A Guide To Kolhapur
Kolhapur district evokes phenomenal images of pristine beauty and serene enchantment. Living amidst the sylvan settings of the evergreen Sahyadri ranges, the people of kolhapur, in close communication with bountiful flora and fauna and its environs deeply stirs feelings of joy and gratitude towards the creator of such a lovely homeland. Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary, Dajipur is home for the most famous Indian gaur (bison).
The kolhapur folklore is rich in content and variety and comprises of folk songs, dances, music, the visual arts, folktales (mythological) – Lavani, Powada, Vasudev, Ovya, Gondal.
Kolhapur, known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ is one of the most prosperous and joyous city of India in Southern Maharashtra in western Ghats. Kolhapur the down of godess Mahalaxmi is gifted with and incredible archeological & cultural heritage, magnificent temples, monuments forts, lakes and gardens. Kolhapur is world famous for “Kolhapur Chappals” & Jaggery. Flushed with tourists al around the year city is equally famous for special kolhapuri Misal and Kolhapur Rassa.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple is situated at the heart of city. Shree Mahalaxmi is the goddess of wealth, where pilgrims flock in numbers to seek her blessings , it is also known as Dakshin Kashi.
Mahalaxmi also known as Ambabai enjoys status of one of the important spiritual centers in India. Construction of the temple is initiated in 7th century by Chalukya rulers and further beautified by Yadavas till 9th Century AD. Garuda Mandap used for concerts by renowed artists is bult in 1838 AD.
During Navratri Festival Temple is well decorated with lights & flowers and renowned musicion, Kirtankars, artists pay their homage by performing for goddess to public at large in temple.
Town Hall
Museum of Kolhapur ‘s Historical paintings and events.
Historical ruminants from bramhapuri, old paintings, coins, sculpture remains along with weaponry are displayed here.
New Palace – Shahu Museum
Abounded in culturally rich heritage that displays immense art of performance that is depicted in every activity like wrestling, Danpatta, Lathi, Mallakhamb etc.
Royal Palace completed during 1884 displays fine combination of Hindu and British architecture. Palace has been occupied partially by royal family and is surrounded by well maintained garden.
Shahu Museum a part of Palace has rare paintings, weaponary and arterials. It also houses stuffed animals & birds which attracts children. Darbar hall also displays richness of darbar decorum of the kingdom.
Near by Palace, a lake with rare visitor birds, dears, alligator and peacocks also attract tourists.
Rankala Chowpati
Rankala Lake is one of the great place of kolhapur , where beautiful garden around the lake which entertain you and swing your heart in whirpool. Favorite place of children.
A beautiful lake is named offer the temple of ‘Rankbhairav’. an incarnation of lord Shiva, A quarry is formed in to a natural lake after earthquake in 8th / 9th century AD. Well maintained garden & beautiful shalini palace along the lake side attracts every visitor to Kolhapur.
Khasbhag Maidan
It is traditional wrestling ground in round shape constructed by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj is the only historical wrestling ground in India having sitting capacity of 30000 viewers.
Panhala
The mighty fort is bound to lead you breathless. Above all its past history might mesmerize you in present. It is just 18 kms. From kolhapur.
A well known fort and hill station Panhala is 20 km west of Kolhapu. Fort has history of more than 2000 years. Fort is built up by king Bhoj during during mid of 11 th Century AD. This fort visited by the great ‘Shivaji’ has historical importance. Also being capital of Advil Shah’s of vijapur and Maratha Kingdom fort has many historical structures such as Andhar Bav, Tin Daravaja, Pussati Buruj, Ambarkhana, also has few attracts and structures to visit.
Panhala, a well known tourist center, has many resorts alongwith MTDC. Being at alttitude of 3127 ff from sea level is well developed hill station.
Jyotiba Temple
Situated at 17 kms away from Kolhapur at the height of 3100 mtrs. It is known as Dakkhancha Raja.
Jotiba is incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu , Mahesh and Jamdagni situated 17 km North East of Kolhapur in a village wadi Ratnagiri Jotiba is also well known pilgrimage center.
Narsinhwadi
Holy Dutta Mandir at the bank of Krishna river situated just 52 kms. Away from kolhapur.
A Temple of Shri. Gurdeva Datta on the confluence of river krishna and panchganga is 45 kms east of Kolhapur. Shri Narsinha Saraswati believed to be incarnation of Dutta guru lived here.