If you want to know about the religious pride of Maharashtra, you should know about Kolhapur. Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchganga. Kolhapur is also called as the city of gardens and palaces. It is historic place nestled in the tranquil laps of Sahyadri Mountains. The focus of the city is the Mahalaxmi temple of Kolhapur. The culture of the place is a blend of Arts, aristocracy, graciousness, combined with education, modernization and spiritualism.

The city of Kolhapur was founded by Chhatrapati Tarabai. It flourished under the rule of Shahu Maharaj and Rajaram maharaj who laid the foundation of the modern Kolhapur. Kolhapur is known as Dakshin Kashi and is one of the most prosperous places in western Maharashtra. Millions come here on a pilgrimage to visit the Ambabai temple also famously called Mahalaxmi temple of Kolhapur.

Kolhapur has incredible archeological and cultural heritage. There are magnificent temples in Kolhapur, monuments, forts and lakes in Kolhapur.

Shree Chhatrapati Shahu museum is housed in the new palace building. It has on display the costumes, weapons, games, jwellery, embroidery. It also has on display the silver saddles of an elephant and other interesting things like guns, trophies and clothes of the royal family.

Bhavani Mandap is a historical building and houses the controversial idol of Tulja Bhavani. It is supposed to be the same idol, which was rescued from Tuljapur during Aurangazeb’s siege. The mandap is the center of many celebrations and the place has a wide courtyard. The architecture of the place is nostalgic and reminds you of the grandeur of the British Raj.

Shalini Palace was built in 1930 and is named after the Prince, Shrimant Shalini Raje of Kolhapur. The palace is on the banks of a beautiful lake Rankala. The palace is surrounded by palm trees and the lush greenery makes the place look magical. The Palace is built of black carved stones and Italian marble. There are rich decorative wooden doorways fitted in eitches Belgium glass having a crest of Maharaja of Kolhapur.

There are many temples in Kolhapur. Jyotiba temple lies on a hillock near Kolhapur. It is a important religious place of the people in Maharashtra. Nrusinhawadi temple has an important Dattatreya temple at the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchganga. The temple was built by a muslim king Adilshah of Bijapur.

Tembalai or the Tryamboli temple and Katyani temple are other religious places in Kolhapur. There are various places like the Rankala Lake and Kalamba Lake where you can enjoy a beautiful walk.

There are many forts in Kolhapur, like Vishal Gad, Panhala, Rangana, Samangad. Kolhapur is world famous for its foot ware called as the Kolhapuri chhappals. Kolhapuri Saaz is a special necklace from Kolhapur. Putli haar, Mohanmal, Bormal, etc are other ornaments especially from Kolhapur.