In ancient times Kolhapur was associated with Shakti worship and still it has been as important center of the Tantric cult. On the banks of the river Panchaganga, the place is 225 km south of Pune and grew around the sacred site of the present day Mahalakshmi Temple. Other than this Kolhapur has another 250 temples former capital of Chhatrapatis ( descendants of Shivaji) Kolhapur later played an important role in the development of the so called Indo Saracenic style of British colonial architecture. The Rajwada or Old Palace is still occupied by members of the Chhatrapati family. Visitors can see the entrance hall by passing under a pillared porch, which extends out into the town square.

Wrestling ground is one of the famous thing to see in Kolhapur. Watch wrestling in the early morning, the main season is between June and September, Hindus and Muslim train together and it’s an absolute photographer’s delight.

The Maharaja’s New Palace was built in 1884, has a style fuses Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The present maharaj lives on the first floor while ground floor houses collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewelery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddle.

Sights And Activities

Mahalakshmi Mandir
Among the numerous temples in Kolhapur, Mahalakshmi temple is the most important, thought to have founded in the seventh century by the Chalukyans king Karnadeva. It is built from bluish black basalt on the plan of a cross with the image of the goddess Mahalakshmi beneath the eastern and largest of five domed towers. On Saturday evenings, the ornate carvings – the mandap, gopurams and little shops around are packed with people.

Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum
Built in 1881, the museum preserve some of the bizarre collections yet exciting one. The rare specimens of Chhatrapati family is stored in the New Palace. Visitors are allowed to see few rooms on the ground floor. The historical furniture, old photographs, letters from the British Government and an array of coffee tables and lamp stands made up of elephant’s feet and ostrich legs.

The Bahubali Of Kumbhojgiri
The place is located around 35 km from Kolhapur city, is an important pilgrimage center of Jains, also worshiped by Hindus. The temple complex is dedicated to sage Bahubali who is believed to have meditated here 300 years ago. There are around 34 temples inside the complex dedicated to Jain Tirthakars revered by both Swetambara and Digambara Jain sects. The main attraction is 28 ft tall white marble statue of Bahubali in the main temple.

Amba
The place is 64 km away from Kolhapur, an unexploited place for trekkers. Camping under a pristine sky surrounded by Western Ghats is something to cherish about. You will get a beautiful views of the Konkan Coast to the west and the Deccan Plateau to the east.