Exploring history, heritage and spirituality in Kolhapur town

Kolhapur in Maharashtra is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. It is visited for two reasons - its scenic splendor and rich history. The town has scores of temples from the medieval era and hence it is also seen as a spiritual center in the region. Kolhapur also promotes craftsmanship and the Kolhapuri Chappals and necklaces are two prime examples of that. Since the town also has its own spices which are homegrown, the non veg cuisine here is said to be one of the best you would ever taste. This is not all about Kolhapur. It is a place that has been a hub for wrestling places and akhadas for long time in history and hence you would also find many training centers that teach wrestling to the enthusiasts. With so much to explore in a single city, Kolhapur definitely is the place to be on a holiday. You can have a pleasant stay here on Oyo rooms in Kolhapur, in which you get amenities like WiFi, breakfast and cable at a no additional cost. So, plan your holiday to Kolhapur this vacation and have a great time!

Here are some of the popular places to visit in Kolhapur:

Rankala Lake - It was built in 1800s as ordered by Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is considered among the oldest lakes of Maharashtra. It is a nice viewing point for sunset and sunrise. Horse ride and boating are two of the activities that are famous around this lake.

Panhala Fort - For those who have an interest in the history of the place, Panhala Fort is the place to visit. This modest fort known as Panhalgad is about 20 km away from Kolhapur. It was built in 1050. It has walls and sculptures which were designed in detail. Sajja Kothi, Teen Darwaza, Amber Khana, etc. are some of its attractions. It is a nice place offering quiet and scenic surroundings to the visitors.

Mahalakshmi Temple - Dedicated to Amba Devi, a local deity, this temple is a revered religious site among the people who live nearby. It was built by the Chalukyas in the 7th century. It has nice works of sculpture and carvings on its inner and outer surfaces. There are images of Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha as well.

Jyotiba Temple - This is another place of popular worship in the town of Kolhapur. It is about 16 km away from the center of the town. Lord Jyotiba is seen as an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in 1700s. Fairs are held around Jyotiba Temple twice every year on the occasions of full moon.

Chhatrapati Shahu Museum - It was built in 1883 and it is also known as the Palace of Maharajas. On the ground floor is the residence of the Royal family and the palace is decorated with jewels, carvings, sculptures, stones, and artifacts. The museum preserves weapons and clothes of Shivaji and the place holds a huge historic significance for Marathas.

Explore the town and its various attractions and enjoy a comfortable and reasonable stay in one of the Oyo rooms in Kolhapur during your vacation.

Pratima is a travel writer and loves to visit different places India. She is an avid traveler herself, and whenever she has the opportunity she flews to the destinations that she has listed in her travel log.