What is Kolhapur best known for?
Kolhapur is a lovely and charming city in Maharashtra, situated on the banks of river Panchganga. The city is quite popular for the range of religious and historical sites that the city possesses. Kolhapur is famed for its soup-like curries locally known as Pandhara Rassa and Tambda Rassa. Besides the religious sites, Kolhapur has plenty of heritage places, water parks and lakes. Also, the city is famous across the world for the unique kolhapuri sandals and sarees. It is the centre of the Marathi cinema in Maharashtra.
Kolhapur is also a major hub for art, education, industry and sports, wrestling being the most prominent sport.
Here are the best-known places in Kolhapur:
- Shri Mahalakshmi Temple: It is one of the Shakti Peethas dedicated to the goddess Mahalakshmi. The temple was built around 700 AD and has a 3 ft tall idol of the goddess.
- Temblai Temple: The temple is located on Temblai Hill and so is the name. It hosts idols of goddess Mahalakshmi and her sister Renukadevi, facing opposite to each other.
- Bhavani Mandap: Dedicated to goddess Tulja Bhavani, this is a religious place visited by devotees from all over India.
- New Palace Museum: The museum displays royal collections from the times of Shri Chhatrapati Shahu. There is a diverse display of jewellery, weapons, coins and paintings.
- Jyotiba Temple: Jyotiba Temple hosts one of the twelve jyotirlingas which were constructed in 1730. It is believed that the jyotirlinga is reincarnated as the trinity of gods, Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.
- Rankala Lake: Also known as Marine Drive of Kolhapur, Rankala Lake is a scenic place. It offers a variety of things to do from strolling along with the gardens to having lip-smacking street food.
- Kopeshwar Temple: In the 12th century, this temple was built on the banks of the Krishna river. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is an architectural marvel because of the intricate carvings and sculptures that adore the temple.
- Vishalgad: Built by Shilahara King Marsinh in 1058, Vishalgad was initially known as Khilgil. The fort is surrounded by steep cliffs and mountainous terrain, making it impossible to reach.
- Dream World Water Park: The Dream World Water Park is packed with fun-filled activities like speed rides, rain dance, artificial wave pool, dragon rides, and tube rides.
- Panhala Fort: Built at a height of 3177 above sea level, the fort is surrounded by the Sahyadri Range. The fort has undergone transformations with the changing rulers like Marathas, Mughal, Shivaji and Tarabai.
Airport in Kolhapur
Kolhapur Airport is also known as Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport. It is a regional airport in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
- Airport address: Kolhapur Airport, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- IATA code: KLH