Things to Do in Kolhapur

The Panhala Fort lies 20 km from the main city of Kolhapur, situated in its northwest. This fort holds its position among the most massive location in the country and is the largest one in the Deccan region. It was built in a strategic position where a major trade route ran within Maharashtra to the coasts of the Arabian Sea.

The Rankala Lake is a very famous tourist attraction for people from all over the world. Marked by the natural beauty and peaceful environment it provides, it sure does become one of the must-visits on everyone's list. The lake was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the then king of Kolhapur.

The former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. Also known as Bison Sanctuary, the place is popular for Indian Bison or Gaurs. Besides, one can also spot leopards, tigers, sloth bears etc. Set amidst verdant forests, the sanctuary makes for a perfect getaway from the city.

The New Palace located on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road was constructed in 1877-84 and has been the residence of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The ground floor of the palace is converted into a museum that houses artifacts belonging to those times when the king ruled and his own possessions.

The Mahalakshmi temple was built in the 7th century by Chalukya rulers and is one of the six abodes of 'Shakti' (Goddess of Power) from where one can attain fulfillment and salvation of desires.

Located at 55 kms from Kolhapur, Gaganbawada is a town on the Western Ghats or the Sahyadris. The hilly town is undeveloped and is mostly famous for Gagangad Fort, Karul Ghat and Bhuibavda Ghat situated in the area. The town also has several temples, Lakshmapur Dam and Pandav caves, and is shot in many Bollywood movies.

Gushing down on the banks of River Hiranyakeshi in Ajara Taluka in Kolhapur, Ramtirth Waterfall is a natural waterfall popular for its unmatched serenity and beautiful locales. The spot is mostly used for day picnics and to unmind the hustle-bustle of the city.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area in Kolhapur district which is a man-made forest. Sprawling over an area of around 11 square kms, the wildlife is also artificially introduced in the arena. The sanctuary boasts of a rich flora and fauna and is a popular tourism centre in Maharashtra.

Located in Khidrapur in Kolhapur district at the junction of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built on the banks of River Krishna, the shrine boasts of a beautiful architecture with various intricate carvings on the interior and exterior walls. Besides, it also has idols of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma among others.

Located at a distance of 48 kms from Kolhapur in Narsobawadi, Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir is a revered Hindu Temple dedicated to Narsinh Saraswati - an incarnation of Lord Shri Dattatreya. Built on the banks of river Krishna, the temple is a popular pilgrimage spot of the Hindus.

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the southwest region of Maharashtra. Situated 230 kilometres from Pune, Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhapur - a demon whom Goddess Mahalakshmi slew.

Kolhapur is famous for its Kolhapuri Chappals - footwear made from leather and wood. Shetkari Bazaar is the cheapest for this purchase; almost all markets in the city are lined with their speciality. Kolhapuri jewellery - Saaj is a type of antique jewellery. Jaggery - made from scratch, pure jaggery is made in mills in Kolhapur.

Bhavani Mandap used to be the court and palace of Chhatrapati Maharaja in the yesteryears which has now been converted into a public monument and is an important site of heritage in the Kolhapur city. The palace houses sculpture of Shahu Maharaj, stuffed animals, wooden throne etc and is an famous sightseeing attraction in the city.

Radhanagari Dam is the oldest dam in India built on the river Bhogawati in Radhanagari near Kolhapur. Besides being used for irrigation and harnessing hydro-power, the water from the dam is used in several adjoining villages. In addition to this, the scenic setting of the dam makes it a popular tourist spot of the town.

Khasbag Maidan, also known as Khasbag Wrestling Stadium is the largest wrestling stadium in India located in Kolhapur. The stadium has a seating capacity for over 30000 visitors. The enormous wrestling ring is called Houd; which is situated right in the centre of the stadium. 

Also known as Tabak Udyan, Botanical Gardens are situated inside Panhala Fort complex in Kolhapur. The gardens are popular for having a wide variety of flora and fauna and are set in a foresty zone with marked trails for walking or cycling.

This place is known for its spicy food of curries and fries. Dominated by the Maharashtrian cooking style, the cuisine here is popular everywhere as 'Kolhapuri Cuisine'. Especially famous for its non-vegetarian food - Tambada rassa(red curry) and Pandara rassa(white curry) are the epitomai of Indian curries.

Also known as Swaraj Bhavan, Irwin Agricultural Museum is located in the centre of Kolhapur city in Maharashtra. The museum displays agriculture-related equipments, ancient coins and pottery products. The highlight of the repository is the statue of Poseidon.