What to See in Kolhapur

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Kolhapur in Maharashtra is an excellent place to explore. It has places of historic importance, Religious places and other places of tourist attractions. Kolhapur has something to offer to each and every person. The climate of the place is very mediate and the location is very convenient.

There are many Religious places in Kolhapur. It is also called as Dakshin Kashi as it has high religious and spiritual importance. Goddess Mahalaxmi also popularly called as Ambabai is the local guardian deity of Kolhapur. There are many other temples in Kolhapur like the Jyotiba temple, Trayamboli temple, Kashi Vishveshwar temple, Bahubali temple, Katyani devi temple, Khidrapur temple, Kaneri Math and the Shankaracharya Math.

Jyotiba temple is an important tourist destination. As the legend goes, the deity is formed from the souls of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This was to kill the demon Ratnasur. Tourists and a number of devotees visit this temple and the trip to Kolhapur is not complete if you do not visit this temple.

There are a number of historical places in Kolhapur. All this is seen in the culture of the place. Kolhapur has a number of places that have amazing architecture. You can actually feel the presence of Shivaji Maharaja and the reforms of Shahu Maharaja in the city of Kolhapur. You can visit places like Panhala, Vishalgad, Shalini Palace, New Palace, Bhawani Mandap, Town hall to get a glimpse at the history of the place.

The Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur is the prime attraction of Kolhapur. It is believed that lord Vishnu resides in the form of Laxmi at Kolhapur. She took abode in the shrine after killing Kolhasura, the demon who tormented gods. The main image is about 3 feet in height and there are Shri Yantras carved on the walls of the temple. The Sanctum is designed in such a peculiar way, that the setting rays of the sun fall on the deity for 3 days in the month of Poush. It is called as Sanj Soorya Kiranotsav. The devotees and tourists all over throng the temple to see this miracle and celebrate it.

The new Palace and Sahu museum in Kolhapur are an excellent example of Royal architecture in Kolhapur. The building is a blend of Jain and Hindu influence architecture. There are many things like the Arms and armory, trophies, clothes etc that belong to the royal family. The Town hall museum has filigree work in sandalwood and ivory. There are rare coins, paintings and other important things found during the excavations at Brahmagiri.

There are many beautiful picnic spots in Kolhapur. Kolhapur is situated on the beautiful location, banks of Panchganga River. There are many lakes in Kolhapur which add to the natural beauty of the place. Rankala, Narsinhwadi, Kotiteertha and the ghats of Panchganga are the tourist places in Kolhapur.

Other places in Kolhapur include the Shivaji University, Jagary research station in Kolhapur. Dajipur Sanctuary in Kolhapur is very famous for its wildlife. There are exotic animals like Bison, wild deer, Chital, Antelopes, Bears and other wild animals. Dajipur wildlife sanctuary is also a home to exotic birds. Since the sanctuary is located near the backwaters of Radhanagri dam, the place is very famous for trekking.