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Kolhapur is a blend of ancient tradition and modern influences. The city is on the banks of River Panchganga and reflects a rich heritage along with a growing industrial sector. In 1945, excavations on the Brahmagiri hill in Kolhapur revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman era. One of the most important cities of Maharashtra, Kolhapur had different dynasties ruling it in the past, but it was under the rule of the Marathas that it became a cultural hub with an active drama, music, painting and craft scene. The city is also dotted with temples built by the Satavahna kings. Of late, Kolhapur has become a prominent centre for the Marathi film industry. Sightseeing Highlights:

About Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a blend of ancient tradition and modern influences. The city is on the banks of River Panchganga and reflects a rich heritage along with a growing industrial sector. In 1945, excavations on the Brahmagiri hill in Kolhapur revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman era. One of the most important cities of Maharashtra, Kolhapur had different dynasties ruling it in the past, but it was under the rule of the Marathas that it became a cultural hub with an active drama, music, painting and craft scene. The city is also dotted with temples built by the Satavahna kings. Of late, Kolhapur has become a prominent centre for the Marathi film industry. 

 

Sightseeing Highlights:

 

The most noteworthy attraction of Kolhapur is the New Palace or Chhatrapati Museum surrounded by a large park. The museum was designed by Charles Mant in 1881 in Indo-Saracenic style and has an impressive marquee with filigree work in stone. It houses rare paintings and artefacts owned by the royal family. Other displays are weapons, swords and guns, including a sword belonging to Aurangzeb.

 

The Mahalaxmi Temple is the most visited temple in the city and is close to the Old Palace . Built in 7^th century AD by Chalukya kings, the ancient temple has beautiful carvings and sculptures. It also hosts classical music concerts and festivals. Town Hall Museum features antiquities found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, including sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings. Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is another famous temple of the city. It gets its name from the fact that it does not have any pillars.

 

Around Kolhapur :

 

Panhala, 18 km away from the city is a hill station with an interesting hill fort built by Raja Bhoj II in 1192. Rankala Lake offers nice picnic spots. The city is also a base to visit the Dajipur Bison Sanctuary near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam.

 

Other Activities:

 

Kolhapur is famous for its leather chappals or Kolhapuris as they are often referred to. Silver jewellery is another specialty of this city, made at the close by town of Hupri . The city is also famous for wrestling and large numbers of people come here to see wrestling matches at the akhadas.

 

Kolhapuri cuisine is rich and spicy and the delicious Kolhapuri mutton is a must-try at the local eateries. It gets its taste from a famous produce of the region - the Kolhapuri chilli, which could also be an item in your shopping list.