Kolhapur

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Dakshin Kashi

Kolhapur city, situated on the banks of Panchganga river in the southern part  of Maharashtra state in India is known as a hub of Historical, Religious and Cultural activities for centuries. It is also known as “Dakshin Kashi” because of its spiritual history and the presence of Mahalaxmi Shrine, better called as “Ambabai”. In Hindu mythology, the city is called “Karvir”. Before the independence, Kolhapur was a princely state under the Bhosale Chhatrapati of Maratha Confederacy. The region is known for the production of  famous handcrafted and braided leather Kolhapuri chappals. The city is famous for its unique food culture and sugarcane cultivation.

Geography

Kolhapur lies 373 km south of Mumbai, 230 km south of Pune, 613.8 km north-west of Bengaluru and 552 km west of Hyderabad.

Climate

The city has pleasant climate with temperature ranging between 10OC and 40OC throughout the year. Summer in Kolhapur is relatively cooler. The city receives rainfall from June to September. Kolhapur experiences winter from November to February.

Tourist places in and around Kolhapur

Mahalaxmi Temple

The temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi was built by Karnadeva in 634 CE Chalukya reign. Mounted on a stone platform, the idol of the crowned

goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms.

Jyotiba Temple

Shri Jyotiba or Kedareshvar, an incarnation of Bramha, Vishnu, and Mahesh and part of sage Jamadgni’s anger, helped Goddess Ambabai in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain and belongs to the Nath Sampradaya.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is on the western side of Ambabai temple and is a popular evening spot and recreation centre. This lake was constructed by late Maharajah, Shri Shahu Chhatrapati. The lake is surrounded by chawpati and other gardens. In the backdrop stands the majestic Shalini Palace.

New Palace

Constructed in 1877-84, it has been the residence of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The beautiful palace is built in black polished stone and is a marvelous architectural feat. The ground floor of the palace has been converted into Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum in the year 1974 by Shahaji II.  

Panhala Fort

Panhala fort is located 20 kilometres northwest of Kolhapur. It is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur in the interior of Maharashtra to the coastal areas.

Town Hall Museum

This stately neo-gothic structure built in 1872-76 by Charles Mant is a museum displaying artifacts from the Satavahana period discovered in excavations at nearby Bramhapuri Hill. The ancient artifacts include figurines of the Greek god Poseidon, riders on an elephant, and a medallion with Hellenistic  figures, pottery fragments, coins and beads.

Narsobawadi Temple

Narsobachi Wadi is a small town and gets its name from the presence of 'Shri Nrusinha Saraswati', the Purna Avatar of Lord Dattatreya and is famous for the temple. Shri Dattatreya in his Nrusinha Saraswati incarnation is believed to have lived here for as long as 12 years. With much archaeological value, this has become a major pilgrim spot for many Shri Dattatreya devotees. Also, there is a confluence of the two rivers Panchganga and Krishna.

Shivaji University, Kolhapur

The University was inaugurated by Dr. Radhakrishnan, then President of India on 18th November 1962. The University is named after The Great Maratha Warrior and Founder of Maratha Empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The beautiful campus is spread over 853 acres. The Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is unique and the campus is worth a visit.

Kolhapur is easily accessible and well connected by Air,  Rail and Road from all over the country.