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  • 01Mahalakshmi Temple

    Mahalakshmi Temple

    Mahalakshmi Temple belongs to Shri Mahalakshmi – famously revered in India as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is an old, ancient temple located right in the heart of the city of Kolhapur. The temple finds its mention in the holy Puranas that specifies it as one of the 108 sites in India where Shakti is evidenced.

    Goddess Mahalakshmi is fondly called Amba Bai by her devotees with each year seeing millions of pilgrims hoarding the historic temple to seek her blessings. Because of the Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur is deemed to be one of the few iconic spiritual centres in India. The temple dates back to as far as the 7th century, when King Karandev from Chalukya dynasty undertook its construction. The architectural style of the holy place is inspired from Hemandpathi. It is believed that Yadava dynasty further beautified the temple in the 8th century. An interesting fact is that the temple is built in such a way that sunrays reach the goddess’ idol everyday, giving it a mystical golden glow. Festivals like Navratri see locals as well as worshippers from all over India throng the gates of Kolhapur to catch a glimpse of Goddess Amba Devi. The place resonates with bright colours and music at this time.

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  • 02Bhavani Mandap

    Bhavani Mandap

    Bhavani Mandap is an elegant part of Kolhapur, one which is directly connected to Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s background. Considered to be Kolhapur’s construct, this old structure is popularly called the glory of the city.

    This place was built by the then Kolhapur King Shivaji Maharaj II at a time when Kolhapur finally achieved a self-governed status. The mandap houses a temple that is devoted to Goddess Bhavani. It was originally built of 14 square, 7 of which were ruined later on due to Muslim invasion.

    The hall area of the mandap is large and magnificent. One can observe Shahu Maharaja’s statue at the hallway, with intricately designed lights and ornaments adorning the entire place.

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  • 03New Palace - Shahu Museum

    New Palace - Shahu Museum

    Shahu Museum was once home to the royal family of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The Royal Palace depicts an amalgamation of British and Hindu architecture.

    Based in the city of Kolhapur, the museum now holds memories from the time of the Kolhapur rulers and is entirely constructed in black, polished stone. Every glass found in the premise is said to exhibit paintings desribing events from the maharaj’s life.

    Presently it is occupied by Shreemant Shahu Maharaj, and the palace is surrounded by a well-preserved garden, a beautiful lake and a zoo.

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  • 04Gagangiri Maharaj Math

    Gagangiri Maharaj Math

    The math of Gagangiri Maharaj is the place where the maharaj underwent penance for a period of eight long year. He is believed to have passed his years meditating in the math’s jungle. Hence, the math is located in the middle of a deep, dense forest at Dajipur, within the region of Kolhapur.

    The ashram that is situated close to the math imparts teachings on yoga and meditation to all the travellers – domestic as well as foreign – who come to explore this holy, spiritual centre.

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  • 05Rankala Chowpati

    Rankala Chowpati

    A favourite amongst children, Rankala Chowpati is a great place to spend a nice evening with your family. There is a beautiful garden that plays the role of a recreation centre. Close by, there’s the Shalini Palace, a must visit.

    Located in Kolhapur, the Chowpati is by a lake of the same name and is named after the Rank Bhairav Temple. Like most of the other monuments in the area, this artificial lake, too, was constructed by Maharaja Chhatrapati Shahu.

    Tourists visiting this place can indulge in a lot of activities ranging from boating in the quaint lake to horse riding.

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  • 06Jyotiba Temple

    Jyotiba Temple is famous by the name of Kedarnath and is perched at a breathtaking height of 3000 feet in Kolhapur. It is one of the twelve existing Jyotirlingas.

    The temple is also popularly called Wada Ratnagiri and is believed to be a scared incarnation of three Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who killed the demon Ratnasur.

    Just about 15 km away from Kolhapur, this pilgrim centre is of prime importance to its devotees and sees a colourful fair held on the full moon nights of the Hindu calendar months – Chaitra and Vaishak.

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  • 07Gaganbawada

    Gaganbawada

    Gaganbawada is a beautiful hill station, about 55 km from Kolhapur, nestled at a height of about 3000 ft above sea level.

    Nature lovers revel in the abundant waterfalls, lush greenery and exotic surroundings this quaint little place has to offer. Adrenaline junkies who love trekking and rock climbing shouldn’t miss out on this lovely spot for anything.

    The hill station also boasts of an ashram which sees numerous registrations for meditation and yoga, annually. After all, where else can you find peace better than in Mother Nature’s lap.

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  • 08Khasbag Maidan

    The Khasbag Maidan is a conventional wrestling ground by nature and is popular to be the only kind in India to have a seating capacity of close to 30,000 spectators.

    Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj built this place during his reign for the purpose of practising the traditional art of Kushti. Interestingly, Halgi, an instrumental form of music, was employed to boost the wrestlers.

    If you happen to visit Kolhapur during the period of October, this is one experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

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  • 09Radhanagari Dam

    Radhanagari Dam

    Radhanagari Dam is based in Kolhapur. This dam, whose origin dates back hundred long years, still stands sturdy across the Bhagwati river.

    Home to numerous species of birds and animals, this dam functions as a source for the hydroelectricity requirements of the region. Water from the dam is used for irrigation as well.

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  • 10Shopping

    The first thing that crosses anyone’s mind when one says Kolhapur is Kolhapuri chappals. This traditional footwear industry is extremely unique to Kolhapur and at the same time extremely popular in India. The speciality of these chappals is that they are made by hand and not processed in a machine.

    The jewellery at Kolhapur, combined with its spice market is very well known as well. Kandi Pedhe and Kolhapuri lasun masala chutney are a few items that are sold in huge quantities daily.

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