Kolhapur - the city of rich cultural ethos. Review on Kolhapur

Kolhapuris my home town. I used to visit this city during my summer vacation with my family.It was during my Post Graduation that I happened to explore the city more.

Kolhapur is a beautiful city, situated in the south west corner of Maharashtra. Kolhapur was ruled by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. He extended his patronage to theatre, films, music, painting, sculpture, wrestling and crafts. With its historical past today the city is modern and industrialized.

The major tourist attractions are:

Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai Temple: Millions of pilgrims from all over India come to take the blessings of the goddess. “Palkhi”a ritual is performed on every Friday. On Chaitra Poornima and Navaratri, the temple also holds music concerts wherein renowned artistes perform.

The New Palace (Chhatrapati Shahu Museum): A royal palace partly converted into an unforgettable museum, the New Palace has lush green parks, a zoo and a picturesque lake to soothe tired souls.

Town Hall Museum: Antiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed here.

Rankala Lake: This wide and spacious lake is so called because at its center lies the temple of Rankabhairav. Legend has it that a golden temple is submerged under the temple of Rankabhairav. This is the hot place of every Kolhapurite.

Panhala: The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.The best time to visit Panhala is monsoons with greenery all around.

Shopping

Kolhapur is famous for Kolhapuri chappals and Kolhapuri Saaz. One should always pick these on their visit to the city. Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are the best places to shop.

Hotels and Resturants

Kolhapur is famous for its spicy hot food and almost all preparations are cooked with Sankeshwari or Lavangi chillies. Local delicacies include Kolhapuri mutton/chicken, misal (a mixture of cooked pulses), pandhara rassa(mutton gravy) and the very famous rajabhau bhelat Bhavani Mandap.

The Best hotels in Kolhapur are Hotel Victor Palace, Panchshil(veg), Pearl, Vrushali,Rayson and Yatri Nivas.

Colleges

Shivaji University founded by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and offers a variety of courses in art, literature, science and commerce. It is spread over four districts viz. Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur. It is also well known for Biotechnology and environmental studies in Maharastra.

Some of the best colleges for studies are:

New Commerce College,Vivekanand College,Chh. Shahu Central Institute of Business Education and Research,D Y Patil College of Engineering,KIT’s Institute of Mgt. Education and Research.

Best Hang Out places

Castle, Way Inn, Pasta and Hindustan Bakery in Rajarampuri. Tarabai park

Venus Corner near CSIBER college,Shivaji University...

I would like you all to visit this city once ………