Kolhapur

Kolhapur has many ancient importance. The state ruled by Bhosale Chhatrapati (Bhosale royal clan) of the Maratha Empire. It is situated at the bank of Panchganga River. The city has lot of educational Institutions that attracts students from India as well as abroad. Kolhapuri chappal and many handicraft like hand block printing of textiles, bead and paste jewellery crafting, pottery, wood carving and oxidised silver artworks are famous product in all over the world.

Some of famous attractions of Kolhapur:

Lord Ganesh 85 feet idol, The Tara Rani equestrian statue which stands on two of the horse's legs; and a bronze statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar etc.

Kolhapur is one of the hidden sight of Maharashtra. Lots of places to visit in Kolhapur like the Mahalaxmi Temple, New Palace, Gagangiri Maharaj Math, Bhavani Mandap, Padma Talkies, Vishalgad, Shivaji Universities, Temblabai Temple, Rankala Lake, Khasbag Maidan, Jyotiba Temple, Radhanagari Dam, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Uma Theatre, Uttareswar, Brahmpuri Hills, Irwin Agricultural Museum and more.

1.Mahalaxmi Temple: Mahalaxmi Mandir is one of the Shakti Peethas in india, also called Dakshin Kashi. It is 1700 year old temple and is the prime reason for visitors to come to Kolhapur. The Goddess Mahalakshmi is created with gemstone and is considered to be at least 5 to 6 thousand years old.

One famous festival Kirnotsav in Mahalakshmi Temple celebrated on the below period which makes the best season to visit Kolhapur:

• 31 January & 9 November : Sun rays fall directly on the feet of the deity.
• 1 February & 10 November : Sun rays fall directly on the chest of the deity.
• 2 February & 11 November : Sun rays fall directly on the entire body of the deity.

2. Rankala Lake: The Rankala Lake is created by Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur, it is in very large area and presently attraction of local people to spend weekends. In Rankala Lake different types of birds, lotuses found in the lake. There is 'Choupati' around the lake,and is famous for chats,vada pav etc. In every year in the month of FEB And MARCH, Municipal Corporation of Kolhapur organize a “Rankala Mahotsav”.

3. Town Hall Museum: Town Hall Museum is developed in 1876, majority things displayed in museum are from Brahmagiri excavations. The collection of museum comprises pottery, bronze artifacts, old coins, sandalwood items etc. Presently it has been an attraction for tourists in India as well abroad. Museum has a very large garden, fountain and wrestling ground. The attraction of building is its tower and eight angled construction.

1. Food: Kolhapur is the paradise for non vegetarian freak people, but equally lots of eating options for vegetarian people also. Misal is one of the popular in complete Maharashtra, but authentic Misal can be only found in Kolhapur. Famous place of missal in kolhapur are kolhapuri missal, Fadatare Misal, Khasbaug Misal, Chorage Misal, Bawada Misal etc.

2.Shopping: Kolhapur is famous for SAAJ (necklace with traditional pattern), jaggery , chappal (traditional leather sandal) etc. Kolhapuri Chappal are made from raw buffalo leather, every traveler looks to buy.

Famous places for shopping in Kolhapur: Hupari, Bahusinghjee road, karekar jewelers etc.

How to reach Kolhapur by bus:

Kolhapur is situated on National Highway 4, which connects Mumbai to Bangalore. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has buses running every 30 minutes from Pune to Kolhapur.

How to reach Kolhapur by Taxi: Take the taxi 8.5rs. Km, Rs per km, distance is a around 239 km from Pune and 113 km from Belgaum.

How to reach Kolhapur by Train:

Kolhapur is on the Pune-Miraj-Kolhapur section of the Central Railway. Kolhapur railway station is well connected with all the cities in India.

How to reach Kolhapur by Air: Drop the flight on pune and take a taxi or Bus

Distance of Kolhapur from nearby places: Kolahapur is around 239 km from Pune and 113 km from Belgaum.