Places to see in Kolhapur

Kolhapur is an important city in the tourist map of Maharashtra. Intertwined with traditions and history and rich culture, Kolhapur offers a confluence of conventionality and modernity. Thus it assumes the role of a complete holiday destination. Kolhapur offers a number of prospects to visiting travelers and as such is truly a worthwhile destination for relaxation and a perfect stopover for those who wish to enjoy and refresh on a well earned holiday. There are replete places to visit and see and explore while on stay in Kolhapur.



History and tradition form an important part of the city of Kolhapur and it this heritage and culture that form an important part of the city fabric.

Bhavani Mandap- This is one of the oldest and at the same time most important structures in the city of Kolhapur. This palace is situated just behind the famous Mahalaxmi temple. The Bhavani Mandap is also known as the glory of the city of Kolhapur. This building was constructed under the reign and the patronage of the Marathi Ruler Shivaji Maharaja-II. The building at the time of its construction was one of the most unique and brilliant façade with 14 squares. However during the invasion of the Muslim emperor in the year 1813, 7 of these squares were damaged beyond repair and as such today there are only seven squares. The Bhavani Mandap houses a temple that was built at the request of the Chhatrapati. This temple was dedicated to the Goddess Bhavani. The architectural designs of the Mandap still put tourists in awe and wonder. The interior of the Mandap are adorned by a cluster of lights called Zumbhur, these were specially bought from Italy and adorn the main entrance hall of the Bhavani Mandap. The other important Exhibits in the Mandap Include a live caricature of the famous Shahu Maharaja and around the temple there are various other stuffed creature and valuable antiquity that adorn the Mandap.

Shalini Palace- Shalini Palace is located next to the Rankali lake. In terms of antiquity this palace was built in the 20th century and between 1931-34 and at the time the approximate costs of the construction of this place was about 8 lakh rupees. The property in and around the Shalini Palace is lush green with tall palm trees that truly offers tourists refreshment for the senses. This s a popular tourist destination as tourists prefer the place with its close proximity to the lake. The entire facades and construction of the Shalini Palace was made with Italian Marble and Black stone. The Glass panes of the palace that were imported from Belgium offer tourists have inscription that date back to the time of the Kolhapur dynasty and its royalty that is revered even to this day. The entrance porch of the temple itself is also considered as an architectural marvel. This place was later converted into a five star hotel as part of the state tourisms plan. However the place still attracts tourists form allover for the simple reason that the natural surroundings are the perfect place for a wandering traveler.

Maharaja Palace- The tryst with royalty continues with the Maharajas Place. Another impressive architectural and monarchal monument in the city of Kolhapur, the palace houses the museum of Shahaji Chhatrapati. The characteristic feature of this and the other monuments of the city is the indo saroscenic architecture design that has been retained in the palace construction. The famous British Architect Charles Mant is credited that have conceptualized and led the construction of the Maharaja Palace. The Palace’s Maharaja Museum contains an array of exquisite and antique collections of the ruling Maharaja in terms of vestments, royal finery Painting, sketches, photographs, artifacts etc. Certainly the exhibits of the Maharajas offer tourists a unique tryst with destiny and royalty and offer a true experience of royalty personified in the artifacts on display.

Rankala Lake– Nature is also at its glimmering and shimmering best in Kolhapur and a perfect example of this is the Rankala Lake that is located at the center of Kolhapur and is directly connected to the well in the Panahala Fort. The lake offers a true identity of the picturesque beauty and tranquility that Kolhapur has to offer tourists. The Lake was constructed by the royal Kolhapur family and is situated next to the famous Shiva Temple in Kolhapur that has a larger than life statue of Nandi. The Rankala is popular among tourists and is particularly frequented by tourists and locals alike who come to spend their evenings as well as weekends on the banks of the lakes. The Pad path Udyan or the Space for walking along side the banks of the lake was constructed by the Kolhapur Corporation in order to facilitate tourists visiting the place and wishing to walk by the lake side. There also horse riding facilities on the banks of the lake. Apart from that tourists can also avail of the boat riding facilities.

Jyothiba Temple- Located near Wadi of Ratnagiri the Jyothiba temple is one of the main temples in the city of Kolhapur and is eagerly visited by devotees. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Jyothiba is believed to be the incarnate of the three lords that is Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and Jamadagini. The mythological beliefs of the temple is one of the driving factors of the faith and the observances of the temples numerous scores of devotees and followers. Sacred rituals and prayers are offered to the Lord and the devotion of the pilgrims in unparallel. The rituals and prayerful observance continue all through the calendar year. The temple sees the maximum number of tourists especially on full moon days of the months of Vaishakha and Chaitrya.

Mahalaxmi Temple- The Shri Mahalaxmi temple is one of the most revered and sacred places often referred to the Shakti Peedam. The peedam is associated with power and as such has a very deep spiritual and temporal meaning that those praying with fervor and devotion would have their prayer answered desires fulfilled and would obtain and benefit from the salvaic power of their observances. The temple was built around the 4 century Ad upon pillars and a stone foundation that were erected as per the need. he image of Mahalaxmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion, the vahana of the goddess, stands behind the statue. Unlike other Hindu places of worship that faces north east this temple is different as the deity of the temple faces exactly west. There is a small window on the left side of the temple. Another specialty of the temple is that annually for three day out of the entire calendar year the rays of the sun fall  on the deity and light up the place. There are three reasons one is scientific that is the movement of the sun, secondly the Rays falls because of the style of construction and Vasthushastra. A third reason that senses find hard to comprehend is that there is a power that wilts the same.
 
Finally, Gaganbavada- endowed with picturesque and scenic beauty this is a summer resort that is located next to Kolhapur. Very much a part of the city. The cool and calm ambience of the temple is one factor that draws tourists to this wonder of nature. This place is also gifted as a lush green sylvan habitat that is part of landscape. This is also an abode and a perfect place for nature and bird lovers. There are no traces of hassles or the hardened traces of life on the fastlane. Serenity and simplicity is a feature. Tourists and nature lover’s alsike can exude the most beautiful felling of mingling with nature without and interference.