This was once the capital of an important Maratha state. Kolhapur is a beautiful little city, situated in the south west corner of Maharashtra State. Kolhapur is as famous for its spicy meat curries as its Mahalaxmi temple or palaces. it offers its visitors a wide range of possibilities going from the most ancient deep-rooted traditions to the most modern business, from history and arts to mountains and woodlands.

This is one of the most Respected and worshiped temple of Maharashtra. The Goddess Mahalakshmi is popularly known as Goddess Ambabai. The grand temple of Mahalakshmi is constructed facing to the west. It contains many pillars with artwork on them. In the premises of this temple there are 35 temples of other Gods and Goddesses.

The adjoining Pendal is known as Garud-pendal. The festival of Navaratri is celebrated here in the month of Ashwin. This time thousands of devotees come here for Darshan. A special type of festival is celebrated known as "Kornotsav" 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 Mahalakshmi.

Bhavani Mandap

Glory of the city. Being the biggest & oldest building, it has historical importance. When Kolhapur became self-governed, in the reign of II Shivaji Maharaj (1785-1800 AD) this palace was built. It has fine and sound construction with 14 squares. At the center is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani. I the square courts  (darbar) was held formerly. Near to hall there is a body-built statue to commemorate Shahu Maharaj. As memory of his hunting a stuffed tiger and buffalo are kept. All appears to be history in carnet.

This is an ancient building on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road. Being an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, fountain and wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. At separate distance there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Shivaji's life. There is zoo and a ground lake.

It is the witness of historical events during 750-850 A.D. Formerly this lake was an extensive mine of black stone. On the bank of this lake, stands "Sandhya Math", which was erected in the 12 th century. On another part, a tower was raised during 1877-1888, which enhances the beauty. Shalini Palace stands as the exquisite specimen of architecture.

The Panchganga River is considered scared and ghats and temples, including the Amba Bai or Mahalaxmi Temple to mother Goddess, stands on its banks.  It has 10th century foundations, a tall pyamidal tower added in the 18th and an impressive carved ceiling to pillared hall.

Standing on the sacred Panchganga river, the Amba Bai Temple (dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi) is a very important pilgrimage place.

This beautiful building houses a museum, which contains an armory, an art gallery and archaeological finds from Brahmapuri.

Panhala (977 metres), 19 kilometres northwest of Kolhapur, is where Rajah Bhoj II, Whose territory extended to the Mahadeo Hills north of Satara, had his fort. The fort is triangular with a seven kilometres wall with three gates around it. The Teen Darwaza (three Gates) leads to a central courtyard or ‘killing chamber’; the inner gate leads to the Guard Room. The Wagh Gate (partly ruined) adopts similar principles of defense. Inside, are vast granaries.

How to get there?

By Rail - Trains to Kolhapur arrive via Miraj. Enquiry, Phone 131, Reservation: Phone 654389. Mumbai (CST): Koyna Express 7308,0800.Mahalaxmi Express 7304

Accommodation

Aurangabad    Dadra & Nagar    Kolhapur    Lonavala & Khandala    Mahabaleshwar    Mumbai    Nasik    Pune   

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