Places to Visit
It’s time to start your Kolhapur visit.
Discover the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Kolhapur as you embark on an unforgettable journey through its historic temples, bustling markets, and scenic landscapes. Known for its iconic Mahalaxmi Temple, delicious cuisine, and renowned Kolhapuri footwear, this city offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re here for the art, the history, or the food, Kolhapur promises a unique and immersive experience that will leave you enchanted.
Ambabai Temple
The Shri Ambabai Temple of Kolhapur, also known as the Mahalakshmi Temple, is one of the most famous ancient temples of India. The temple belongs, architecturally, to the Kannada Chalukya empire, and may have been first built circa 700 AD. It is one of the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra.
Rankala Lake
Rankala Lake is a picturesque lake in the heart of Kolhapur. Sandhya Math was built on the banks of this lake. Towards the north side of this lake there is “Shalini Palace” and towards north-east, “Padmaraje Gardens” makes the scene of this lake enchanting.
New Palace
New Palace, also known as the Maharaja’s Palace, was constructed in 1877–1884. Its architecture offers the visitors a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style. The Chhatrapati Shahu Museum in the palace is also worth a visit.
Kopeshwar Temple
Kopeshwar Temple, Khidrapur, is a masterpiece of Chalukyan temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is built on the banks of River Krishna. The shrine boasts of beautiful architecture with various intricate carvings on the interior and exterior walls.
Panhala Fort
The Panhala Fort lies 20 km away from the main city of Kolhapur. The Indo-Islamic style fort is famously known for being residences to the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji ; and the Queen Regent of Kolhapur, Tarabai. This place is not only a must-visit for the people who love exploring historic locations but also for those who love to trek. The sight from atop the hill on which the Panhala fort stands is also a spectacular one.
Jyotiba Temple
Jyotiba Temple is a holy Hindu shrinenear Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur. The temple is named after holy deity Jyotiba (Dattatreya), who is an incarnation of Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha) and Jamadagni. The temple is situated at a height of 3124 feet above sea level and is dedicated to Jyotiba (Dattatreya)
Siddhagiri Math
Siddhagiri Math has a history going back more than 1300 years and is one of the most important religious and tourist places in Kolhapur. It has is a sculpture museum spread over 7 acres.
Kumbhoj
Kumbhoj is the name of an ancient city located in Kolhapur. A mammoth 28 feet tall, monolith statue of Bahubali stands two kilometers away from Kumbhoj City. According to mythology, an ascetic saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived here almost 250 years ago. This site has been named as Kumbhoj Bahubali in memory of this great Saint. This is a famous Jain pilgrimage centre and believed to be an Atishaya Kshetra – place of miracles.
Rankala Lake
Rankala Lake is a picturesque lake in the heart of Kolhapur. Sandhya Math was built on the banks of this lake. Towards the north side of this lake there is “Shalini Palace” and towards north-east, “Padmaraje Gardens” makes the scene of this lake enchanting.
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary and natural World Heritage Site of category ix and x since 2012, located in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra State, India. It lies at the southern end of the Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats.