Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from the siege of Siddi Johar at Panhala Fort on a stormy night, the relentless chase by Bijapur forces and the Battle of Pawankhind marked by the heroic sacrifice of Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande and 600 brave Maratha soldiers, is truly the stuff of legends.The 75 km-long escape route spans Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, from Fort Panhala to Fort Vishalgad.
Pawankhind, the iconic battleground, lies 50 km from Fort Panhala. Even today, this rugged terrain is surrounded by remote villages and rolling hills, untouched by urbanization. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lives on eternally in the hearts of Maharashtrians. His legend inspires devotion like no other.
The trek from Panhala to Vishalgad has become a yearly pilgrimage for many adventure lovers. Held in June/July/August, this trek mirrors the original historical escape on 13 July 1660, when the monsoon rains soaked the Sahyadris.








