Quite often one wonders what is the need to travel? If you ask the true travelers, they will have one common answer – to explore the various wonders, both manmade and natural, that are too stunning to miss out in life.
Strolling around the uncommercialized towns, engaging in a conversation with the locals, capturing the beauty of all the masterpieces that cover that land can certainly turn out to be an experience to cherish. One such uncommercialized town sitting somewhere in the southern side of the country is Kolhapur.
This town is sitting on the banks of River Panchganga and is known for many things. One of those are the various attractions that can be visited here. In that spirit, here are a few of the stunning tourist places in Kolhapur that one should definitely visit, especially if it’s their first time!
Top 7 Tourist Places In Kolhapur
From lakes to temples, from sanctuaries to forts, there are plenty of places to visit in Kolhapur. This town is perhaps for both the nature and architecture lovers. Here are the top places that you should not miss out on when visiting this town. P.S. Do not forget to try out their cuisine that is certainly to die for!
1. New Palace
2. Panhala Fort
3. Rankala Lake
4. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Kopeshwar Temple
6. Mahalaxmi Temple
7. Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
1. New Palace
Image Credits: Kumbhar Pranav for Wikimedia Commons
Also famous as Maharaja’s Palace, New Palace is an architectural marvel that can be seen adorning a mix of styles including Rajwada, Rajasthani, and Gujarati. Constructed in 1884 in a black polished stone, this Palace was once a residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. For all those who wish to get an insight into the history of the town should surely pay a visit to the museum that can be seen on the ground floor of this palace. There are various artifacts and other belongings that once belonged to the king.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Location: New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416003
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2. Panhala Fort
Image Credits: Avinashisonline for Wikimedia Commons
Famous for being the largest fort in the entire Deccan region, Panhala Fort is among the best places to visit in Kolhapur. Exhibiting the panoramic views of the green landscapes, this fort adorns around 7 kilometers of fortifications that leave one in awe. The double-walled gigantic gates showcase the architectural styles from the centuries old era and acts as a magnet for all the architecture lovers out there. From Marathas to Mughals, one can witness the motifs from varied dynasties that have ruled over this fort!
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6:30 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Panhala, Maharashtra 416201
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3. Rankala Lake
Image Credits: Amol Bakshi for Wikimedia Commons
Serenity exudes from its every nook and that is what makes it tops the list of Kolhapur points of interest. Home to a stash of natural bounty, Rankala Lake might be man-made but offers a tranquil experience that is truly unmatchable. Built under the command of Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, this lake offers two ghats named Rajghat and Marathaghat. The best time to stroll around the lake, capture its beauty, and embrace the charm is during the golden hours. There are several food stalls located near the lake that one should definitely relish.
Entry Fee: None
Timings: Opens at 9:30 am
Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
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4. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credits: I_Love_Bull_Terriers for NeedPix
There is no dearth of tourist places in Kolhapur for any kind of traveler. Be it an architecture aficionado or a nature lover, there is something for everyone. For all those who wish to witness the wild side of Kolhapur, add Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary to your bucket list. This sanctuary was once the hunting ground of the king who reigned over this town back in the day. Declared as a sanctuary in 1985, this natural reserve is truly marvelous. From leopards to tigers, from lush jungles to a variety of flowers, there is an extensive number of creatures to witness here!
Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Location: Dajipur, Olavan, Maharashtra 416212
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5. Kopeshwar Temple
Image Credits: Sneha Jog for Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kopeshwar Temple is another one of the Kolhapur famous places that first timers must cover. This beautifully located temple attracts several hundred devotees all year round. Kopeshwar is not only famed for the essence of spirituality that is spread all around but also the stunning architecture that it exhibits. The intricate work on its walls and the billars, and the rock cut temple architecture truly makes one marvel at the structure.
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 5 am to 9 pm
Location: Khidrapur, Maharashtra 416108
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6. Mahalaxmi Temple
Image Credits: Lovelitjadhav for Wikimedia Commons
Constructed in the 7th century under the command of rulers from Chalukya dynasty, Mahalaxmi Temple is among the top tourist places in Kolhapur. This temple is one of the six houses of the Goddess of Power or ‘Shakti’. It is in this temple that one can attain the salvation and fulfillment of desires. This pilgrimage spot is among the significant ones for the Hindus in this country. Pay a visit to the temple if you wish to seek solace and embrace serenity that exudes from here.
Entry Fee: None
Timings: Opens at 5:30 am
Location: Mahadwar Road, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012
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7. Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credits: Sachin Kaveesha Fernando for Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the tourist places in Kolhapur for the animal and nature lovers is Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The major highlight of this spot in this town is that it is a man-made forest that is well-protected and well-preserved. The wildlife that can be seen residing in this 11 square kms long sanctuary is also introduced artificially in this region. But unlike other zoos, the animals here are set free to roam around and reside at their own will. The rich species of flora and fauna in this destination makes it one of the top tourist destinations.
Entry Fee: NA
Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Sagareshwar Deer Park, Tupari, Maharashtra 415313
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With no dearth of tourist places in Kolhapur, this quaint town leaves no stone unturned to offer you the best of experience. Be it capturing the beauty of the palaces, strolling around the forts, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, there is plenty to do here. So, the next time you plan a trip to Maharashtra, you know what to add on your bucket list!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Kolhapur
What are some top tourist places in Kolhapur?
Some of the major tourist attractions that one should explore in Kolhapur are New Palace, Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort, Kopeshwar Temple, and Mahalaxmi Temple. What is Kolhapur famous for?
There are many things that Kolhapur is famous for including jaggery, chappals, necklaces aka Saaj, and wrestling! The food in this town is another one of the popular things to try here. What is famous to eat in Kolhapur?
There are two extremely famous dishes that one should surely try out in this destination namely ‘Tambda- pandhara rassa’ aka mutton curries (both red and white) as well as ‘Kolhapuri Misal’. What can I buy in Kolhapur?
A few souvenirs that one can carry for the family back home includes cotton textiles, leather footwear, sarees, and lots of great jewelry on a budget! Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in Kolhapur?
Yes there are wildlife sanctuaries in Kolhapur with the top two sanctuaries being Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary.
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A pastry-chef turned writer, Srishti has a knack for traveling to various corners of the country and penning them down in the most justifiable manner possible. When she’s not writing you can find her petting mountain dogs and not eating cottage cheese!
