This city is situated on the banks of the Panchganga river and is renowned for much. One of these is the different tourist attractions. In this spirit, here are some of the best places to visit in Kolhapur, especially if it’s your first visit!
Walking around the unmarketed cities, talking to local people, catching the beauty of all the masterpieces that cover the land will undoubtedly prove to be a cherishing experience. Kolhapur is one such uncommercial city on the south side of the country.
Kolhapur is renowned for traditional jewellery, sandals, spices, jaggery, and more. From November to February the best time to visit Kolhapur is when the temperatures are mild and nice for sightseeing.
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Kolhapur was ruled by Shilaharas between the 10th and the 13th centuries in documented history. Maratha rulers with his prominent ruler Shahu Maharaj in medieval times. Tarabai – Shivaji Maharaj’s daughter-in-law also ruled the town. Her idols are visible throughout the area.
If you intend to travel here, check out this list of wonderful places in Kolhapur and include them in your trip.
The Siddhagiri Gramjivan Sculpture Museum in Kaneri is also known as the Kaneri Math and is located in Kolhapur, Kaneri. Kaneri Math, one of Kolhapur’s best places to visit in 100 km, displays the rural life of the villagers with the magnificent sculpted wax and cement structures perfectly. The Museum also houses in its grounds, along with rural locals, a magnificent Shiva Temple. It’s the best place to enjoy and learn about the rural life of Marathis in the Kolhapur Tourism.
There are many temples and large Deepstambhas in the ghats of Panchganga. Every temple is made of stone. The pyramidic Shikhar and Nandi are constructed in one room outside the main entrance. At a different level, each temple is. Some people were completely immersed in water with only the visible roof when we visited it in early April, and others were half-submerged while some stood only in the water.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is another tourist place in Kolhapur for animal and nature lovers. The key feature of this spot in this town is its well-protected and well-preserved, manmade forest. This sanctuary is also artificially added to the wildlife that can be seen in this 11 square kilometre area. However, unlike other that oos, where the animals can fly and live by themselves. It is one of the top tourist destinations thanks to its rich species of flora and fauna.
Serenity streams from every nook and that is why it is at the top place in Kolhapur. Rankala Lake may be a natural stash of bounties, but it offers a peaceful, completely unrivalled experience. This lake constructed under the rule of Shahu Maharaj, the Shri Chhatrapati, has two ghats called Marathaghat and Rajghat. In the golden hours, the perfect time for walking around the lake, capturing its elegance and taking on charm. There are many food stalls near the lake you certainly can enjoy.
Popular also as the Maharaja’s palace, New Palace is an architectural marvel adorning Rajwada, Rajasthani, and Gujarati in several different styles. This palace is a Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj residence built in 1884 with a black polished stone. Anyone who would like to get an insight into the town’s past should certainly visit the museum on the ground floor of this building. The king once owned different objects and other things.
The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, famous because it is one of the 108 auspicious Hindu Shakti Peethas, attracts hundreds of devotees from all parts of the state and beyond every day. Especially noteworthy is the temple’s association with Hindu mythology and its many lakes.
Its actual history dates to the 7th and 8th centuries AD, and its construction was credited with the former dynasty of Chalukya. A common belief associated with the temple is that during the Maha Pralay, which equals the Hindu eschatological apocalypse, the presiding deities of the temple never leave their place in the sanctuary.
Panhala Fort is one of the best places to visit in Kolhapur and is renowned for being the biggest fort in the Deccan area. With a panoramic of the green countryside, this fort decorates about seven kilometres of fortresses that make one amazed.
The gigantic gates with double walls show the architectural designs of the century-old age and are used as a lure for all those who love architecture. The motifs from different dynasties ruled over this fort can be seen from Marathas to Mughals!
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Kopeshwar Temple is another place dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the famous sites of Kolhapur which must be covered in the first few days. The temple attracts several hundred fans during the year. Kopeshwar is renowned not only for the nature of spirituality, which spreads across the world but also for the astonishing architecture. The complex work on its walls and the pools and the architecture of the rock-cut temple make the structure wonderful.
That stadium was so huge in India. I presume it has a covered platform where the king was seated. The heritage may have transmitted to the VIPs of now.
The ring with soft soil is located in the middle. There is just a layer of cow dung all over the stadium. It is, however, built to give you the full view of the ring wherever you sit.
Bhavani Mandap is a heritage landmark and one of the key sites to visit in Kolhapur, situated on the west of the Mahalakshmi Temple. It houses, aside from stuffed animals hunted by him, the massive statue of the beloved Prince of Kolhapur, Shahu Maharaj, and the woody throne which Shivaji Maharaj claiming has been used. Bhavani Mandap has a complete reminder of the glorious Marathas and is one of Kolhapur’s main tourist attractions.
Dream World Water Park is a must for all those who visit this town and is one of Kolhapur’s popular locations. The water park has many rides and offers visitors of all ages unlimited fun. Sky Magic Vortex, with its dragon-riding, tube tunnel races, body-slides, and others, is an important highlight in this water park. The riding is a big success with young people who want to experience the rush to adrenaline.
Binkhambi Ganesh Temple is another important religious site situated near the Mahalakshmi Temple and is mentioned as the best sites to visit in the Kolhapur District. This is Lord Ganesha and has a special architecture, as the name implies. None of the pillars supporting the roof in this temple makes it an impressive sight to visit. This temple is served by both local and other devotees, to worship the Lord and seek his blessings. The temple is located in the centre of the market and provides a lot of shopping and food.
A stunning water body spread over 63 acres is one of the most amazing places to visit in Kolhapur, Kalamba Lake. It is Kolhapur’s primary source of water. Kalamba Lake is also known for its numerous migration birds that float here in winter as a great destination to visit during a one-day trip to Kolhapur. The lake comes from the hills of Katyayani and flows into the town.
It was built in 1884 and was named as a marvellous building, Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum or New Palace. It’s an excellent case of Indian architecture and has a large display of stuffed tiger, lion, wild boar, black panther, blackbuck, etc. The palace is a perfect example of Chhatrapathis from Kohlapur. One of Kolhapur’s top places to visit is the New Palace, where you can have a look at the Marathas, one of the finest, most devoted rulers.
Jyotiba Temple is another must-see place in Kolhapur tourism and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Kolhapur. The temple is in the heart of Lord Jyotiba, right in the middle of the city. Jyotiba Temple is often full of colours, because here, as a symbol to God, devotees give a gulal, rosé powder. The temple is 3,124 meters above sea level and offers a magnificent view of the city.
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