Steeped in history, both artistic and aristocratic, modern-day Kolhapur retains its aura of having seen this and done that, and wears her age gracefully, each line a testament to having lived a full life, taken the bad with the good, and accepted both with a rare grace.
Kolhapur, with its myriad images – cultural, historical, spiritual – has a multi-faceted persona. On the banks of river Panchaganga nestling among the Sahyadri ranges, Kolhapur straddles its industrialised modernity and its rich lineage with a panache few other cities can claim. Ruled by a plethora of rulers, each of whom brought its own cultural peculiarities to the city, Kolhapur benefitted from each emperors, assimilating the nuances and making them her own. The magnificent temples, for instance, were built during the glorious periods of the Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas. When the Marathas took over, she was gifted with impenetrable forts. After the British entered the pantheon of rulers, Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler, under whose reign a cultural renaissance pervaded the aristocratic atmosphere of the city, with patronage to theatre, films, music, painting, sculpture, wrestling and crafts. It is a city that stands as a manifestation of the chequered past of the Western region of India, practically a history lesson not to be missed!
Sights to See
Mahalaxmi Temple
An important pilgrim centre in India, this exquisitely carved temple complex has artistically sculpted structures and houses the temples of other deities apart from the goddess for whom it is named. The construction of this temple was commissioned in seventh century AD by Chalukya ruler, Karandev. The sanctum sanctorum houses the revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kg. The idol is not man made but natural, a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. This is known as Swayambhu.
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum)
A royal palace partly converted into an unforgettable museum, the New Palace has lush green parks, a zoo and a picturesque lake. The museum houses royal weapons, rare paintings and artifacts and recreates a tableau depicting the royal court.
The Town Hall Museum
Antiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed here.
The Old Palace
Located behind the temple of Mahalaxmi, this magnificent structure has an impressive marquee with filigree work in stone. It also houses a temple that does not have any pillars.
Rankala Lake
This wide lake is so called because at its centre lies the temple of Rankabhairav. Legend has it that a golden temple is submerged under the temple of Rankabhairav. The Shalini Palace stands on the west bank of the lake. It is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. Recently, the palace was converted into a hotel.
Excurions from Kolhapur
Panhala Fort
Panhala or Panhalgarh, about 19 km northwest of Kolhapur, is possibly the largest and most important fort of the Deccan region. Roughly triangular in shape, the hill fort stands at a height of about 850 metres. Half of its length is protected by a natural scarp reinforced by a parapet wall and the remaining half is surrounded by a strong stone wall strengthened with bastions. The fort had three magnificent double-walled gates, out of which two have survived. There are a number of ruined monuments in the fort, the most impressive among them being the three huge granaries. Panhala was the capital of the Shilahara king Bhoja II during 1178-1209 Ad. It was successively held by the Yadava and Bahamani Kings. In 1489 AD, the fort and the territory was taken over by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Shivaji seized the fort in 1659 AD. It was from here that Shivaji, when encircled by the forces of Siddi Johar, escaped one rainy night to Vishalgad. Today, Panhala is a sort of hill station and provides all the necessary facilities for tourists.
Vishalgad
This picturesque fort to the northwest of the city contains the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.
Saamaangad
This fort has inspiring fables woven around it. Situated in the Gadhinglaj taluka or district the fort has secret passages and strong bastions.
Bhudargad
To the south of Kolhapur, this fort is situated on a huge vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of the god Shiva.
Paargad
Surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque forest, the fort to the city’s south has exquisite bronze statues of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.
Narasimha Wadi
This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga about 45 km from Kolhapur. It is well known for the holy padukas or slippers of Dattaguru (an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru lived here for 12 years.
Giroli Tourist Park
Here’s an opportunity to catch a preening peacock in the act, and discover some exotic tropical flora and fauna. From here, you can then journey forward to Panhala, Jyotiba, Warnanagar and the carvings of Pohale.
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
The jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded little place is completely cut-off from human habitat. Home to bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild animals and birds.
Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1,200 metres above sea level. This scenic resort near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam is highly recommended for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Getting There
Kolhapur is well connected to the rest of the state and country.
By air
You can reach Kolhapur from Mumbai by a one-hour plane journey. Ujalaiwadi Airport is 10 km from the main city of Kolhapur.
By rail
It is a 10- to 11-hour journey from Mumbai or Bengaluru.
By road
Kolhapur can be reached easily from Mumbai, Pune and other places. There are regular State and private buses that ply between Kolhapur and Mumbai/Pune. Kolhapur is 395 km from Mumbai and 225 km from Pune.
Getting Around
There are quite a few car rental agencies in Kolhapur. Most of them charge quite a hefty sum. There are extra charges for distances beyond 250 km.