Kolhapur is one of the cities, which are worth to be visited in Maharashtra. There are number of forts in this old city. Descended from its historic events, the city has many historical monuments and sites. During the periods of Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas, the magnificent temples of Kolhapur were constructed.

Kolhapur has number of tourist sites. The architecture of New Palace offers the visitors a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style.

Chhatrapati Sahu Museum in the palace is also worth to visit. Rankala Lake, Old Palace, Town Hall Museum and Mahalaxmi are other sites, which are worth to visit. One can also organize excursions to Panhala, Vishalgad, Bhudargad, Paargad, Narasimha Wadi, Giroli Tourist Park, Dajipur Bison Sanctuary and Amboli, which are not so far from Kolhapur.

As far as shopping in Kolhapur is concerned, the city can be called as shoppers' delight. The city is famous for its Kolhapuri saaj, Kolhapuri chappals and Kolhapuri sarees. Har and malas, mohanmal, bormal, chaplahar, kolhapuri saaj, pohehar and putlihar are the jewelleries, which can attract that tourists' eye.

As Kolhapur is situated in higher altitude, normally it prevails cool weather. The city is well connected by road, air and train. While the mouth watering hot Kolhapuri cuisines are always to be tasted once.

Tourist attractions

Mahalaxmi Temple

This beautifully architect temple attracts huge devotees from in and around Kolhapur. Goddess Mahalaxmi also known, as Amba Bai is the presiding deity of this temple. Images of Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram are also there inside the temple complex. Chalukya ruler, Karandev started the construction of this temple in the 7th century AD and later beautified by Shilahara Yadavas in the ninth century. The sanctum sanctorum has revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kg. 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.

New Palace and Chhatrapati Sahu Museum

Built in 1884, it is also known as the Maharaja's New Place. Major Mant designed the palace. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style. The first floor is for the present Maharaja, while the ground floor is dedicated to a fine collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles. A letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India is the other memorabilia. Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum is in the New Palace. Curious and interesting collections from the possessions of Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati like guns, trophies and clothes are preserved here.

Town Hall Museum

Old sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are displayed in the museum, which were found during the excavations at Brahmagiri.

Old Palace

Old Palace has a temple of the goddess Bhawani as well. This magnificent structure has an impressive marqee with filigree work in stone. This palace is located behind the temple of Mahalaxmi Temple.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is said to be the oldest of all lakes in Maharashtra. There is the Rankabhairav temple at the center of the lake. Its name is derived from this temple.

How to reach

Kolhapur is well connected to the rest of the state and country (India) by air, road and train. One can reach Kolhapur from Mumbai by a one-hour plane journey. Ujalaiwadi Airport is 10 km from the main city of Kolhapur.

It takes 10 to 11 hours to Mumbai or Bangalore by train. There are number of trains that leave Dadar or Chhtrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai for Kolhapur.

Kolhapur can be reached easily from Mumbai, Pune and other places by road. There are also regular State and private buses that ply between Kolhapur and Mumbai/Pune. Kolhapur is 395 km from Mumbai and 225 km from Pune.

Quick tips

Weather
Kolhapur is situated in the western part of Maharashtra with a bit higher altitude and hilly. So, the overall climate of the area is cool. But during summer, it tends to be warm and dry. June to September monsoon season in Kolhapur.

Getting Around

Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport for local transport. Apart from it, tourists can also catch local buses run by the municipal corporation. Taxis are available but not that common.

Tourist Office

MTDC tourist office is a five-minute walk from the railway station. This office is opened from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 8.30 am to noon and 4 to 6 pm on weekends.