Kolhapur is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maharashtra and is located on the banks of the Panchganga River. It was once a princely state of the Marathas and still boasts the remnants of the mighty rulers in the form of palaces and forts dotting this city. Among the many places to visit in Kolhapur, Mahalakshmi Temple, Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum, Jyotiba Temple, Rankala Lake are popular tourist attractions here. Apart from these sites, Kolhapur is famous for traditional necklace and other pieces of jewellery, Kolhapuri sandals, sarees, spices, jaggery and other things.
The best time to visit Kolhapur is from November to February as the temperatures here will be moderate and favourable for sightseeing. If you are planning a trip here, check out this list of 10 amazing places to visit in Kolhapur and include these in your itinerary.
10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Kolhapur
1 Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum
Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum or New Palace as it is famously called is a marvellous structure built in the year 1884. The Palace is an excellent example of Indian architecture and houses fine possessions of the Chhatrapathis of Kohlapur including games, garments, weapons, jewellery, and a grand display of stuffed tiger, lion, wild boar, black panther, Black Buck, and others. One of the top places to visit in Kolhapur, the New Palace gives you a glimpse of the Marathas who were one of the finest and fiercest rulers here.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Rs 18 per person
Also check Hotels near Shahu Maharaj Terminus Railway Station Kolhapur
2 Kalamba Lake
One of the most enchanting places to visit in Kolhapur, Kalamba Lake is a beautiful water body spread across an area of 63 acres. It is the major source of water to Kolhapur. A perfect destination to visit during a one-day trip Kolhapur, Kalamba Lake is also known for attracting innumerable migratory birds that flock here in the winters. The lake originates from Katyayani hills and flows towards the city.
3 Shri Mahalakshmi Temple
Shri Mahalakshmi Temple here tops the list of popular places to visit in Kolhapur. A stellar seventh-century temple built by the Chalukya rulers, Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is considered one of the 6 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is also called Ambabai Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The deity in this temple is established in the west direction, unlike other Hindu temples where the deities either face north or east direction. The temple is also famous for Kirnotsav or the festival of Sun Rays where the sun rays fall directly on the idol in January, February and November.
- Timings: 5:0 AM to 11:00 AM; 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM;
- Entry Fees: None
4 Rankala Lake
The scenic Rankala Lake is another important site in the list of top places to visit in Kolhapur. It is believed that the lake was formed after a massive earthquake hit the area in the ninth century, which lead to the water filling into a stone quarry present in this location. Rankala Lake is now a great tourist spot surrounded by well-maintained gardens, pathway and shops that people love to visit and spend time enjoying the view or indulge in boating, horse riding and other activities.
Also check Hotels near New Palace Kolhapur
5 Jyotiba Temple
Among the many tourist places in Kolhapur, Jyotiba Temple is another must-see location here. The temple lies right in the heart of the city and is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba. Jyotiba Temple is always laden with colours as the devotees here offer gulal, a pink colour powder as a token to the deity. The temple is situated at a height of 3124 feet above the sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Ideally, this temple is visited after paying a visit to the Mahalakshmi Temple.
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Entry Fee: None
6 Bhavani Mandap
Located on the west of the Mahalakshmi Temple, Bhavani Mandap is a historical building and one of the important places to visit in Kolhapur. It houses the massive statue of Kolhapur’s beloved prince – Shahu Maharaj – apart from stuffed animals hunted by him, and a wooden throne believed to have been used by Shivaji Maharaj. Bhavani Mandap offers a complete recollection of the glorious Marathas and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Kolhapur.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
7 Binkhambi Ganesh Temple
Listed amongst the best places to visit in Kolhapur district, Binkhambi Ganesh temple is another important religious site, located close to Mahalakshmi Temple. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and has a unique architecture. None of the pillars in this temple supports its roof, making it an awe-inspiring site to visit. Both local and other devotees flock to this temple to pay their obeisance to the Lord and seek his blessings. The temple is situated right in the middle of the market place and offers great shopping and eating options.
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
8 Dream World Water Park
Dream World Water Park tops the list of Kolhapur’s famous places and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting this city. The water park has several water rides and promises unlimited fun to tourists of all age groups. Sky Magic Vortex is a major highlight in this water park along with Dragon rides, tube tunnel ride, body slides and others. These rides are a huge hit among youngsters who love to feel the adrenaline rush trying them.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Starting from Rs 500 per person
Also check Hotels near Kolhapur Bus Stand
9 DYP City Mall
Whether a one day trip to Kolhapur or a longer travel plan, visiting the enchanting DYP City Mall is a must for every tourist. Undeniably one of the most fun places to visit in Kolhapur, the DYP City Mall offers several options for all kinds of tourists right from shopping for cosmetics, fancy footwear, apparels to enjoying dainty food from innumerable eateries. It is also considered one of the best malls in Kolhapur as it is replete with all major brand outlets.
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Entry Fees: None
10 Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
Also called the Kaneri Math, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum is a sculpture museum located in Kaneri, Kolhapur. One of the best places to visit in Kolhapur within 100kms, Kaneri Math perfectly depicts the rural life of the villagers with beautifully carved wax and cement structures. Along with rural locales, the museum also houses a majestic Shiva temple in its premises. The museum is constructed on 7 acres of land and showcases the self-sufficient villages of Maharashtra that flourished before Mughal invasion. Indeed, it is a great destination to add to the Kolhapur sightseeing itinerary as one can enjoy and learn about the rural life of Marathis.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Rs 120 per person
That’s all folks! Here’s the complete list of 10 amazing places to visit in Kolhapur. For a perfect and safe stays, book Treebo hotels in Kolhapur.
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January 24, 2021
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