Maharashtra Hill Stations

Panhala Hill Stations



Located at an altitude of 3177 feet and 18 km away from Kolhapur, Panhala is a scenic hill station and quite popular among tourists. The place houses famous Panhala fort which has great acquaintance with Maratha Empire. As is known about Maratha king Shivaji, who never spent too many days at a place, this was the only place where he had spent more than one and half years of his life.

Panhala was the capital city of Maratha state until 1782 but later on after Maratha –British war it came to British Empire. The largest fort of the Deccan region is built on outlaying of Sahyadri range of mountains. Situated 400 meters above the plane Panhala fort is considered the safest forte in the region for its location. About its historical developments and chronology, the fort was built between 1178 and 1209 AD. Initially it was the headquarter for Shilahara ruler Bhoja II. Later on Yadav kings occupied it. It got full appraisal during the time of Bahamani kingdom of Bidar.

In early sixteenth century Panhala had become the part of Bijapur kingdom. Bijapur kings helped to make the fort more concrete and they got its gates and other parts rebuilt. Great Maratha guerrilla fighter Shivaji unsuccessfully raided this fort in the year 1659. Finally in the year 1673 he got success over invading the fort. Later on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb occupied the fort. Maratha tried to recapture but could not do too much.

The fort is historical evidence of the event when the Mughal Emperor received the English Ambassador Sir William Norris. British took over the fort after a local rebellion in 1844. The fortification of the fort is amazing. Long sections by steep escarpments protect the walls of the fort. Parapet slit holes make insiders know about the danger outside –an excellent defense. The remaining sections have 5-9 m high ramparts, strengthened by round bastions

Sawantwadi Hill Stations

Locating at the Sahyadri Mountains at an altitude of 690m above the sea level, Sawantwadi hill station offers hours of fun to visitors. This hill station is in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Hiranya Keshi Nagarta Falls and Narayangad are the major attractions for picnicking at Sawantwadi. The palace of Maharaja of Sawantwadi is still in a good condition, and it is worth visiting. Laquerware, wooden toys, and artificial fruit making are the items, which are in demand.

Other attractive places are the Moti Lake, Narendra Park, and the Narendra hill. Besides this, Vithal temple, Hanuman temple, and Raghunath market are the places to be seen. Nearest airport is Belgaum at 64 km, while nearest railway station is Sawantwadi at 28 km on Konkan Railway. Hotels are available at Sawantwadi and Amboli.

Toranmal Hill Stations

Toranmal is at Satpura Hills in Akrani Taluka of Nandarpur district in Maharashtra. This hill station lies at an altitude of 1461m above the sea level. The surroundings of the Toranmal plateau are cool and greenery. Because of its serene beauty and quietness in nature, it is a perfect place for those who wish to take a break from the noisy environment of the cities.

Yashvant Lake is a beautiful natural lake of Toranmal, which is also worth to be visited. Among other temples, Gorakhnath Temple and Nagarjun Temple are the important ones in Toranmal. Thousands of devotees attend a fair of the Gorakhnath on the Maha Shivaratri day, which celebrates in March or April. People from adjoining districts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat attend this fair.

Sitakhai; Khadki point, Machindra Gumpha, Sunset point and Kamal Talao are the other attractions on Toranmal. Khadki and Seetalhai are the places for trekkers.

Nearest Airport is at Aurangabad (290 km), while nearest railway station is at Nandurbar (76 km). Another railway station is at Dhule (128 km). Government rest house and resorts are available at Toranmal.