Kolhapur Tourism

Kolhapur is a city in the south west corner of Maharashtra, in India. It is under the district with the same name. Kolhapur is mainly famous for Kolhapur SAAJ which is a traditional pattern necklace, Kolhapur Chappal, jaggery and wrestling. The Kolhapuri cuisine is also famous for its spicy foods. The most popular and revered holy site in Kolhapur is the Mahalaxmi Temple. It was built in the 7th century by the Chalukya Kings and was later renovated by Yadavas in the 9th century. Many mythological legends can be heard surrounding the temple thus making it a popular pilgrimage. The Temlabai Temple on the Temlabai hill is also a famous place to visit in Kolhapur. Idols of other Gods and Goddesses of the Hindus are also found on the hill.

New Palace which was the residence of the Great Shahuji Maharaja has been converted to a museum for the tourists. Rankala Lake is another important tourist attraction in the city. While visiting Kolhapur, trip to Panhala fort is a must. Being the fort of the Great Shivaji Maharaj, this fort holds a lot of historical significance. Narsobawadi, Jyotiba Temple, Bahubali are some of the key tourist’s attractions near the Kolhapur city. The nearby hill stations like Amboli and Gaganbawda are also visited by tourists. Kolhapur is well connected by roads and railways with other cities in the state.

Places to See Near Kolhapur
Panhala
Panhala is 20 km from Kolhapur. Dotted with ancient fortifications and buildings that have witnessed the ups and downs of the Maratha Empire, Panhala is an enchanting hill station of Maharashtra, which is located at an altitude of 977.2m. This place is famous for its historic importance as well as its scenic beauty. Panhala has fresh landscapes and an ideal getaway from urban hustling-bustling. Built between 1178-1209 AD, Panhala Fort is the largest of all Deccan forts. Average temperature is 250 C.

Vishalgad
Vishalgad is 76 km northwest of Kolhapur. Vishalgad fort has Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba. The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence.

Bhudargad
Bhudargad fort is located about 50 km south of Kolhapur. This fort is situated on a huge vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of the god Shiva.

Paargad
Paargad is situated to the south of Kolhapur, which is 28 km from Chandgad. This place is a peaceful and greenery area. The scenery of the fort is so charming with its dense forest. The fort has an exquisite bronze statue of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.

Narasimha Wadi
Narasimha Wadi is at a distance of 45 km from Kolhapur. Situating on the banks of rivers Krishna and Panchaganga, this holy place is well known for holy padukas or slippers of Dattaguru (an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh).

Giroli Tourist Park
The restaurant in the park offers delectable food from Kolhapur, Goa, karnataka and the Konkan region. One may take rest here after enjoying visiting the tropical flora and fauna, the wild cry of the peacock, the chirp of the forest birds. The tourists can plan for visits to Panhala, Jyotiba, Warnanagar and the carvings of Pohale.

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Rugged mountains and dense forests surround this hilly area. This quiet little place is completely cut-off from human blare. Dajipur is home to bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild animals and birds. Situating at 1200 metres above the sea level, it is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj's Math makes a pleasant outing for the tourists. This scenic resort near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam is highly recommended for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. It is 80 km away from Kolhapur.

Amboli
Amboli is located in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. This hill station is at an altitude of 690m above the sea level. Having dense forests and steep mountains, Amboli is the last hill resort before the coastal plains begin in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri Hills. The hilltop Amboli gives a fine bird's-eye view of the Konkan coast. Colonel Westrop, who was a British political agent, developed Amboli as a hill station after the opening of the Ghat Road from the coastal town of Vengurla, now in southern Maharashtra, to Belgaum.

Maharashtra Tourism

Maharashtra Tourism Often called the 'Gateway to the Heart of India', Maharashtra is the third largest state and second most populous state than in the country. Owing to its proximity to the Western Ghats, it is blessed with a picturesque backdrop of the mountains on one side and has the beautiful Konkan coastal belt on the other.

Maharashtra, the land of everything unlimited invites you into its widespread plethora of attractions. It is adorned by the beautiful Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats with high mountains that disappear into the morning mist, while the sprawling belt of the Konkan Coast mesmerises the eyes by its white beaches. The ruins of the ancient forts and palaces in Pune and Ratnagiri among others proudly narrates the story of the then mighty rulers of Maharashtra. Centuries-old temples situated in places like Pandharpur, Ozar are still rooted in their traditions, offering sanctuary to pilgrims. As do the small hill stations of Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Matheran, nestled cosily in nature, provide respite to travellers from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

People of diverse culture and religion live amicably in this state, which is why there is much ado about the culture of Maharashtra which while retaining its original Marathi culture has beautifully embraced other cultures that have come to call this state their home. Apart from being rich in history, traditional arts and lifestyle, it is also famous for its economy primarily because Mumbai -the financial capital of India is situated here. The entertainment hub - the Bollywood film industry also finds its origin in this state. The amalgamation of these varieties of things that this state offers will make your visit here absolutely worthwhile.