Situated amidst lovely hills and held in high esteem for the antiquity of its sacred shrine “Mahalaxmi”, Kolhapur is known as “Dakshin Kashi” or Kashi of the south.

A journey through the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. The Hindu era lasted till 1347, followed by the Muslim rule which was from 1347-1700. The magnificent temples of Kolhapur were built during the glorious periods of the Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas. The Marathas controlled this area from 1700 to 1849. In 1849, the British took over and Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Kolhapur.

Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj's reign lent a progressive spirit to the city and he extended his patronage to theatre, films, music, painting, sculpture, wrestling and crafts. As result, the city has a rich cultural ethos. In 1945, archaeological excavations close to a hill named Brahmagiri on the banks of the river Panchaganga revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman times. Today, Kolhapur combines its artistic past with a dynamic present and is a modern, industrial city.

Map Of Kolhapur (Click to Enlarge)

Places you can see in Kolhapur

Ambabai Temple
This is one of the most Respected and worshiped temple of Maharashtra. The Goddess Mahalakshmi is popularly known as Goddess Ambabai. The grand temple of Mahalakshmi is constructed facing to the west. The idol of the Devi is made of precious stone, weighing about 40 Kgs. This is where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions.
 
Bavani Mandap or the old palace
When Kolhapur became self-governed, in the reign of II Shivaji Maharaj (1785-1800 AD) this palace was built. It has fine and sound construction with 14 squares. In 1813 the Muslim King Sadatkhan invaded the palace and a part of it was burnt. After repair, 7 squares survived. At the center is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani.
 
Panchganga
The city of Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchganga. 
 
Rankala Lake
Located at a distance of half a kilometer from the Mahalakshmi Temple is a huge lake called "RANKALA LAKE". Formerly, this was an extensive mine of black stone. During 800-900 AD, there were earthquakes, which transformed the mines and the land caved in to form huge lakes of ground water. Rankala, This is the oldest of all, it is thought and was given more importance in the past as a big temple of Nandi and a fine resort called 'Sandhya Math' have been built. The idol of Nandi is very big and rare.
 
Shalini Palace (converted into a hotel )
The Shalini Palace was built in 1932-34 at a cost of Rs. 8 lakhs and was named after Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje of Kolhapur.
 
Shahu Museum or the new palace
Timings: 0930-1130 hrs, 1430-1730 hrs, Monday closed 
 
Town Hall
This spot is important, as it adds to the splendour of the city. At the heart of the town, the garden proudly stands in an extensive area .The building was erected during 1872-1876 and has been converted into a museum of historical things, including ancient idols, ancient coins, statues, sandal idols, weapons etc.
timings: 1030-1300 hrs, 1330-1730 hrs 

Jyotiba Hills (12 Km)
A pilgrim center with a temple dedicated to God Jyotiba. 
 
Panhala (23 Km)
The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.
 
Panhala Fort
It was built by King Bhoja between 1178-1209 and is the largest of all Deccan forts. A strong wall encloses the innermost citadel over 7 Km in length fortified by bastions. Panhala's historic fort throws up memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji, It was from here that Shivaji beleaguered for over four months, escaped one rainy night to Vishalgad, while his faithful general Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life holding down the forces of Siddi Johar at a narrow pass, since christened Pavankhind.
 
Sajja Kothi
where Sambhaji was imprisoned.
 
Pavankhind
where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape.

Bahubali or Kumbhojgiri (38 Km)
A pilgrim centre for Jains, where the sage Bahubali supposed to have meditated 300 years ago. There are around 24 temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars within the complex. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga nearby. 
 
Audumbar (50 Km)
Famous for the temple of Shri Dattatraya and the “Brahmanand Swami Math” 
 
Narsobachi Wadi (35 Km)
A pilgrim place for the Hindus, famous for the temple of “Dattatraya”. 
 
Battis Shirala (60 Km)
This village comes to life on Nag Panchami day, when snakes and poisonous cobras are caught and worshipped. 
 
Amba (64 Km)
A small hill station with salubrious climate popular with trekkers. Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau.
 
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary at Dajipur (70 Km)
This sanctuary was established in 1985 encompassing the Dajipur Bison Reserve with the surrounding forest areas. The evergreen forest of Dajipur is a home to Indian Bison or Gaur, Giant Indian Squirrel, Deer and a variety of birds. The nearest railhead for the sanctuary is Kankavli (41 Km). 

Vishalgarh Fort (83 Km)
This fort lies on the Gagapur Hills. The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort contains the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.

Amboli (130 Km)
A beautiful, charming hill resort. Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches. Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 kms away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.

Vijaydurg (140 Km)
Vijaydurg the “Victory Fort” bears testimony to the Maratha’s martial supremacy during Shivaji’s reign. Once naval bases, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg bear testimony to Maharashtra's martial supremacy during Shivaji's reign. Vijaydurg or Victory Fort was strengthened around the seventeenth century by Shivaji, to whom it owes its finest features -- the triple line of walls, the numerous towers and the massive interior buildings. Once seized by the British and renamed Fort Augustus, Sindhudurg or the Ocean Fort at Malvan port has history etched all over.
Constructed by Shivaji in 1664, at a site personally selected by him. The construction of a sea fort is a stupendous task, and at Sindhudurg no efforts were spared. Over 2000 khandis (4000 mounds) of iron were used for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead.  
 
Jaigad (154 Km)
About 33 Km from Ratnagiri, it is a small fort, part of which is now converted into a traveler’s bungalow. 
 
Malvan (161 Km)
The rocky terrain here holds two forts, Sindhudurg and Padmagad. 
 
Vengurla (198 Km)
A beach with a stretch of white sands and hills.

Ramteerth
A scenic picnic spot in Ajra taluka, with ancient temples, a river, an old coffee plantation and an orchard, lend a quaint charm to this place. According to legend, the place is so named because Rama stayed here during his vanvaas or exile in the forest. It is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty. 
 
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum) 
A royal palace partly converted into an unforgettable museum, the New Palace has lush green parks, a zoo and a picturesque lake to soothe tired souls.
The museum houses rare paintings and artifacts used by the royal family. Royal weapons and a tableau depicting court life of the last century create an aristocratic ambience.

The Town Hall Museum
Antiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed here.
 
The Old Palace
Located behind the temple of Mahalaxmi, this magnificent structure has an impressive marqee with filigree work in stone. It also houses a temple of the goddess Bhawani
 
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir
Students of architecture will enjoy visiting this place as this unique temple does not have any pillars.
 
Rankala Lake 
This wide and spacious lake is so called because at its centre lies the temple of Rankabhairav. Legend has it that a golden temple is submerged under the temple of Rankabhairav. The Shalini Palace stands on the west bank of the lake. It is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. Recently, the palace was converted into a hotel.

Mahalaxmi Temple
This exquisitely carved temple draws millions of pilgrims from all over India and is an important spiritual centre. Over the years, members of several royal families have sought the blessings of the goddess -- Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai. The temple complex has artistically sculpted structures and houses the temples of other deities such as Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram
In the seventh century AD, the Chalukya ruler, Karandev initiated the construction of this temple and later on in the ninth century, the Shilahara Yadavas beautified it further. The sanctum sanctorum houses the revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kgs. The idol has not been fashioned by any human being but exists in its natural form -- a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. This is known as Swayambhu.
Besides the 'Palkhi' ritual performed on every Friday, there are enthusiastic celebrations on the Hindu festivals of Chaitra Poornima and Navratri. The temple also holds music concerts wherein renowned artistes perform during festivals.
Essentials

Reaching Kolhapur

Air: The nearest airport to Kolhapur is Belgaum (105 Km). However, due to suspension of flight to Belgaum, the convenient Airport is Pune (225 km).

Rail: Kolhapur is a railway station on the Pune-Miraj-Kolhapur section of the South Central Railway.
 
Road: Kolhapur is on the Pune - Bangalore highway. It is connected by motorable roads with important cities Belgaum 105 Km.

Hotels in Kolhapur
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Climate of Kolhapur: Summer Max: 38.1°C Min: 22°C Winter Max: 32°C Min: 15.6°C

Best Time to Visit Kolhapur: October to May

Languages: Marathi & English

STD Code Of kolhapur: 0231