Kolhapur: Wonderful Confluence of Craftsmanship

   Kolhapur should be called a wonderful confluence of crafts and delicious cuisine. Yes, Kolhapur is famous in the world for its natural beauty scriptures as well as slippers, jewelery and delicious delicacies. 

   Kolhapur is a beautiful and religious city situated in the south-west direction of Maharashtra, India. Kolhapur is particularly known and known for the goddess Mahalakshmi.

  Kolhapur, located about 400 km from Mumbai, is actually a district in Maharashtra. Kolhapur is a very popular tourist destination of global tourists due to its proximity to Mumbai. 

   The most important city of mythological, historical and religious terms, Kolhapur is specially known and recognized for Marathi art. Kolhapuri handicrafts in particular have a global reputation. Kolhapuri chappals have a special identity and fame in the world. The natural beauty, history, culture and spirituality of Kolhapur enchants tourists. 

   A long series of attractive and scenic spots exist in and around Kolhapur. Among them, especially the Mahalakshmi temple is very famous. Mahalakshmi Temple, Naya Mahal, Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Museum, Panhala Fort, Kashi Vishveshwara Temple, Jotiba Temple, Rancala Talab, Dajipur Sanctuary and Town Hall etc.

   Mahalakshmi Temple: Mahalakshmi Temple is in fact the pride and glory of Kolhapur. The beauty of the temple enchants tourists, visitors and devotees. 

  This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. Mahalakshmi is also known as Goddess Amba. The temple complex has Kashi Vishveshwara, Karthik Swami, Siddhivinayak, Mahasaraswati, Mahakali, Shri Dutta and Lord Shri Rama. 

  The Mahalakshmi temple was built by the Chalukya ruler Karan Dev in the 7th century. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, a 40 kg divine-grand statue of Goddess Mahalakshmi Pran is installed. According to mythological beliefs, Kolhasur, son of Keshi demon, ruled here in ancient times. Mahalakshmi killed the demon Kolhasur.

  Hence, this place is known for the demons Kolhasur and Goddess Mahalakshmi. The architecture of the temple is very visible and breathtaking.

   Naya Mahal: Naya Mahal is a divine grand mythological structure. This palace, built in the year 1884, is called Maharaj's new palace. The architecture of this magnificent palace is based on the aesthetics of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is a combination of Hindu architecture, Jain architecture and Rajwada style. 

   This palace of Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj is a wonderful and unique confluence of architecture. On the ground floor of the palace is a grand museum of ancient textiles, weapons and ornaments etc. It is known as Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj Museum. Many items of Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj are displayed in the museum.

  Panhala Fort: Panhala Fort is located at an altitude of 3127 feet above sea level. The natural beauty of the fort and surrounding is amazing and unique. The naming of the Panhala Fort is based on a tribal named Panna. This tribe ruled this fort. This fort was built in 1015 by Raja Bade.

  Kashi Vishveshwara Temple: The Kashi Vishveshwara Temple was constructed during the 7th century. There are two pools in this temple. They are known as Kashi and Manikarnika. There is a Mahalaxmi garden here. There is also an ancient cave. The cave has been aimed at meditation in ancient times.

  Jotiba Temple: Jotiba Temple is actually a picturesque and picturesque place surrounded by mountains in the north direction of Kolhapur. It is believed that this temple was built in 1730 by Nawajiswa. The architecture of the temple is ancient. 

  The four-armed statue of Jotiba is consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum. Jotiba is considered to be the reincarnation of Bhairav. Jotiba fought Ratnasur with Mahalakshmi. The whole area including the mountain is known and recognized as the demon Ratnasur.
   Rankaala Talab: Rankaala Talab is virtually the pride and glory of Kolhapur. In fact, it has a reputation as a beautiful lake. Tourists can enjoy water sports in Rankala. This lake was built by Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj.
   Dajipur Sanctuary: Dajipur Sanctuary is virtually the border area of ​​Kolhapur and Sindhudurg. Innumerable species of animal birds are found in this famous tourist area. The all-round natural beauty enchants tourists. The availability of medicinal plants makes the environment even more pleasant. Dajipur Sanctuary is nothing less than a paradise for adventure-loving tourists.
   Townhall: Townhall is a magnificent and scenic building situated in the heart of Kolhapur city. The Townhall building also houses a divine grand museum. The items brought from Brahmapuri are specially displayed in this museum. In these, especially ancient sculptures, artefacts, ancient coins, embroidered garments, swords and weapons etc. are displayed and displayed.

   All the necessary resources are available for the journey to Kolhapur. The nearest airport is Belgaum Airport. The distance from Belgaum Airport to Kolhapur is about 150 kilometers. The nearest railway station is Kolhapur Junction. Tourists can also visit Kolhapur by road.
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