Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a city on the banks of the Panchaganga River, in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. It’s known for its temples, like the ancient Mahalakshmi Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. The Bhavani Mandap is an imposing old palace with a small museum displaying stuffed wild animals. Close by, Rankala Lake is surrounded by gardens. The hilltop Jyotiba Temple complex is on the city's outskirts.

Kolhapur has many temples, but the Mahalaxmi Temple is the most well known amongst them. Your trip to Kolhapur is not complete if you have not visited this temple dedicated to the Goddess Mahalaxmi, the consort of Vishnu, and it is believed that the divine couple reside in the area around the temple.

Located at a distance of 48 kms from Kolhapur in Narsobawadi, Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir is a revered Hindu Temple dedicated to Narsinh Saraswati - an incarnation of Lord Shri Dattatreya. Built on the banks of river Krishna, the temple is a popular pilgrimage spot of the Hindus.

Situated at the Sawarkar Marg near Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is unique in the sense that not a single pillar supports its roof. It is built right in the middle of a market with a lot of shopping and food options.

Bhavani Mandap, Kolhapur:

Bhavani Mandap used to be the court and palace of Chhatrapati Maharaja in the yesteryears which has now been converted into a public monument and is an important site of heritage in the Kolhapur city. The palace houses sculpture of Shahu Maharaj, stuffed animals, wooden throne etc and is an famous sightseeing attraction in the city.

Chinmaya Ganadhish:

Located at a distance of 14 kms from Kolhapur in Maharashtra on the Pune- Bangalore Highway, Chinmaya Ganadhish is the tallest statue of Hindu God Ganesh in the entire world. The statue stands tall at a height of 61 feet placed on a base of 24 feet. It was inaugurated in 2001.

Temlabai Mandir:

The Temlabai temple is situated on the Temlabai Hill both of which derive their name from the Goddess Temlabai who according to mythology is the sister of Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is said that Temlabai fought alongside Mahalakshmi to eradicate all evils however after the war, Mahalakshmi didn't give her due credit. Furious, Temlabai left and lived in the hills which is now named after her. During the festival of Navtrati, The procession from Mahalakshmi temple goes to Temlabai Temple according to the legends this is the only day Mahalakshmi meets her sister Temlabai.

Botanical Gardens in Kolhapur:

Also known as Tabak Udyan, Botanical Gardens are situated inside Panhala Fort complex in Kolhapur. The gardens are popular for having an extensive variety of flora and fauna and are set in a foresty zone with marked trails for walking or cycling. You can also visit to spot rare birds visiting the place or to spend some time in solitude among beautiful natural setting.