Places To Visit

Bhavani Mandap - This palace is behind Mahalaxmi Mandir. This palace was built around 200 years ago and it was the royal residence. in the year 1813 it was partly destroyed in a fire. later on it was  reconstructed. This palace has old fashioned architecture and it is huge in size and strong in construction.

Shri Chhatrapati got this Bhavani temple built for members of his family. This temple and its surrounding area is proof  of the royal wealth. Shri Chhatrapati used to conduct his Dasera Court in this temple. A beautiful idol of Goddess Bhavani can be seen in Bhavani chowk.

Khasbaug Stadium, Kolhapur :- One more attraction the city of Kolhapur can offer the tourists. many great wrestlers of India have shown their wrestling skills in this stadium. The art of wrestling developed during the life time Shri Shahu Maharaj as he used to love this art very much. He converted this Khasbaug maidaninto proper stadium. This stadium has capacity to accommodate 20,000 people.

Siddhagiri Museum :- A unique project, perhaps the only project in India situated at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, Tal. Karveer, Dist. Kolhapur. The place is near Kolhapur city on Pune Banglore Highway. Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math has a history of more than 1000 years, and is a holy place of worship of Lord Mahadeva. The surrounding around the museum is very calm and quiet, a hilly place with a good collection of Flora and Fauna.

The main objective of the Project is to refresh the history of self sufficient village life before the invasion of Mughals in Maharashtra. There were 12 BALUTEDARS (12 main profession based casts i.e. Professions performed by generation by family members) and 18 ALUTEDARS, who provided equipments to all villagers useful in their day-to-day necessities of domestic as well as Agricultural life.

The first phase of the museum spans over 7 Acres of area with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme which Swamiji very keenly arranged each and every scene to make a proper visual story. In the total cluster the village demonstrate a self sufficient machinery within village. Barter economy, Interpersonal healthy happy relationship among villagers is reflected. The Museum projects the entire village as a single family, and as single family members in a joint family. No adulteration, no cut thought practice, no mad Rat Race, No pollution, but Caring, and delightful atmosphere, no bitter feeling, but fertile land, clean water, clean air, quality food, maximum use of natural resources, cattle field, livestock, job satisfaction. All these things are reflecting the beauty, Joy, satisfaction of human race and oneness with nature. It advises us to get back to nature, without disturbing the equilibrium of nature and many other things which are beyond our imagination.

 

This holy centre is situated about 10 kms away from Kolhapur known as 'Dakshinkaashi' where the famous 'Mahalaxmi Temple' is located. It is 4 kms away from 'Pune-Banglore' highway which is national express highway no.4. Railway system is another facility for communication. There is an airport located nearby 'Ujalaiwadi' – 9 km away from Kolhapur.

Kolhapuri Saaz

Kolhpuri Saaz (Jwellary) :- 

                                          Every The Kolhapuri Saaj is famous ornament worn by Kolhapuri Women since long. This artistically made jewellery due to its specific design and pattern looks tremendously beautiful which adds to the glory to the person wearing it. The saaj being so famous there are many Marathi Movie Songs about it. The jewelers at Gujri Market design and make these ornament.

 

Kolhapuri Pheta :- 
                         Turban is a specialty in Kolhapur. Wearing a turban is high respect.It is a customary honor to guest who comes from other place is welcomed by the offering him to wear the traditional turban. Actually the turban is a long cloth off 3.5 to 6 meters. It is the specific Saffron color is most choice for Kolhapuri turbans. Except this many other varieties are also. Some of lined varieties of the turban are called as Lahiri Feta. In previous period it was customary. Forefathers from many families where using turban in their costume. And it was a part of the Male costume. Wearing turban is an art. Turban is plane cloth had majored by width 1 metre x 4 metres in lenth. It is folded in six or seven folds in width after which an end of one-fourth meter is given as tail which is known as Shemala. This part of tail blows on air while riding on vehicle especially to Wheeler. The style of the heroes is recorded in many Marathi Cinema. The turban is wrapped on Head with a special style. Last tend of turban is portion of Michael. It decorates leading personality so it is the custom that many family ceremonials are insisted fit us. Muscular bodied wrestlers wearing a special and Festival clothes are decorative road streams is a heritage of City.Except this during festivals as like Dasara, Diwali & Padwa, use of the turban is a common trend.

Kolhapuri Chappal :-
                            Kolhapuri chappals are world famous. Known as "Pie-taan" in local language specially made from leather which is processed in local areas, cobbler community traditionally prepares these chappals.There are three major varieties of Kolhapuri chappals. First type is made in Kolhapur. Other types are Kapashi and Dongari. These chappals are stout, sturdy, day long usable. These are very popular in rural areas.The chappal is  completely made from processed leather. Buffalo leather is used for chappals. Some other qualities of Kolhapuri chappals are also available: but these are fashionable varieties. Upper part of shoe is made by attractive processed leather. But lower part i.e sole is made from rubber sheets. This type of chappal is given to customers as Kolhapuri chappals is not actual Kolhapuri chappal. In surrounded area of Kolhapur many cobblers make chappals.

Calender Of Events

JANUARY - MARCH

• Shree Mahalakshmi Kiranotsava - A very unique and distinct  astronomical phenomenon in which the evening sun-rays directly enter the temple and touch the holy feet of Goddess Mahalakshmi and then rise upwards as the sun sets, illuminating the whole of Goddess Mahalakshmi. 

• Kolhapur Rankala Mahotsava - Rankala Festival is an event marked by stage performances by renowned artists and various  events & shows showcasing the art & talent on the lawns near Rankala lake arranged by kolhapur municipal corporation. 

• Gudi padava – On this day, Maharashtrians hang 'Gudis' outside the windows of their homes. They signify the victory of Maratha War fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji. They are displayed to thwart off evils. A 'gudi' is a pole on top with a kalash (brass or silver pot) hung upside down. It is covered with colorful silk cloth and decorated with coconuts, marigolds and mango leaves. This day is treated as an auspicious day( Muhurat), when people purchase gold or any other commodity. 

• Jyotiba yatra – A holy fair of lord Jyotiba on the hills near Panhala,. Thousands of people  pay homage to the lord on the auspicious day marked by traditional ritual of getting the “Shasan Katti” all the way from their villages and hurling of Gulal all over as a shower of blessings.

APRIL - JUNE

• Holi – Huge bonfires are sparked with logs of wood, basketful of cow dung cakes, ghee and honey. When the flames are burning bright, people walk and dance around the bonfire to pray to the God of Fire. Which is followed by Rangpanchmi about a week in Maharashtra. It is a festival of good harvest and fertility of land. It marks the arrival of arrival of spring where mirth and buoyancy is evident all round.
• Rangpanchmi- Better known as festival of colours, celebrated by hurling colours to one another , as a symbol of spreading unity & fraternity among all religions .

Entertainment in kolhapur

Boating at Rankala Lake :

Rankala is a scenic lake that boasts of serene and tranquil environs. A man-made lake,  was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj during his reign over the city. In the present times, Rankala Lake serves as a popular picnic spot for the residents of Kolhapur, where they come to spend sometime together with family. Here you can enjoy boating in paddle boats & rowing boats with your family. The area surrounding the lake has been converted into a garden where people sell Bhel-Puri , Ragda Patis & various mouth watering snacks like roasted Corns etc. Rankala is also famous for Horse-Ride and has a promenade for evening walkers and joggers.

Khasbag Maidan -
Kolhapur is very famous for traditional wrestling sports known as Kushti. Rajashri Shahu Khasbag Maidan is a very famous kushti ground located in the heart of Kolhapur city. The Maidan ground) is very big and can accommodate more than 25,000 spectators.

During the wrestling events, the wrestlers are inspired by the musical background using the instrumental music known as Halagi. The maidan is used as a training camp for Kushti sports persons. The Kushti season extends from October onwards every year. Visit to this maidan during the Kushti will be an unforgettable experience.

Stage Performances , Plays & Lavani at Keshavrao Bhosale & Shahu Smarak Hall :

For entertainment Kolhapur has Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha & Shahu Smarak Bhavan which plays a host to nataks (stage shows), lavani (traditional dance), Live performances, music shows, etc. Located in the heart of city adjacent to khasbag maidan.

Dreamworld water park :

Kolhapur has a huge water park for all those water game lovers. Dreamworld water park located in Kasaba Bavada area has water entertainments like slides, wave pool, rain dance floor, lazy river, umbrella.etc. Open on all week days between 11am to 5pm.

Gandharva Resort :

A perfect venue for a family treat with traditional Rajasthani folk dance, dashing cars, dance floor , etc. A pure vegetarian entertainment venue perfect to spend an evening with variety of snacks to enjoy. Located on Pune –Kolhapur highway, 10 km drive from city.

 
Kent Club :
If you are looking for fun times with family and close ones, you will discover unexpected ways to enjoy at trendy & vibrant Kent club located at sadale madale, wherein you can enjoy variety of games like  Billiards, Card Room, Golf, Badminton, Basket ball, Fibre boating, Cycling, carrom, chess, Table-tennis, volley ball, water games, bowling alley, Jogging, Skating, Video Games, Computer Games, Gymnasium and many more . You don't have to go to Kashmir to see and play in snow. You have snow right here at Kent club, the temperatures here are maintained at -5*C. There are plenty of games-snow slides, snow vehicles, wooden horse-drawn sleighs, basket ball, volleyball that you will enjoy. Get a taste of spine-chilling experiences at Kent Club's Horror World.

A haunted graveyard, blood curdling music, eerie voices, artful light effects blended together in a technological mix that leaves you hallucinating in fear. Star-struck enthusiasts can unravel the mysteries of our galaxy right here at Kent clubs Planetarium.

Kolhapuri Special Delicacies

Misal Pav-

Kolhapur is a foodie paradise. Kolhapuri food is world famous for its taste &Traditional Delicacies. Though it is being misrepresented as very spicy food worldwide, but the truth is that it is very less spicy, & the unique taste being due to the use of typical kolhapuri homemade masalas (spices mixture), & Onion Garlic chutney. So if you have to taste the real kolhapuri food, you have to travel to the lovely city of kolhapur, where People of Kolhapur love to show their hospitality by serving variety of kolhapuri dishes in their traditional “PAHUNCHAR’.

All stand alone restaurants to star category hotels in kolhapur serve all the traditional kolhapuri dishes & thalis. 

Mutton dishes -

Mutton dishes : Kolhapur is known for non-vegetarian meal. Tambada rassa and Pandhara rassa, dry and fried mutton, and mutton pickle .Even though eaten in the restaurant it's Maratha household flavor can be experienced. Kheema Balls Rice is also well known as a special dish as Golyachi Biryani.

Tambada Rassa is a mutton soup generally hot & spicy, red in colour , while Pandhara Rassa is Mutton soup prepared by using white coconut milk and hot spices without chilly.

Tambda & Pandhara Rassa are served along with the main course as accompaniments.
Kolhapuri mutton masala & Mutton sukke (dry) are tender pieces of lamb meat cooked in a traditional way with special kolhapuri chutneys & masalas.

Available at almost all restaurants , household eateries (khanavals) , mainly served in thalis.

Vegetarian delights - Vegetarian meal comprises of pithala and bhakari, leafy and sprouted vegetables with dahi (curd) or butter milk. Servings of the meal in traditional Marathi style proves that the goddess Annapurna ( Goddess for meal) has flavored Kolhapurians.
Available at almost all restaurants , household eateries (khanavals) , mainly served in thalis .

Kolhapuri Bhel - Tongue teasing , mouthwatering bhel is made from puffed rice & farsan & is a great evening time snack. Mostly served in roadside eateries also available near Keshavrao Bhosale Hall & Rankala Chowpaty.

 

 

Hill Stations and Forts

Panhala Fort -

Panhala -

Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. The history of Panhala Fort is one of the oldest, and famous amongst Maratha warriors. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate. 

An average temperature of 25 *C.It is a must place to visit, while in kolhapur. A 45 minute journey, accompanied by beautiful landscape , a trip to Panhala will surely be a memorable one!

 Gaganbawada -

Gaganbawada the hill station untouched by commercial tourism, beautiful, misty blue & green throughout. The steep hills, valleys & gorgeous waterfalls that gurgles through them. Trekkers, Rock-Climbers & nature lovers can enjoy & explore its hidden treasure.

Ganganbawada is a hill station on the way to Sindhudurg district & Goa about 55 km away from Kolhapur. This is a very quite place which is 3000 ft. above sea level known as a CHERAPUNJI of Maharashatra as it has the highest recorded rainfall .It is also known as a spiritual place since Late Pujya Shri Gagangiri Maharaj spent most of his life meditating on the hill of Gagangad. An ashram is situated on the hill well known for its spirituality. Every year many devotees visit this ashram for meditation, and yoga.

The beauty of Gaganbawada is enhanced, in  monsoon. A place worth visiting...!

 Mahabaleshwar -

Placed in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Western India, and also one of the most popular. Mahabaleshwars  religious and historical associations are not inconsiderable. It has two ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar from which the town takes its name and Atibaleshwar. Pratapgadh Fort, a stronghold of the Maratha leader Shivaji, is only a short drive away.

The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgadh Fort, 24 km away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries,blackberries,jams and jelly.

Amba- Pavankhind -

A small hill station with salubrious climate popular with trekkers. Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau. Amba is about 65 km from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.

Vishalgad - 

The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort houses the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.
Getting there : Vishalgad is 76 km to the north-west of Kolhapur. 

Kolhapur Today

Kolhapur has been long discussed as the second highest per capita income II tier city, called the "sugar bowl of India" ,having the maximum amount of Mercedes cars, spinning mills, education center and above all facts, known for its spicy curries and leather footwear. An international Go- carting track, Hill resorts/Amusement park, multiplexes & the other new entrants in the past few months are 3 new malls, Big bazaar, Reliance, and number of residential apartments.

Today kolhapur is emerging as of one of the most progressive III tier cities. Located on the golden quadrangle express way ,with the travel time of major cities like Pune, Bangalore and Bombay reduced considerably. The Kolhapur airport is being revamped .It now has refueling and night landing facilities with the expansion plan, &  an increased airstrip for Boeing flights too in years to come.