Kolhapur with its rich, colourful historical and mythical past stands out among the various cities in Maharastra State. The city is situated on the banks of river Panchaganga and is nestled among the Sahyadri ranges and surrounded by beautiful fortresses and hillocks. The name Kolhapur originates around Dravidian times when it is said that the aborgines of the region worshipped a powerful mother goddess named 'kolla'. Some say that the name originates around the temple of goddess Mahalaxmi. She, after the great deluge, salvaged the city by using her mace(kur) and hence the name 'Karveer'.
Going by the puranas, some suggest that the city is spiritually vibrant. They say that Lord Vishnu dwells in the form of rocks, Lord Mahadeva in the form of water, goddesses in the form of trees and seers in the form of sand.
Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the ancient past to the modern age. The Hindu era(upto 1347 A.D.), the Muslim period (1347 A.D. to 1700 A.D.) and the maratha reign(1700 A.D. to 1849 A.D.). In 1849 the British took over and Chhattrapati Shahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Kolhapur. the Maharaja reign lent a progressive spirit to the city and the king extended his patronage to Arts, Theatre, Film making, Music, Painting, Sculpture, Wrestling and crafts like tanning and jewellery making.
At present the city is supposedly the fourth largest city in Maharastra and boasts a booming commercial centre, flourishing Dairy and Sugar industry. Infact the Sugar Industry is amongst the Richest Belt in India.
Below are various important sites in kolahpur. You can access more information about these places by clicking on any of them.
Shalini Palace | Dajipur |Amboli | Rankala | Old Palace | New Palace | Khasbaug Stadium
MAHALAXMI TEMPLE
This is one of the most respected and worshipped three temples of Maharashtra. This Mahalaxmi is popularly known as Ambabai. The grand temple of Mahalaxmi is constructed facing to the west. Its contains many pillars with art work on them. In the premises of this temple there are 35 temples of other Gods and Goddesses. The adjoining Pandal is known as Garud Mandap. The festival of Navratri is celebrated here in the month of Ashwin. This time thousands of devotees come here to take Darshana. At the dawn a Kakad Arti is performed at 9.00 a.m. Mahapuja is performed. At 11.30 a.m. various other Pujas are performed at the end of which Mahaprasad is offered to the Goddess Mahalaxmi. In this manner various types of religious rites are performed in the service of the deity. There is big size bell to announce the begining of last Puja of the day.
A special type of festival is celebrated known as 'Kirnostav' i.e. the festival of rays. This is celebrated because on certain days the rays of the sun directly fall on the idol of the Goddess mahalxmi. These days are 9th November to the 11th of November and 32st January to the 2nd of February.
NEW PALACE
New palace built with blackstone was constructed in 1877-1884.It is a classic example of architectural beauty and majesty. The royal family of Kolhapur currently lives there. This wonderful palace also has one of the most important museums in the state.This museum was started in 1974 commemorating the 100 years of the birth of Chh.Shahu Maharaj.Here one can find stuffed animals killed during royal hunts and also ancient weapons used during that period.Priceless and precious items make this museum an important place of interest to visitors.
Amongst the surrounding areas of the palace, there lies lovely gardens, a beautiful lake which has many different kinds of animals.It also has a wrestling mat or ground where wrestling matches took place .The palace has a tower which in turn has a very big clock. This clock was put in place in 1877. Small domes and the glasswork on it depict the scenes of the life of Chh.Shivaji Maharaj in this palace. Visitors can visit this wonderful museum and palace during 9.30-11.30 A.M and 2.30-5.30 P.M (all days except Monday).
SHALINI PALACE
Shalini Palace is located very close to the famous Rankala lake.It was built in 1931-1934 and cost approx 8.00 lacs to build. Surrounded by tall palm trees and lush green lawns this palace offers visitors a magnificient place of interest in kolhapur which at the same time provides a wonderful backdrop to the lake. The palace was constructed with italian marble and black stone. The main door has Belgium glass and the inscription work on it reflects the majesty of the Royal family of kolhapur. The columns made of black stone as well as the entrance porch is a architectural masterpiece. In 1987 this palace was converted into the only palace hotel in the state. You can enjoy the reflection of the palace on a moonlit night on the Rankala lake,as well as its serene beauty during sunset.
DAJIPUR
Dajipur situated about 82 kms. From kolhapur has one of the regions thickest forests. It borders on Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Having a vast composition of flaura and fauna, it is also home to many animals, especially wild beasts. Previously it was famous for the abundant quantities of Wild Boars which resulted in hunting. It also has Bears, Antelopes and different types of snakes too. Fortunately hunting is now banned in the state, but nevertheless this lovely picturesque area, which is actually in Radhanagari Taluka, is a must see especially during the monsoon season. M.T.D.C has provisions for a rest house and tents can also be availed here to stay.
Amoboli
Amboli: Amboli is situated approx. 135 km from kolhapur. Nestled amongst the beautiful sahyadri ranges, it is about 630 mts above sea level and is considered one of the prime hill stations in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by thick forests and ravines and tall cliffs. Considering its location and lovely climate it is a perfect picnic spot as well as a 'Retreat' from the crowded cities and towns. There are numerous waterfalls, a sunset point and a holy site close to 'Amboli'. Maharashtra tourism has a resort built for visitors who would like to stay at 'Amboli'.
Important Phone numbers of Hotels/Resorts.
1)Hotel Green Palace- 02363-76241/76302
2)Hotel JRD international-02363-76222/76225
RANKALA
The Rankala Lake is situated about half a kilometre from the famous Mahalaxmi Temple.Much before this lake was formed, there used to be a blackstone Quarry. In the 7th century or the 8th century there was a big earthquake which resulted in the formation of this lake. In the year 1877, The then Maharaj decided to upgrade the lake premises to make this area serene and lovely. To prevent the overflow of the water coming out, he built the surrounding wall due to which water never comes out.This construction took nearly 6 years and cost about Rs. 2.50 lacs. In 1877-1888 the erection of the Rankala tower took place which has increased the beauty of the lake. So also it serves the purpose of regulating the water flow in the lake. Behind the lake there is a Temple of Rank-Bhairav, which incidently is supposed to be the protector of the Goddess Mahalaxmi. Thus the name Rankala came into existence. In the year 1931-34 "Shalini Palace" was built and this is right next to the lake.The palace has added the majesty and beauty of the area.
Old Palace / 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 Wrestling Stadium
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.
