The Kolhapur city is perfectly situated on the banks of the Pachanga River which is a very beautiful destination in Maharashtra famous for its religious and historical sites. This ancient city is finding a lot of relevance in the Bhagwat Purana along with other historical books due to the presence of religious sites. Along with a good number of temples, this place also comes with water parks, lakes, and museums which makes it worth visiting. So, the following are some of the best places to visit after booking your room in 5-star hotel in Kolhapur:
1. Shree Mahalakshmi Temple – A Divine Pilgrimage Site
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of Kolhapur. Believed to grant wishes and bring spiritual fulfillment, this temple holds deep religious significance, attracting thousands of devotees each year.
Dating back to 780 AD, the temple features a 3-foot-tall black stone idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi, adorned with precious gemstones. A rare architectural aspect of this temple is that it faces west instead of the traditional east, a unique characteristic in Hindu temple design.
Visiting this temple is not just a religious experience but also a journey into history, devotion, and spiritual enlightenment, making it a must-visit destination in Kolhapur City.
2. Temblabai Temple – A Sacred Place of Devotion
This is another very beautiful place that you need to visit in the city of Kolhapur which has been dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi who is believed to be the sister of Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Interestingly, ideas of both of the goddesses in the respective temples are facing in opposite directions. Interesting festivals are also celebrated in this place which makes it worth visiting. The scale of festivals is very high over here, especially during the Navratri season.
3. Bhavani Mandap – A Historical & Religious Landmark
This is one of the most beautiful places that you need to take into account for visiting the city of Kolhapur because this is also dedicated to the younger sister of Goddess Mahalakshmi who was invited as a guest to Kolhapur.
Many people believe that the idol over here is worshipped by Shivaji Maharaj and this place is very important for religious reasons along with the historical perspective. The life-size statue of Shahu Maharaj is also present on the display over here along with the wooden throne that is covered with stuffed animals like deer and panther.
4. The New Palace in Kolhapur – A Glimpse into Royalty
This is one of the most beautiful places to be considered in the Kolhapur city because this has been alleged to Shri Chhatrapati Shahu for being the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. This is located on the ground floor of the palace and the museum provides people with a glimpse into the life of the Royals of Kolhapur through the impressive display of jewelry, coins, weapons, and paintings.
In addition to the photo gallery Darbar Hall present over here provides people with easy accessibility to the best of the carvings which makes it worth visiting for the history lovers.
5. Jyotiba Temple – A Sacred Jyotirlinga Shrine
Situated at 3,124 feet above sea level, Jyotiba Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, built in 1730 AD. This temple is deeply revered, and visiting during the annual fair enhances the spiritual experience.
According to legends, this temple holds great mythological and religious significance, making it an essential stop for devotees and travelers alike.
6. Rankala Lake – A Serene Escape in Kolhapur City
Another beautiful gem of the Kolhapur city is this place so that you can perfectly relax with your friends and family. This is a very beautiful place that comes with a beautiful resemblance to the Marine Drive due to the presence of food vendors and the pathway of strolling along with gardens and horse-riding facilities.
Many people believe that this place was constructed by Maharaja Shri Chhatrapati of Kolhapur and many people also believe that lake was naturally formed when the stone query got submerged by the underground water after the earthquake. This place also had a temple that got submerged at the center of the lake and probably this is the main reason behind the name of this place.
This is a very popular place to visit so that you can spend the best time with your friends and family.
7. Kopeshwar Temple – An Architectural Marvel
This is one of the most important religious places to be taken into account and has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place comes with a temple that is of conical shape sanctum and was built on the banks of river Krishna in the 12th century.
The stone temple is considered to be an architectural wonder in itself because of the beautiful carvings and stunning sculptures that were great to be achieved at that time. During the Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, many sculptures on the lower part of the walls were damaged but planning a visit to this place is worth it from the historical perspective.
8. Vishalgad Fort – A Stronghold of History
Perched at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, Vishalgad Fort is a historically significant fortress in Kolhapur City. Originally built in 1058 AD, the fort was initially known as Khilgil before being renamed Vishalgad after passing through the reigns of multiple dynasties.
What makes Vishalgad truly remarkable is its natural defense system—surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged mountain terrain, it is nearly inaccessible except through the main entrance. This strategic positioning made it an impenetrable stronghold in its time, adding to its rich historical significance.
For history enthusiasts and adventure seekers, a visit to Vishalgad Fort offers stunning landscapes, historical intrigue, and a glimpse into the region’s glorious past.
9. Dream World Water Park – A Fun-Filled Getaway
For a fun-filled family experience, a visit to Dream World Water Park in Kolhapur is highly recommended. This exciting destination offers a perfect escape for kids and adults alike, with thrilling water rides, relaxing pools, and plenty of recreational activities. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and create unforgettable memories during your trip.
To make the most of your Kolhapur getaway, ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay by booking a room at a 5-star hotel in Kolhapur city. A well-planned stay enhances your travel experience, allowing you to explore the Kolhapur city’s historical landmarks, religious sites, and natural attractions with ease.
