Panhala is a city and a Hill station Municipal Council (3177 feet above sea level) 18 km northwest of Kolhapur, in Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Panhala is the smallest city in Maharashtra and being a Municipal Council the city is developing rapidly. The city sprawls in the Panhala fort commands a panoramic view of the valley below. The main historical attraction here is the Panhala fort. There are many places of interest, each with its share of haunting anecdotes.
The history of Panhala is closely link with the history of the Maratha Empire, and with its founder, Chh. Shivaji Maharaja. Panhala is the only fort where Chh. Shivaji Maharaj spent more than 500 days, other than his childhood homes. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827.