Panhala is a popular hill station with rich historical heritage and religious significance. Panhalgad, the largest Fort in Deccan,. formerly known as "Bramhagiri" , was renewed by Second Bhojraja in era of 1178-1209. In 1659, Great Shivaji Maharaj won this Fort and spent about 2 years here. Raj Dindi is few kilometers away. This place ws famous as the Capital of Kolhapur Sansthan. The places to visit are: Pavangada, Sajjakothi, Ambarkhana, Waghdarwaja, Pusati Buruj, Main Rajwada, Tabak Garden, Teen Darwaza , a well used to send messages to allies using lemons dropped into the water, which would float to a lake outside; Sambhaji Temple , Someshwar Temple; BajiPrabhu Point & Masai Pathar etc. Vishalgad: 18km from Kolhapur on Ratnagiri road (60km northwest of Panhala) is the vast stretch of Vishalgad protected by Steep cliffs The Bhunda Darwaja or a bare gate was there to mislead the enemy. Real entry is different. Places to visit are Malik Raihan Dargah, Sati Mandir in memory of Ambadevi (queen of King Rajaram I), The Samadhi (tomb) of Courageous Baji Prabhu Deshpande who lead his life in a fight with Siddi Masood, at Ghod Khind, a narrow pass just 15 km from of Vishalgad gaining time for Shivaji to reach Vishalgad. His brother Fulaji was also killed then and both were cremated there.

By Air: Nearest airport Kolhapur 18. By Rail: Nearest station is Kolhapur (South Central Railway). Sahyadri Express/ Mahalaxmi Express daily from the Mumbai(VT). By Road:Mumbai via Kolhapur 428, Kolhapur 18 on Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway. Regular buses /luxury coaches from Kolhapur for Panhala Fort. Pune 248.