Traditionally Modern-Kolhapur

- Elina Mohanty

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

Best time to Visit

November to May