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INTRODUCTION
Kolhapur is situated along the banks of the river Panchaganga to the east
of Sahyadri mountain ranges, and forms a part of the southwestern
Maharashtra. This city is surrounded from all
directions by rivers, to the east Krishna Ganiki, to the west Shiva and
Mayuri, the south Veda and Yaksha and to the north Krishna and Warana.
Kolhapur is also known as "The Varanasi Of The South".
It was the capital of the former Princely State - the Kolhapur branch of
the 'Chhatrapatis' - and seat of the British residency for the Deccan
States. Its antiquity is revealed by the Brahmapuri knoll overlooking the
Panchganga River and by the ancient artifacts and Roman coins discovered
there. It was an early center of Buddhism.
Impact Of Hinduism
However, the Hindu influence is strongly visible in its 9th century
Mahalakshmi temple. Other important places known for their specialization
in the district are: Ichalkaranji for hand and power looms, Hupari for
silver ornaments, and Kapshi for leather goods.
Narsinh Wadi, Wadi Ratnagiri, and Bahubali town are places of religious
importance. In 1945, archaeological excavations near a hill in Kolhapur
revealed the ruins of an ancient town dating back to the Roman
civilization.
People And Culture
The major religion - Hinduism is represented in Kolhapur, and this plays
a vital part in the daily lives of the population. The Hindu temples
provide a focus for social as well as a devotional life. Hinduism is a
product of several millennia of evolution and assimilation; Hinduism is
the major religion in Kolhapur.
Marathi is the mother tongue of Kolhapuri people. As Kolhapur is on the
border of Karnataka state, many people speak "Kannada" language
also. Today, Kolhapur is slowly becoming a cosmopolitan city and as a
result, different languages like Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, Konkani, etc.
are spoken in small pockets.
History
This history of Kolhapur can be roughly divided into three periods: Hindu
period upto 1300 AD, Muslim period from 1300 AD to 1700 AD and Maratha
period from 1700 AD onwards. The early Hindu period can be further divided
into rules by various dynasties, viz. Mauryas, Kadambs, Chalukyas,
Satwahans, Rashtrakuts, Devgiri Yadavs & Shilahars.
The city is believed to have flourished in art and trade during the
regime of Satwahan dynasty. Unfortunately, the city was devastated due to
earthquakes later in 8th century AD. The Rashtrakuts and Shilahars, who
re-established the city, did much of the subsequent restoration.
Archaeological excavations conducted in and around Kolhapur in the year
1945 (especially the Bramhapuri area), revealed the ruins of a prosperous
ancient township. Coins, Earthen Utensils, remains of houses built during
the regimes of Satwahans, Shilahars and Bahamanis were found.
Interestingly, a statue of Roman Poseidon was also found in this
excavation, thus bringing into light the advanced Trade relations of this
town with the European Romans.
Focussing on relatively recent history, during the British regime, Shri
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was crowned the King of Kolhapur in the year
1894. Historically, Kolhapur was capital of the former Princely State of
Kolhapur, which later on merged with India, after gaining independence in
1947 from the British rule. The Princely State, earlier was a stronghold
of the Hindu people known as Marathas. Even today, Kolhapur has abundant
examples of stunning Indo-British architectural masterpieces and its
Gardens attract many tourists.
Mahalaxmi
Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple located near Kolhapur is a famous spiritual centre of
Maharashtra. Over the years, members of several royal families have sought
the blessings of the goddess-Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai. This temple draws a
large number of devotees from all over the country.
The
New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum)
The New Palace in Kolhapur houses the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum- a weird
array of the former Maharaja's possessions, who recently died in 1983.
British architect Charles Mant designed the New Palace in 1881 in the
Indo-Sarcenic style.
The Town Hall Museum
Antiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, such as old
sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings
of master artists of the region are all displayed here.
The Old Palace/ Bhavani Mandap
The Old Palace is located behind the temple of Mahalaxmi, this
magnificent structure has an impressive marquee with filigree work in
stone. It also houses a temple of the goddess Bhawani. In 1813 the Muslim
King Sadat Khan invaded the palace and a part of it was burnt. It has fine
and sound construction with 14 squares but after the repairs only 7
squares survived.
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is another famous temple dedicated to Lord
Ganesh. Students of architecture will enjoy visiting this place, as this
is a unique temple, which does not have any pillars.
Rankala Lake
Rankala Lake is located at distance of half a kilometer from the famous
Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur with a circumference of 2.5 miles. This was
an extensive mine of black stone that has witnessed many historical
events. The earthquakes during 800-900 AD transformed the mine into big
holes where the underground water is collected.
Shalini Palace
Shalini palace standing on the West Bank of the picturesque Rankala Lake
was built in 1932-34. It is named after Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje of
Kolhapur. Towering Palm trees, lush greenery and lovely gardens surround
it. The Palace is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian
marble. Rich decorative wooden doorways fitted with etched Belgium glasses
bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur add to the regal grandeur.
The majestic black stone arches forming the verandah and the porch are
breathtakingly beautiful. Later on in 1987 it was converted into a hotel,
the only Palace hotel in Maharashtra.
Tryambuli Devi
The temple of Tryambuli Devi is located on a lofty hill to the east of
Karveer. There was a tank named 'Tarka Teertha' (also spelt as Tirtha)
near the temple, which is available to some extent even now and is called
"Takala". It is believed that the idol is self-created. The idol
has four hands and is made of black stone. The idol poses with back turned
to Mahalakshmi (also spelt as Mahalaxmi) Mandir. She is also called "Trayamali".
In every Ashadha the religious ceremony of pouring water on the steps of
the Mandir is celebrated on a grand scale.
Shankracharya Math
Shringeri is one of the 4 'Mathas' founded by Jagatguru Shankaracharya.
Shri Vidya Shankar Bharati, the ruling Shankarcharya founded this 'Math'
at Kolhapur in 13th Century AD. The rnain reason was the religious
importance Kolhapur had assumed then.
Panhala fort is located 18-km northwest to Kolhapur.
Although it has legendary connection with God Parashurama, this fort was
probably founded by King Raja Bhoja in the late 12th century. Carrying a
rich heritage, Panhala forms the largest of all the Deccan forts, built
between the 1178-1209 A.D, this is the only fort where the great ruler
himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than
500 days.
Vishalgad
Vishalgad is a picturesque fort located 76-km northwest of Kolhapur,
which is separated by a deep narrow river. Its vastness is big as per its
name Vishal. Steep cliffs separate it from adjoining land, making
difficult to enter except existing entrance. One can find only ruins of
old buildings. Today, the fort is known to people as a place of Malik
Raihan Dargah.
Bhudargad
Bhudargad fort is situated about 50-km south of Kolhapur, on a huge
vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a
distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of the god Shiva.
Paargad
Paargad fort lies to the south of Kolhapur, 28-km from Chandgad, which is
surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque forest, it also houses
bronze statues of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.
Narasimha Wadi
Narsobawadi is a small village located close to Kolhapur, which attracts
tourists in quite a large number. It is popularly know as "Narsobachi
Wadi". Narasimha Wadi has a great archaeological significance and is
situated at the confluence of river Krishna and PanchGanga.
Bahubali Of Kumbhojgiri
Bahubali hill temples are located 27-km south of Kolhapur on Bahubali
Hills, which are popularly known as "Kumbhojgiri". It is a
popular site revered by both Hindus and Jains. A Celibacy Resort was
established over here in 1935 and named after the sage Bahubali who
mediated here about 300 years before.
Khidrapur
The artistic temple of Kopeshwar or Mahadev at Khidrapur is a treasure
house of beautifully carved sculptures and a rare architectural marvel.
The entire temple rests on a Gajapeeth, which is a semi-circular platform
resting on the back of 92 carved elephants.
Dajipur
Bison Sanctuary
The Dajipur Bison Sanctuary is situated on the border of Kolhapur and
Sindhudurg districts near the backwaters of the Radhanagari dam. Rugged
mountains and thick forests abundant in wildlife surround this jungle
resort. The sanctuary is completely cut-off from human habitat.
Amba
Amba is situated about 65-km from Kolhapur, on the tip of the Western
Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery
and forested area around, Amba is as yet, not cluttered with tourists.
There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest
leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan
plateau.
Amboli
Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at
an altitude of 690m is the last mountain resort before the coastal
highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches. Visit numerous
viewpoints for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Sea
View Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan
coast. One can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic
at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and
different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10-km away from
Amboli. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.
Jotiba
Jotiba is a temple where one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is housed. This is
also other temple called Kedarnath and Wadi Ratnagiri over here. Jyotiba
temple is located to the north of Kolhapur, surrounded by green mountains.
Navajisaya built the original temple in 1730. It is 330' high from sea
level. The interior is ancient and the idol is four handed.
According to the legend Jotiba who belonged to the Nath cult helped
Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this
mountain. He was born in the hands of Vimalmbuja, the wife of the sage
Pougand, on Chaitra Shu. On Chaitra Poornima a big fair is held, when
lakhs of devotees come with tall ('Sasan') sticks. Due to scattering of
'Gulal' the whole mountain is turned pink.
Air: It is a one-hour journey from
Bombay to Kolhapur by
air. The Ujalaiwadi airport is 10-km away from Kolhapur Main City. One can
also travel from Kolhapur to the nearest Airport
Pune , which is
238-Km away.
Rail: Kolhapur has a railway station and it's an 11-hour journey
from Mumbai or Bangalore to Kolhapur.
Road: Kolhapur is about 450-km south of Mumbai and it's a ten to
eleven hour journey from Mumbai or Banglore to Kolhapur by road.
Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) has regular service in this
route with semi luxury and regular buses. Even private bus service is
available to reach here from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Solapur (also spelt as
Sholapur) and Bangalore.
Local Transport:
Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport along with the bus
service run by the municipal corporation. Taxis are available too, but not
that common.
Kolhapur is well equipped with excellent accommodation facilities in its hotels. Most of the Kolhapur hotels are centered around Station Road and the options vary from five star luxurious hotels to reasonable budget hotels and tourist lodges.
Kolhapur
is well known for its textiles and cottons, in particular Kolhapuri sarees
(also spelt as saris). But it is of course most famous for its jewelry and
leather sandals or Kolhapuri Chappals. One could easily get five pairs of
sandals for less than Rs. 500. The jewelry from Kolhapur is known to
dazzle the beholder and is beautifully crafted with delicate embossing and
workmanship.
Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are good places to shop. One can find a good
variety of Kolhapuri chappals and other leather goods on Bhausinji Road.
There are a few good buys around the bus station in the Rajarampuri area.
Shetkaari Bazaar is the cheapest place to shop and is popular amongst the
villagers from surrounding areas.
Shopping Speciality
Kolhapuri
Chappals (footwear)
The age old Leather and Footwear Industry in Kolhapur is a unique
identity of Kolhapur in India. Apart from exporting Leather raw material
in a big way, the traditional Chappals made here have a unique ethnic look
and have been equally popular in India and abroad. These Chappals are
still mainly prepared by hand, which helps them retain their unique
appearance. Places like Kapashi, Kurundwad and Airoli in Kolahpur district
have roughly 500-700 Small and Large scale Industries where these Chappals
are prepared.
Silver Jewelry Art
Another town, Hupri, which is situated just 16-km away from Kolhapur is a
place where people are skilled in the art of making Jewelry and Show items
out of Silver. This traditional business has expanded throughout the
Maharashtra State and notably through entire India, Nepal, Belgium,
Romania and America.
Banks:
State Bank of India
Udyamnagar Industrial Estate
| Temperature Range (Deg °c) | Maximum | Minimum |
| Summer: | 34° C | 24° C |
| Winter: | 27° C | 21° C |
| Rainfall: | 1,932 mm | |
| Clothing: | Light woolen required during November to February | |
| STD Code: | 0231 | |
| Population: | 406,370 (1991) | |
| Climate: | Tropical | |
Hupri: 16-km
Ujaliawadi: 10-km
Miraj: 48-km