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Panhala, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
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Hotels & Resorts in Panhala & Kolhapur |
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Reproduced herewith is an article from Mumbai Mirror Page 14 on 8th April 2009
PANHALA: KOLHAPUR'S SUNSET BOULEVARD By ASHISHWANG GODHA
When you go to a small town called Kolhapur, residents rave about a hill station less than 30 minutes away. You must see the sun set over Panhala, claim the true-bred
Maharashtrian Kolhapurites. Panhala, for those not in Shivaji's inner circle, used to be the largest of all the Deccan forts. We begin the drive up from Kolhapur just as the village jalebiwalas are getting their hot, sweet rings of desire out. With the nip in the air, the curvaceous snack makes a fresh starter to the 977-metre curly road up.
HISTORIC RIDE
Pay your token entrance and begin the climb up to Panhala Fort built between 1178-1209 AD. For the loyalists, legend claims that this is the only fort where Shivaji spent over 500 days. Well, personal opinion states, if you've seen one Maratha bastion, you have seen them all. Next, make your way to the Teen Darwaza gate. Apparently the three doors can only be approached at awkward angles, trapping troops in the inner courtyard and stalling assault. Ingenious warriors also put a well in the corner to battle use — lemons with messages inscribed on them were dropped into the water and would float to a lake outside. We are impressed. 
TEMPLE TOURISM
Before you begin your tryst with the gods, quench your thirst with the Panhala special ice-gola. Then march up to the Sambhaji and Someshwar temples. The blue basalt temple on the sacred Jyotiba Hill is worth a visit.
CHILL OUT TIME
Finally, make your way to the very tip of the plateau, settle into any of the various resorts and get ready to relax. While you could choose to climb to any of the various points (echo, sightseeing etc), I'm the lazy sort. I chose to relax over my chilled glass and take in the surrounding valley views instead. Meals here offer a variety of spicy Kolhapuri rassas and hot chicken / mutton gravies to go with freshly baked breads. Do not miss the street food either. Try the super-hot bhel, dahi-batata-puri and even the peanut-sprinkled
poha.
As stars and zooming cars in the valley vie for your attention, I take a deep pollution-free breath. The ice clinks in the glass and a bonfire crackles merrily at my feet. The aroma of fish tikkas fills the cool night air. I'm not sure if history will entice me enough to make the trip again. But, if I'm around the Maharashtra ghats I will choose, once more, to be cradled by the still serenity of these looming mountains and twinkling stars. |
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