Overview | How to Reach | Sightseeing | Hotels
Kolhapur is around 240 km north of Pune city and is on the national highway between Pune and Bangalore. Kolhapur is said to be the religious pride of Maharashtra, India, and is one of the Shakti peethas having another name “Dakshin Kashi”.
Mahalaxmi Temple:
Kolhapur is the most popular place because of the powerful temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The Kolhapur peetha has a special religious significance since it is considered one of those six places where devotees believe that their desires get fulfilled.
The Mahalaxmi temple architecturally belongs to the Kannada Chalukya Empire. The temple has a powerful and crowned idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi with four arms, mounted on a stone platform and structured in black stone. It is made up of gemstone weighs about 40 kilograms and is 3 feet in height. The daily program and schedule of Puja, Aarti, and other activities is fixed and starts at 4 a.m. and goes on till 10.30 p.m.
Besides the Mahalaxmi Temple, there are several other places to visit in and around Kolhapur. Here are some prominent places to explore:
Bhavani Mandap, Old Palace, Kolhapur:
Even though it is smaller in size, Bhavani Mandap has an equal importance to that of the Mahalaxmi temple and is the temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani. The Bhavani Mandap is just behind the temple of Mahalaxmi. It is said that Goddess Tulja Bhavani is the guest in her elder sister Goddess Mahalaxmi’s city- Kolhapur.
Rankala Choupati, Kolhapur:
You can find the “Rankala Lake” one of the greatest places in Kolhapur connected to a beautiful Garden. You can feel amazing happiness here.
Shalini Palace, Kolhapur:
Shalini Palace in Kolhapur is a big attraction to visitors since it is very beautifully constructed and nearest to the Rankala Lake. Having tall Palm trees around, the palace also has a way on the back side which takes you towards the Ranka Lake. The Shalini Palace was built and constructed in Italian Marble and Black Stone.
Khasbag Maindan:
Khasbag Maidan is the biggest stadium in Kolhapur, on the west side of the famous Keshavrao Bhosale Drama Theatre and has the name “Khasbag Wrestling Stadium, Kolhapur”. Many different types of competitions are run here. Kolhapur is famous for the game of Wrestling in India.
New Palace Museum:
This grand palace was built in the 19th century and showcases a mix of Indo-Saracenic and European architectural styles. New Palace Museum is an ancient building and always has been a place of attraction to visitors. It is located at Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road, Kolhapur. The palace has a great collection of possessions of Kolhapur Chatrapatis like games, weapons, costumes, jewelry, etc.
Town Hall Museum:
Town Hall Museum is renowned for its beautiful paintings and events. It is located at the Bhausingji Road, 1 km north of the Mahalaxmi temple. The Museum remains closed on Monday.
Moreover, there are many other places to see in and around Kolhapur city, like; Jyotiba Temple, Panhala Fort, Kaneri Math, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Dam, Rautwadi Waterfall, etc.
Jyotiba Temple:
Located on a hill, Jyotiba Temple is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It’s a significant pilgrimage site and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Panhala Fort:
Situated about 20 kilometers from Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is one of the largest forts in Maharashtra. It’s known for its historical importance and stunning views.
Gaganbawada:
A scenic hill station near Kolhapur, Gaganbawada offers lush greenery, trekking trails, and the Ramtirth Waterfall.