Kolhapur is a city in Maharashtra known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top tourist destinations near Kolhapur.
Mahalaxmi Temple:
The ancient Mahalaxmi Temple is a major attraction in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi and attracts devotees from all over India. The temple is believed to have been built during the 7th century by the Chalukya dynasty, and has undergone several renovations over the years. The main idol of the goddess is made of black stone and is adorned with gold jewelry and a sacred thread. The architecture of the temple is a blend of various styles, including Chalukya, Hoysala, and Maratha. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The annual chariot festival, held in the month of February or March, is a major event and is attended by a large number of people. The Mahalaxmi Temple is also known for its rich history and cultural significance, and is considered to be one of the most important temples in Maharashtra. It is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Kolhapur. Read More
Rankala Lake:
Rankala Lake in Kolhapur is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green gardens. The lake is perfect for boating and has several stalls that sell delicious street food. It is situated at the base of the 300-year-old Rankala Tower and covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by lush green gardens, jogging tracks, hotels, restaurants, and temples, making it an ideal place for a family outing. The lake is also known for its beautiful sunsets, bird watching, and boating facilities. One of the main attractions of Rankala Lake is the annual Ganesh Visarjan ceremony, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Rankala Lake is a must-visit Tourist destinations near kolhapur, offering breathtaking views of nature and a serene atmosphere.
Panhala Fort:
Panhala Fort is a magnificent hill-top fort located near Kolhapur. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is a popular trekking and camping spot. Panhala Fort is a historical fort situated in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. It is located on the Sahyadri mountain range and is considered as one of the largest forts in the Deccan region. The fort was built in the 12th century by the Shilahara dynasty and was later occupied by various rulers including the Bahamani Sultanate and the Maratha empire. The fort covers an area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers and is surrounded by lush green forests. It houses many important structures such as the Sajja Kothi, Ambabai Temple, Teen Darwaza, and Andhar Bavadi. The fort also offers scenic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Panhala Fort is known for its rich history and has witnessed many battles and conquests over the years. It is also a popular Tourist destinations near kolhapur and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The fort is easily accessible by road and is around 20 kilometers from Kolhapur city.
Jyotiba Temple:
Jyotiba Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Jyotiba. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The temple is a major tourist attraction and attracts devotees from all over the country. The main temple is an ancient structure and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. The deity is worshipped as a warrior god and is believed to have helped the Maratha ruler Shivaji in his battles. The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities. There are small stalls selling offerings and souvenirs near the temple entrance. The best time to visit Jyotiba Temple is during the festival of Navratri, which is celebrated in October. During this time, the temple is decorated with lights and thousands of devotees gather here to offer their prayers. Jyotiba Temple is a must-visit destination for those interested in Hindu mythology and history.
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary / Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary:
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, which is adjacent to the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range and covers an area of about 120 sq km. The sanctuary was established in 1985 with the aim of protecting the biodiversity of the region, especially the Indian bison (also known as gaur), which is the flagship species of the sanctuary. Apart from the Indian bison, the sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife such as leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar deer, barking deer, giant squirrel, and a variety of bird species. The sanctuary is also known for its scenic beauty, with lush green forests, waterfalls, and streams. Visitors can enjoy a safari ride in the sanctuary to spot the wildlife, or go on a trek to explore the forest trails. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is active. The sanctuary also has accommodation facilities for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Read More
Gaganbawada:
Gaganbawada is a beautiful hill station located near Kolhapur. It is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and offers several trekking and camping opportunities. The town is known for its beautiful hills, lush green forests, and scenic landscapes. It is also famous for its waterfall, Gagangiri Maharaj Math, and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Narsobawadi:
Narsobawadi is a spiritual destination located near Kolhapur. It is famous for the Shri Dattatreya Temple, which is the main attraction of Narsobawadi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The temple is situated on the confluence of the Krishna and Panchganga rivers, which makes it a popular pilgrimage site. The temple is also known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Apart from the temple, Narsobawadi is also known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by hills and forests, which makes it an ideal destination for trekking and camping. The Krishna river also offers opportunities for water sports like rafting and kayaking. Narsobawadi is a perfect destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
New Palace Museum:
The New Palace Museum in Kolhapur is a major attraction for history buffs. The palace is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and houses several artefacts and exhibits from the Maratha empire.
Radhanagari Dam:
Radhanagari Dam is a scenic picnic spot located near Kolhapur. The dam offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is perfect for a day outing. Radhanagari Dam is a earthfill dam situated on the Bhogawati River near the town of Radhanagari in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. The dam was built in 1935 by the British during their colonial rule of India. It stands at a height of 69 meters and has a capacity of 22.5 million cubic meters. The dam is one of the major sources of water for the nearby towns and villages in the region. It also supplies water for irrigation in the surrounding agricultural areas. The Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, is located in the vicinity of the dam.
Bhudargad Fort:
Bhudargad Fort is a historic fort located near the town of Bhudargad in the district of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The fort is situated at an altitude of 2,472 feet above sea level and is known for its unique octagonal shape. The Bhudargad Fort was built in the 12th century by the Yadavas of Devagiri. In the 16th century, the fort came under the control of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. It remained under their control until 1659 when it was captured by Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was then renovated and modified to strengthen its defenses.
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