Kolhapur: Explore City On The Banks Of The Panchganga River!

Kolhapur is a small town situated in the southwestern part of Maharashtra and assertions of different tourist attractions. The city bears marvelous historical implications and therefore an extremely-frequented tourist sight.

The city also houses myriad imperative temples, dating back to medieval duration. Besides holding considerable historical implications, Kolhapur also has mythological importance owing to the different mentions it has in numerous religious Hindu scriptures. 

Best Places To Visit In Kolhapur 

Apart from its cultural and historical factors, Kolhapur is considerably industrialized. The place is popular for Kolhapuri Chappals and Kolhapuri necklaces, central to the region’s economy, as they are produced exclusively in the area and sold around the globe.

The art of Kolhapuri sandals includes handmade leather slippers that are dyed locally with vegetable dyes. Whereas, the Kolhapuri necklace, also named the Kolhapuri Saaj is a traditionally handcrafted necklace made of 21 pendants approaching leaves.

The design motifs are rich, with idols, sanctified plants, good luck charms, and icons providing some spiritual importance. Some of the places to visit in Kolhapur that momentarily cover in this blog are Mahalaxmi Temple, Panhala Fort, Maharaja’s Palace, and several others. Trust us Kolhapur has lots more to discover.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary also named Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best audacious wildlife places to visit in Kolhapur, around the state of Maharastra in India. The previous hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary were professed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.

Also better known as Bison Sanctuary, the place is prevalent for Indian Bison or Gaurs. Besides, one can also spot leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and many others. Set amidst verdant forests, the sanctuary makes for a great getaway from the city.

Sagareshwar Deer Sanctuary

Another one of the tourist locations in Kolhapur for animal and nature lovers is Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The foremost highlight of this sight in this town is that it is a man-made forest that is well-prevented and well-maintained.

The wildlife that can be seen residing across this 11 square km long sanctuary is also presented artificially in this region. But unlike other zoos, the animals here are set free to roam across and reside at their own will.

The amusing species of flora and fauna in this destination make it one of the best tourist destinations.

New Palace Kolhapur

The architectural wonder known as New Palace, also better known as Maharaja’s Palace, is ornamented in a variability of Rajwada, Rajasthani, and Gujarati styles. This Palace, built in 1884 from black polished stone, was previously Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s home.

The museum, which is situated on the ground level of this palace, is a must-see for anybody who wants to acquire more about the history of the city. Different items formerly belonged to the king, involving antiquities.

Teen Darwaja

The Panhala Fort in Kolhapur’s Teen Darwaza is the main entrance gate. A courtyard with a rounded entrance separates the two gates of this double gateway. The outside gate features an ornate room atop it with a prominent ceiling.

Ornate sculptures, involving one of Lord Ganesh, may be seen on the inner gate. The walls comprise intricately etched inscriptions.

Panhala Fort

The Panhala Fort lies 20 km away from the major city of Kolhapur, located in its northwest. This fort controls its position amongst the most enormous location around the country and is the greatest one in the Deccan region.

It was constructed in a strategic position where a foremost trade route ran within Maharashtra from Bijapur to the coasts of the Arabian Sea. This beautiful place is not only a must-visit for individuals who love discovering historic locations but also for those who admire to trek.

Kalamba Lake

One of the most outstanding places to visit in Kolhapur is Kalamba Lake which stretches over 63 hectares. This is the foremost source of water for the complete city and the views that it prolongs are exceptional.

The lake begins from Katyayni hill and the softly flowing water comes close to the city. At this lake, plenty of migratory birds flock during the winter season which adds to the charm of the place.

Vishalgad Fort

Vishalgad Fort is an ancient hill fortress that is situated nearly 76 km northwest of Kolhapur in the state Indian state of Maharashtra. The fortress is also better known as Khilna Fort of Khelna Fort.

It was one of the most proficient forts of the Maratha Empire throughout the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was built in 1058 A.C. by the Shilahara ruler Marsinh. Initially, it was better known as the Khilgil fort. 

Vishalgad Fort, located in Kolhapur is also known as “Khelna” by locals. The fort is blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna in its ecosystem. Have you planned your trek here? Tell us in the comments below.
Credit – trekjaade#MaharashtraUnlimited pic.twitter.com/oULqNAhWKW

— Maharashtra Tourism (@maha_tourism) September 30, 2022

Shree Mahalaxmi Mandir

The Shree Mahalakshmi Mandir was built during the 7th century by Chalukya rulers and is one of the 6 abodes of ‘Shakti’ (Goddess of Power) from where one can gain the fulfillment and redemption of desires.

Mahalakshmi is also better known as Goddess Ambabai and is an admired Goddess among Hindus. The temple celebrates the status of one of the most imperative pilgrim sites in India. The temple is located nearly 5km from the Railway station and Central Bus depot of the city. Nearby the temple, there is a beautiful temple in honor of Goddess Bhavani.

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum

Also named the Kaneri Math, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum is a sculpture museum situated in Kaneri, Kolhapur. One of the best places to visit in Kolhapur within a distance of 100 km, Kaneri Math accurately depicts the rural life of the villagers with attractively carved wax and cement structures.

Along with rural locales, the museum also houses a grand Shiva temple on its premises. The museum is constructed on 7 acres of land and presents the self-sufficient villages of Maharashtra that thrived before the Mughal invasion.

Indeed, it is a prodigious destination to add to the Kolhapur exploration itinerary as one can celebrate and learn about the rural life of Marathis.

Kopeshwar Temple

Enthusiastic to Lord Shiva, Kopeshwar Temple is another one of the Kolhapur popular places that first-timers must cover. This attractively situated temple attracts different hundred devotees all year across.

Kopeshwar is not only well-known for the core of spirituality that is scattered all around but also for the spectacular architecture that it shows. The complex work on its walls and the pillars, and the beautiful rock-cut temple architecture truly make one marvel at the structure.

Shalini Palace

Constructed on the banks of Lake Rankala, Shalini Palace is an opulent palace that was built for Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur at a monstrous cost of INR 800000 during 1931-1934.

The palace is lined with attractive palm trees and gardens. It was later transformed into a luxury heritage hotel but is presently shut down owing to heavy losses.

Best Time To Visit Kolhapur

The summers here are agonizingly hot, hence it is prudent to avoid the months between March-May. To visit, the months between June and February are the best time.

How To Reach Kolhapur?

By Air: If you’re speculating about how to get to Kolhapur by plane, you shouldn’t care too much because the city has its airport nearby Ujalaiwadi. Kolhapur Airport is the nearest airport. The airport has upright transportation associates to the international airport in Mumbai. As a result, everyone can visit this location with comfort.

By Train: The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus railroad station in Kolhapur has well linked to the state’s main cities as well as the states next door, specifically Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad.

Everyone can effortlessly access the city thanks to it. So, getting to Kolhapur is no lengthier problematic.

By Road: The state buses of Maharashtra make it modest for tourists to go to this city. You can travel across the nation on a variety of private buses from this location for a reasonable price.

Conclusion 

Through its attractive lakes, ancient forts, temples, and cultural fairs, the town of Kolhapur fills you with enormous satisfaction on your visit.

Kolhapur is a meagrely inhabited town and is unquestionably one of the cleanest cities in Maharashtra. The above-cited places have been intelligently selected and will definitely carry you the best experience of this town.

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