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Kolhapur is the unique mix of modernity and tradition.
This town of Maharashtra boasts of rich cultural attributes
as well as modernized industries. 395 km from Mumbai,
Kolhapur has preserved its cultural legacy without hampering
its road to development.
Kolhapur has a rich history behind it. From being the
hub of spirituality to the center of music, culture
and art. The enchanting culture of this place makes
it a favourite tourist spot.
Why is Kolhapur so famous?
It is the important center of Marathi cinema
It is known as Dakshin Kasi, owing to the temples of
Mahalakshmi and Amba bai
It supplies a wide range of milk products to the rest
of India
It is famous for its Tobacco and sugarcane industry
It is also the hub of “wrestling” or “kusti”.
Wrestling matches are often held in the “akhadas”
or clay ground.
History
This town was ruled by the Satvana kings, who built
a lot of temples in the area. Later it was ruled by
the Marathas, who contributed to the art , music, education
and culture of this region.
Places to Visit
Mahalakshmi Temple
This temple is regarded as one of the most scared temples
of the Hindus.
The Ambabai temple
It is one of the most famous temples of kolhapur. It
was built by the Chalukya King Karnadeve in 634 AD.
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir
The Binkhambi Ganesh temple of Lord Ganesh, the elephant
god, is unique in the architectural designs. It is a
temple, which has no pillars. Every year, this temple
attracts students of architecture to study the magnificence
of this temple and its design.
The Irwin Agricultural Museum
It has exquisite collection of old Andhra coins.
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum)
Earlier a majestic palace, it is now converted into
a museum that has a exotic collection of paintings and
artifacts used by the members of Royal family. The museum
overlooks a sprawling lawn and a lake.
The Town Hall Museum :
Kolhapur has a rich cultural history, this museum,
built in 1872-76, displays artifacts and coins recovered
from the Brahmagiri excavations.
The Old Palace :
Situated behind the Mahalakshmi temple, this palace
is well known for its architectural designs. It also
houses the Bhawani temple.
Rankala Lake :
This lake is famous for the Rankabhairav temple, it
carries at its center. It is believed that a golden
temple is submerged under the Rankabhairav temple.
Kolhapur also offers tourists other spiritual places
like Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir, Tryambuli Devi, Shankracharya
Math, etc.
Shopping
Kolhapur markets are famous for cheap leather sandals,
cotton textiles and jewellery. Innumerable food stalls
dot the streets of Kolhapur, offering spicy delicacies.
How to reach to Kolhapur
By air, it is a one-hour journey from Bombay to Kolhapur
by air. The Ujalaiwadi airport is 10-km away from Kolhapur
Main City. The nearest airport is Pune, 238 km.
By rail, it is an 11-hour journey from Mumbai to Kolhapur.
By road, it is 450 km to the south of Mumbai.
State buses ply from Mumbai to Kolhapur.
Where to stay
| Hotel |
Rate per couple |
| Hotel Raysons Regency |
Rs. 795/- |
| Hotel Shalini Palace |
Rs. 1400/- |
| ** Rate at the time of visit may be
checked |
Best time to Visit
November to May
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