Kolhapur city is on the eastern side of the Western Ghats on the Pancaganga River. The town was originally the capital of the princely state and was the hub of the British power for Deccan states. Initially, the center of Buddhism and has a 9th-century Mahalakshmi temple.
Kolhapur lies in a booming agricultural region and is a significant commercial city. Its industries comprise sugar processing and the manufacture of fabrics, and engineering products. To the south of Kolhapur is the metropolitan complex of Gokul Shirgaon, which specializes in food processing (milk) and the production of pharmaceuticals. Sugar plants are commonplace in the surrounding region.
The City Of Kolhapur – Places To visit
Mahalakshmi Temple At Kolhapur
The Mahalakshmi temple was built in the 7th century by Chalukya rulers and is one of the six sites of ‘Shakti’ (Goddess of Power).
Mahalakshmi is known as Goddess Ambabai and is a respected Goddess. The temple is the most important pilgrim site in India. The temple is 5km from the Railway station and Central Bus depot. Also, there is a temple in the glory of Goddess Bhavani.
Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)
The New Palace, located at the Bhavani Mandap-KasabaBavda Road, was created in the 19th century and existed as ChatrapatiShahu Maharaj’s home. The palace’s bottom floor is converted into a museum that lodges artifacts.
The exquisite palace is made in black polished stone, a majestic architectural feat. You can glimpse the kingly lifestyle through the paintings and artifacts depicted at the museum.
The most peaceful tourist place in Kolhapur is the Shri Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir. The entire temple is etched out of one pillar, making the temple’s architecture impressive.
Kanheri Math And Siddhagiri Museum
Kaneri Math is about a half-an-hour drive from Kolhapur city on a hillock. The Shiv temple and the meditation place are magnificent.
Jyotiba Temple
The Jyotiba Temple, at an elevation of 3124 feet, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kolhapur. There was a small temple in the place of the present Jyotiba’s colossal temple. The original temple was constructed by the devotee named Naavji from the village of Kival near Karad. In 1730, Maharaja Ranoji Shinde of Gwalior renovated the actual place. This temple has been assembled with fine black basalt stone.
Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir
Located 48 km from Kolhapur in Narsobawadi, Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir is a revered Hindu Temple on the Krishna river, dedicated to NarsinhSaraswati – an incarnation of Lord Shri Dattatreya. The Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir is a famous pilgrimage spot.
Kopeshwar Temple
Seek blessings from Lord Shiva at the Kopeshwar Temple, built back in the 12th century. The temple is constructed intricately with elegant pillars carved with the embodiments of gods and goddesses. There are deities of Vishnu, the Nandi bull, and it is one of the best places to visit in Kolhapur.
Panhala Fort Kolhapur
The Panhala Fort lies 20 km away from the central city of Kolhapur. This fort has its position at an enormous location in the country and is the most extensive in the Deccan region. It was constructed in a strategic place where a significant trade route operated within Maharashtra from Bijapur to the coasts of the Arabian Sea. This site is a must-visit for the people who love probing historical spots and those who like to trek.
Glancing over the green inclines of Sahyadri, it has about 7 kilometers of fortifications and a complete stronghold of guard guaranteed by three double-walled gates. The entire span of Panhala Fort is dotted with bastions, ramparts, and fortifications and styled with motifs of various dynasties that controlled the fort – the Marathas, Bahamas, Mughals, and so on. The ancient Panhala Fort was created in the late 12th century by Raja Bhoja. It was produced during 1178-1209 AD and later altered by the Marathas. The Indo-Islamic fort is known for residency to the great Maratha ruler Shivaji and the Queen of Kolhapur, Tarabai.
Teen Darwaza is the prominent entrance point of the Panhala Fort. The gate or Darwaza is a double gateway elegantly built and is a must-visit spot. The inner side of the gate displays elaborate carvings, while the outer side has a protruding ceiling.
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
The one-time hunting lands of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. The spot is also known as Bison Sanctuary, renowned for Indian Bison or Gaurs. Set amidst lush forests, the sanctuary makes for a perfect escape from the city.
Rankala Lake
Another tourist Place in Kolhapur is Rankala Lake, a popular attraction in the region. The lake was constructed by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, King of Kolhapur.
Shopping
Kolhapur is one of India’s most booming and vibrant cities in Southern Maharashtra, Western Ghats. The primary language is Marathi.
Kolhapur city is renowned for
- Kolhapur Chappal,
- Kolhapur Lavangi Mirchi,
- Kolhapur Gur(Jaggery),
- Kolhapur Red and White curry,
- Kolhapur Sukhe Mutton (Dry Meat),
- Kolhapur Misal,
- Kolhapur Saaj,
- Kolhapur Pheta,
- Kolhapur Dudh Katta. Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are suitable shopping places.
Kolhapur is famous for its cotton textiles in distinct Kolhapuri sarees. Classic Maharashtrian sarees from Kolhapur have made it great in the Indian bridal-wear demand.
Silver Jewellery
Hupari, which is merely 16-km from Kolhapur, is a site where people are adept in the skill of creating Jewellery, displaying objects out of Silver. This traditional trade has developed throughout the Maharashtra State, India, and abroad.
Saaj-The Necklace
Kolhapur is famous for its exceptional style of necklace called Kolhapur saaj. This jewelry is very much unique for Maharashtrian women. Har and malas, mohanmal, chaplahaar, kolhapurisaaj, pohehar, and putalihaar are the jewelry that is designed in Kolhapur.
Conclusion
To summarise, Kolhapur is such a beautiful city in southern Maharashtra. It has got a historical, spiritual base. Devotees come to Kolhapur to visit the Mahalakshmi temple and offer their prayers to her. So when are you planning your darshan tour?
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