Kolhapur

nearby attractions
Panhala Fort
Built in 1100 A.C.. Historic memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hill Station. Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. The history of Panhala Fort is one of the oldest, and famous amongst Maratha warriors. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate. An average temperature of 25 *C.It is a must place to visit, while in kolhapur. A 45 minute journey, accompanied by beautiful landscape , a trip to Panhala will surely be a memorable one!
Jyotiba temple
Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the mountains, also known as Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A colorful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh. During the fair, Devotees from various regions hoist "Sasan Kathi", which is the holy symbol of lord Jyotiba. Jyotiba lies 17 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.
Narsobawadi
This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas slippers of Dattaguru an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru who lived here for 12 years. Recently, all the devotees have erected a temple called "Jahaz Mandir", which is unique in its own way, because it has been built in the shape of a ship with beautiful landscape. Narsobachiwadi is famour for Basundi, Kundhi Pedas, Kawatchi Barfi's.
Bahubali
This site is revered by both Hindus and Jains. Devotees flock here to pay respect to the 28 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 tirthankaras or saints. This site is 27 km to the south of Kolhapur.
Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
A unique project, perhaps the only project in India situated at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, Tal. Karveer, Dist. Kolhapur. The place is near Kolhapur city on Pune Banglore Highway. Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math has a history of more than 1000 years, and is a holy place of worship of Lord Mahadeva. The surrounding around the museum is very calm and quiet, a hilly place with a good collection of Flora and Fauna.

The project is a dream village of Mahatma Gandhi, visually and symbolically created through the vision and efforts of present 27th Mathadhipati H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji.

The main objective of the Project is to refresh the history of self sufficient village life before the invasion of Mughals in Maharashtra. There were 12 BALUTEDARS 12 main profession based casts i.e. Professions performed by generation by family members and 18 ALUTEDARS, who provided equipments to all villagers useful in their day-to-day necessities of domestic as well as Agricultural life.

These Balutedars, Alutedars and others had a special characteristics with which they served society. The description of all 18 Alutedars, 12 balutedars and other people and there duties are vividly depicted in the museum.

The first phase of the museum spans over 7 Acres of area with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme which Swamiji very keenly arranged each and every scene to make a proper visual story. In the total cluster the village demonstrate a self sufficient machinery within village. Barter economy, Interpersonal healthy happy relationship among villagers is reflected. The Museum projects the entire village as a single family, and as single family members in a joint family. No adulteration, no cut thought practice, no mad Rat Race, No pollution, but Caring, and delightful atmosphere, no bitter feeling, but fertile land, clean water, clean air, quality food, maximum use of natural resources, cattle field, livestock, job satisfaction. All these things are reflecting the beauty, Joy, satisfaction of human race and oneness with nature. It advises us to get back to nature, without disturbing the equilibrium of nature and many other things which are beyond our imagination.

Gaganbawda
A hill station about 2-3 hours from CBSCentral Bus Stand, Kolhapur and Kolhapur Railway Station. Excellent climate during the rainy season.
Gagangiri Maharaj Math
Temple at Gaganbawda. Gagangiri Maharaj was a Great Yogi. One of the few living sages having Unique Capacities, Vision and Synthesis. Gagangiri Maharaj Math is renowned as a spiritual destination for domestic and foreign travelers. The Math is located in the midst of dense forests and thick green vegetation at Dajipur nearby Kolhapur. Shri Gagangiri Maharaj was a Hindu Sanyasi Sage following the Nath Sampradaya.The life and history of the sage tells that Gagangiri Maharaj spent many years in this Math undergoing penance from 1932 to 1940. The Sage spent all these years in meditation in the deep jungle in this Math. This Ashram offers the Hindu teachings, yoga and meditation practices and also serves as a religious temple for the devotees. It is an attractive place for meditation, yoga and to clearly understand the Indian culture and its religious importance.
Khidrapur
A famous and beautiful Lord Shiva Temple built 900 years ago. 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 forest area of dajipur is situated on the border of kolhapur and sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded little place is completely cut off from human habitat. Home to bison, wild deer, gava bison, and many more spectacular wild animals & birds. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. There is a scenic resort near the backwaters of Radhanagari dam which is highly recommended for wildlife lovers. Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1200 meters above sea level. It is about 80 km away from Kolhapur. Radhanagari to Dajipur distance is 30 km.
Ramling
Radhanagari Dam
About 15-20 km from CBS and Railway Station.
Amboli
Beautiful Rainy hill station, lot of clouds and Beautiful waterfall.