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra in western India. The temple is visited by many Hindu worshippers and is believed to be among the oldest temples of India. <br> <br>History of the temple: <br> <br>The deity of the temple is believed by the locals of Kolhapur to be an incarnation of three gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, and Jamadagni. A magnificent yearly fair also takes place in the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. Jyotiba temple towers at a height of 3124 feet. The temple is 18 km northwest of Kolhapur. As per the tradition, the first Kedareshwar sanctuary was built by Navji Saya. In 1730, Ranoji Shinde built the current sanctuary in its place. This altar is 57 ft x 37 ft x 77 ft high including the tower. This temple was built by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808. The inside of the temple is antiquated. There are other few sanctuaries and Light-towers on the premises. <br> <br>Significance of the temple: <br> <br>Legend says that the three gods appeared as Jyotiba to obliterate the abhorrent Ratnasur. Jyotiba assisted Mahalakshmi in her battle with the demons. He established his realm on this mountain and belongs to Nath sampradaya. On Chaitra Shukla sixth, he was given birth by Vimalmbuja, the spouse of the sage Pougand. Lord Jyotiba is the manifestation that obliterated Raktabhoj Rakshasa, and Ratnasur Rakshasa consequently freeing the locale from its oppression. The idol seated in the temple is four-armed. On Chaitra Poornima of the Hindu calendar, a massive fair is held, when lacs of Hindu devotees accompany tall (Sasan) sticks. The mountain is covered in pink because of &quot;Gulal &#039;&#039; which is played by the people in the fest. Sunday is a day committed to Jyotiba, there is a constant flood of devotees on the day. <br> <br>How to reach: The best timing to visit Jyotiba Temple is from 5 AM to 10:30 PM. <br>● By Air - The temple is accessible from the Kolhapur district and to reach Kolhapur district you can take a flight to Kolhapur and the temple is just 31kms from there. <br>● By Train - The Kolhapur railway station is only 21 km from the temple <br>● By Road - The temple is around 21 km by bus route. <br> <br>Things to do: <br> <br>When you are visiting Jyotiba Temple, you can also plan a visit to the Dajipur Wildlife sanctuary, and have the pleasure of the jungle safari, and get to experience the great adventures amidst the natural beauty of the jungle. <br> <br>You can also capture the rich history of Panhalagad in a trek across the towering ranges of Sahyadri. Thrill-seekers also get to experience bungee jumping when in Kolhapur. <br> <br>Conclusion: <br> <br>All in all, the Jyotiba Temple is one of the greatest shrines of India. Its rich history adds up to the ever-beautiful structure of the shrine. The temple holds a position of devotion among the locals and is seated in the heart of Kolhapur, a city that itself has so much to offer.