Itinerary # 2 - OVERNIGHT RIDE - KOLHAPUR Panhala - Pawankhind - Vishalgad | 800 kms ride

Brief Info About Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a city located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the key cities in the western part of the state and serves as the district headquarters of the Kolhapur district. Here are some key details about Kolhapur:

1. Historical Significance: Kolhapur has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was the capital of the princely state of Kolhapur during the British colonial era. The city has several historical sites, including temples, palaces, and forts that reflect its cultural heritage.

2. Geography: Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the Panchganga River in the western part of Maharashtra. The city is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings, as it is surrounded by the Western Ghats.

3. Economy: Kolhapur is known for its thriving industrial and commercial activities. The city is renowned for its Kolhapuri chappals (traditional Indian leather sandals), textiles, and jewellery. Additionally, the agriculture and agro-based industries also play a significant role in the local economy.

4. Education: Kolhapur is home to several educational institutions, including Shivaji University, which is one of the prominent universities in Maharashtra.

5. Culture: The culture of Kolhapur is deeply rooted in Maharashtrian traditions and history. It is known for its classical music, traditional dance forms, and cuisine. The city is famous for its delicious food, including Kolhapuri cuisine known for its spicy and flavorful dishes.

6. Tourism: Kolhapur is a popular tourist destination with a number of attractions. The Mahalakshmi Temple, the New Palace, the Rankala Lake, and the Panhala Fort are some of the popular tourist spots in and around the city. Kolhapur is also known for its vibrant festivals and fairs, with the Kolhapur Film Festival being a notable cultural event.

7. Transportation: The city is well-connected by road and rail. The Kolhapur Airport (Shahu Maharaj Airport) serves the city for domestic flights. Kolhapur is located on the National Highway 4, which connects it to major cities like Pune and Bangalore.

8. Healthcare: Kolhapur has several hospitals and medical facilities, making it an important healthcare hub in the region.

Kolhapur is a city that blends tradition with modernity and offers a unique blend of culture, history, and economic activity. It has a lot to offer to both residents and visitors, making it an interesting and dynamic city in the state of Maharashtra.

Breif info about Panhala

The history of Panhala is closely linked with the history of the Maratha empire and with its founder, Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje. Panhala is the only fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent more than 500 days, other than his childhood homes. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827 it became part of the British Empire.

The Battle of Pawan Khind was a rearguard last stand that took place on 13 July 1660, at a mountain pass in the vicinity of Fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur by the Maratha general Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Shambhu Singh Jadhav against Siddi Masud of the Bijapur Sultanate.

Quick Itinerary

Day 1.0 - Start from McDonald's Kalamboli

at 5 am | 350 kms - 7 hrs Ride.

Day 1.1 - On the Way Breakfast at Lonavala - Annapurna Restaurant.

Day 1.2 - On the way Lunch between Satara and Kolhapur

Day 1.3 - Reach Panhala tentatively by 3 to 4 pm | Check in Hotel / Home Stay and Visit Pawangad in the evening.

Day 2.0 - GOOD MORNING! Load up and leave for Pawankhind | 50 kms - 1 hr ride. Before reaching Pawankhind have breakfast and carry waterbottles.

Day 2.1 - Reach Pawankhind by tentatively 8 am | Explore Pawankhind for 2 hrs. And leave for Vishalgad.

Day 2.2 - Reach Vishalgad | 16 kms - 30 mins Ride.

Day 2.3 - Descend Vishalgad and leave for Panvel. | 330 kms - 8 hrs ride via NH66. Lunch On the way.

Day 2.4 - Reach Panvel tentatively by 8-9 pm

Note:-

Forts and other sights we will visit are easy in terrain. Having concrete steps and iron ladders to ascend and descend.