Kolhapur Tourism (2021) - Maharashtra > Top Places, Travel Guide

"The Spice Capital of Maharashtra"

Kolhapur Tourism

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra. Situated 230 kilometres away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the princely states and boasts of a rich legacy dating back to the times of the Marathas. Presently, Kolhapur is known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces that are sold worldwide.

Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhasur - a demon who was slain by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The famous Mahalakshmi temple is situated here in the honour of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Kolhapuri chappals, Kolhapuri jewellery and Kolhapuri cuisine are famous all over India. It is a tourist-friendly destination, having no problem in commuting to accommodation and food.

On the auspicious occasion of Naag Panchami, Kolhapur is at its enchanting best. Thousands of people worship live snakes by offering milk and rice. Another cultural festival that Kolhapur is known for is the Rankala Mahotsav, organized by the municipal corporation. It is a great time to witness the rich culture and traditions of this region. This five-day event is packed with live performances, musical concerts, exhibition and gastronomic delights.

Places To Visit In Kolhapur

Panhala Fort

Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Gaganbawada

Ramtirth Waterfall

Sagareshwar Deer Sanctuary

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Top Hotels In Kolhapur

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur

8.5 (451 reviews)

$ 52 onwards

Treebo Trend Balaji Residency

8.1 (422 reviews)

$ 24 onwards

Chandralok 007

8.1 (141 reviews)

$ 23 onwards

Hotel 3 Leaves

8.0 (124 reviews)

$ 33 onwards

Hotel Madhuri Executive

7.8 (97 reviews)

$ 20 onwards

Hotel Vrishali Executive

7.8 (74 reviews)

$ 35 onwards

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Kolhapuri Handicraft

Kolhapur is well known for its handicraft, particularly the Kolhapuri Chappals. Known for its simple styles, quality of leather and design, different artisans all over the district make these Chappals. Apart from these, Kolhapur Jewelry and Kolhapuri Sarees are also very popular. Be sure to buy some when you visit!

Culture of Kolhapur

The historic city of Kolhapur is an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions, chief population including Marathas, followed by that of Brahmins, Gujratis, Buddhists, Sindhis and Muslims. It has a thriving tourism industry. Sugarcane and jaggery are produced in large amounts and supports the economy. Other prominent industries include textiles, metals and mining. Kolhapuri Chappals is yet another exceptional product of the city, which are handcrafted buffalo hide slippers and are world famous. Wrestling is the most important sport in the area, popularly known as Kolhapuri Kusti. Another feather in the cap is the world-renowned Lavani dance form. A whole lot of festivals are celebrated in Kolhapur, the most popular of which is Diwali. “Tambda and Pandhar Rassa” (Red and White Curry) and Kolhapuri Mutton are the most popular dishes, close next being missal pav.

History of Kolhapur

The history of Kolhapur dates back to the Hindu mythology. It is mentioned in the final and key chapter of Devi Gita- the Hindu mythological book. It was earlier called “Kolhasur” bearing the name of the demon who was fought and killed by Goddess Mahalaxmi. The city was ruled by many Indian dynasties including- the Ydavas, Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas. Howbeit, the city mostly prospered under the rule of the Marathas when it became a cultural hub for various arts, music, dances and sports. Later, it was annexed by the British during the 19th century and after the independence of India was merged with the Bombay State.

Shopping

Kolhapur offers a variety of shopping options to the tourists. Kolhapuri Chappals are world renowned for their unique style and grace. Made from buffalo hide, they are an all-time favourite footwear for the Indians. While Shetkari Bazaar is the cheapest for this purchase, almost all markets in the city are lined with their speciality. Another famous product of Kolhapur is its sarees, which bring out the rich ethnic look of its culture. Jaggery or more popularly known as gud, is loved particularly for its authentic taste and rich flavours. Saaj is another unique type of neck-piece with fine intricate designs. It’s a traditional Maharashtrian jewellery and a perfect memorabilia for anyone. It would be highly recommended to pack some of the amazing Kolhapuri spices on your way back. They bring out the most amazing flavours in anything from a sauce to a gravy!

Restaurants and Local Food in Kolhapur

This place is known for it's spicy food of curries and fries. Dominated by Maharashtrian style of cooking, the cuisine here is popular everywhere as 'Kolhapuri Cuisine'.

Especially famous for its non-vegetarian food - Tambada rassa(red curry) and Pandara rassa(white curry) are the epitome of Indian curries.

Misal - a spicy gravy of potatoes, peas and other sprouts, finds its origin here. The authentic Misal, famous all over Maharashtra can only be found here.

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Suggested Itinerary for Kolhapur

A 3-day trip is the least you can plan to spend in Kolhapur, anything less and you'll miss out something important. Ideally, choose 3 places to see in a day so that you can cover all of them in peace and at ease.
Day 1- You can start your trip by a visit to the famous Mahalakshmi Temple in the morning and if you start early you have just enough time to visit the Bhavani temple nearby. From here, you can drive to Panhala which takes roughly about 6 hours and explore the Panhala fort. Have a Kolhapuri lunch on the way to Panhala. After coming back to Kolhapur, spend the evening at the Rankala Lake and enjoy the delicious street food at the Chowpatty.
Day 2- Visit the Jyotiba temple and take a stroll down history at the New Palace Museum. There is a place called Gurhal where pure jaggery is made from scratch. A family owns the place since years and allows people to watch the process and even offers to taste fresh sugarcane juice and jaggery and also buy some.
Day 3- Visit the Binkhambi Ganesh Temple in the morning and then proceed to the Temlabai Temple on the Temlabai hills. The evening can be spent shopping at the local bazaars for Kolhapuri Chappals, jewellery, spices and unique cloth materials.

Best Time to Visit Kolhapur

Commuting within Kolhapur

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FAQs on Kolhapur

What is famous about Kolhapur?

An abundance of souvenirs in the form of handicraft items such as Kolhapuri jewellery and chappal. The locals are very friendly.

What is not so good about Kolhapur?

Kolhapur has become a crowded place recently. The city centre can be very crowded during the peak hours with traffic jams.

Who should visit Kolhapur?

Kolhapur is a great place for those who are fond of arts and crafts and is a popular getaway for people living in and around Maharashtra.

What is the best time to visit Kolhapur?

The summers here are excruciatingly hot, hence it is advisable to avoid the months between March-May. The months between June and February are the best time to visit.
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What is the local food in Kolhapur?

What is the best way to reach Kolhapur?

Being a popular travel destination, it can be easily accessed by road and rail. It has its own railway station named "Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj" which is well connected with all the major towns. It lies on NH4, thus being well connected by roads.
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What are the things to do in Kolhapur?

The top things to do in Kolhapur are Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace), Shopping in Kolhapur, Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir, Panhala Fort, Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary. You can see all the places to visit in Kolhapur here

What are the places near Kolhapur?

The top places near to Kolhapur are Goa which is 139 km from Kolhapur, Hampi which is located 281 km from Kolhapur, Mahabaleshwar which is located 150 km from Kolhapur, Gokarna which is located 238 km from Kolhapur, Panchgani which is located 144 km from Kolhapur

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Kolhapur Reviews

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Shashwat Kant 2 years ago

- While travelling during the holiday or festive seasons make sure to pre-book your stay to get the best deals.
- Kolhapuri cuisine tends to be generally spicy, ask the vendor to make the food less or medium spicy.

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