This sounds like an exciting and historically rich trip! Here’s a detailed itinerary for a round trip from Mumbai to Panhala and Pawankhind, incorporating travel times and historical context.
Total Trip Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Travel Options from Mumbai to Kolhapur (nearest major city to Panhala):
- By Car: Approximately 6-8 hours (370-380 km). This offers flexibility and scenic drives.
- By Train:
- Mahalaxmi Express (17411): Departs CSMT (Mumbai) at 8:20 PM, arrives Kolhapur at 7:20 AM (approx. 11 hours). Daily.
- Koyna Express (11029): Departs CSMT (Mumbai) at 8:40 AM, arrives Kolhapur at 8:25 PM (approx. 11h 45m). Daily.
- Other weekly trains also available.
- By Bus: Many private operators offer AC sleeper buses from Mumbai to Kolhapur. The journey takes around 6.5 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from ₹400-₹1900.
Itinerary: Mumbai to Panhala to Pawankhind and back to Mumbai
Day 1: Mumbai to Panhala (Overnight Stay at Panhala)
- Morning (Mumbai Departure):
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Depart from Mumbai.
- Option 1 (Car/Taxi): Start your road trip early to avoid city traffic and enjoy the scenic route on NH48.
- Option 2 (Train): If you prefer overnight travel, you could take the Mahalaxmi Express on the evening of Day 0 and arrive in Kolhapur early morning on Day 1.
- Option 3 (Bus): Take an overnight sleeper bus from Mumbai to Kolhapur.
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Depart from Mumbai.
- Afternoon (Arrival in Panhala):
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Arrive at Panhala (if traveling by car/day train).
- From Kolhapur to Panhala: Panhala is about 20-25 km from Kolhapur. You can hire a local taxi (approx. ₹250-₹500 for a one-way trip, ₹4500 for a round trip with 300km included for a full day).
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Check into your hotel/guesthouse in Panhala.
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Arrive at Panhala (if traveling by car/day train).
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Panhala Exploration):
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Panhala Fort Exploration
- Explore the vast Panhala Fort. Key attractions include:
- Teen Darwaza: The main entrance with intricate architecture.
- Ambarkhana: A massive granary that stored food for the fort’s inhabitants.
- Sajja Kothi: A watchtower offering panoramic views, believed to be where Shivaji Maharaj resided.
- Andhar Bavadi: A unique underground stepwell designed to hide a secret water source.
- Tabak Udyan: A beautiful garden within the fort complex.
- Sunrise View Point: If you have time and weather permits, enjoy the views.
- Explore the vast Panhala Fort. Key attractions include:
- 7:30 PM onwards: Dinner and relax at your accommodation. Enjoy the cool climate of Panhala.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Panhala Fort Exploration
Day 2: Panhala to Pawankhind and Back to Panhala/Kolhapur
- Morning (Journey to Pawankhind):
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Panhala.
- 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: Check out from your Panhala accommodation (if you plan to stay in Kolhapur tonight).
- 8:15 AM – 9:30 AM: Drive to Pawankhind
- The drive from Panhala to Pawankhind is about 45.7 km and takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The route is scenic, especially after the monsoons.
- Late Morning (Pawankhind Exploration):
- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Explore Pawankhind
- Pawankhind Memorial: Pay homage at the memorial dedicated to the heroic sacrifice of Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his 300 Maratha warriors.
- Understand the Battle: Read the historical accounts and imagine the fierce rearguard action that allowed Shivaji Maharaj to escape to Vishalgad.
- Walk the Pass: Walk through the narrow mountain pass to truly experience the terrain and historical significance.
- Masai Pathar (Optional): If you’re interested in a short trek and blooming wildflowers (seasonal, best in August/September), the Masai Pathar is en route and known for its biodiversity.
- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Explore Pawankhind
- Lunch:
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Have a packed lunch (highly recommended as options at Pawankhind are very limited) or find a small local eatery in a nearby village.
- Afternoon (Return & Optional Kolhapur Sightseeing):
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Drive back to Panhala.
- 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Optional Kolhapur Exploration
- Instead of returning to Panhala, you can drive directly to Kolhapur.
- Visit the famous Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, a revered Shakti Peeth.
- Explore Rankala Lake for a relaxed evening.
- 5:30 PM onwards: Check into your hotel in Kolhapur (if you chose to move from Panhala) or relax at Panhala. Enjoy dinner in Kolhapur (known for its delicious food, especially Kolhapuri Misal Pav and Tambda/Pandhra Rassa).
Day 3: Kolhapur/Panhala to Mumbai
- Morning (Departure):
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel.
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Check out from your accommodation.
- Return Journey:
- Option 1 (Car/Taxi): Start your drive back to Mumbai (approx. 6-8 hours).
- Option 2 (Train): If you stayed in Kolhapur, you can take the Koyna Express (morning departure) or an overnight train like Mahalaxmi Express (evening departure on Day 2).
- Option 3 (Bus): Board a bus from Kolhapur to Mumbai. Many private buses are available throughout the day and evening.
- Evening:
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Arrive back in Mumbai, depending on your mode of transport and departure time.
Important Notes:
- Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon (October to February) and winter months are ideal for pleasant weather. Monsoons (July to September) offer lush green landscapes but can bring heavy rains, making treks challenging.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for exploring the forts and Pawankhind.
- Water & Snacks: Always carry sufficient water and some snacks, particularly for the Pawankhind visit.
- Local Transport: In Panhala and Kolhapur, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for local travel.
- Booking: It’s advisable to book your train/bus tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Flexibility: This itinerary is a suggestion. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace. If you’re a keen trekker, consider a dedicated Panhala to Pawankhind trek which covers the entire historical route over 2 days.