India is a vast country with many options available for tourism as each place has its history, heritage, cuisine, and culture which makes it unique. Today in this episode we are going to talk about Kolhapur, which is considered a special place for history lovers, which is located 230 km from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the ancient princely states which boasts of a rich heritage of Maratha times. Kolhapur is a city in Maharashtra known for its tourist places as well as its handicrafts, especially Kolhapuri chappals. Every year thousands of Indian and foreign tourists come to visit here. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about some famous places in Kolhapur which become tourist attractions. So let's know about these places...

Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, Naya Mahal, Kolhapur
If you are a history lover and interested to know about the royal lifestyle of Kolhapur then there can be no better place to start your visit to the famous tourist place of Kolhapur than Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum. The New Palace, located on the Bhawani Mandap-Kasba Bawda Road in Kolhapur, was constructed in 1877–84 and has been the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The ground floor of the palace has now been converted into a museum, which houses artifacts from the time when the king ruled. The beautiful palace built in black polished stone has achieved amazing architectural achievement and remains the center of attraction for the tourists visiting here.

Ramteerth Waterfall, Kolhapur
Descending on the banks of the Hiranyakeshi River in Ajara Taluka of Kolhapur, Ramatirtha Falls is a natural waterfall popular for its incomparable calmness and beauty. This place, including the main tourist spot of Kolhapur, is mostly used for picnics and spending time in solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you also want to spend time in solitude with your family, friends, or your lover away from your daily busy life and the crowd of the city, then you can go to visit Ramteerth Waterfall. There are also many temples in this area which are thronged by pilgrims all the time.

Sagareshwar Deer Sanctuary, Kolhapur
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area in Kolhapur district which is a man-made forest. Spread over an area of about 11 square kilometers, the sanctuary also houses wildlife artificially introduced into the amphitheater. The sanctuary boasts of a rich flora and fauna which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kolhapur and hosts thousands of tourists every year.

Panhala Fort, Kolhapur
It is a famous tourist place in Kolhapur situated at a distance of about 20 km from Kolhapur. Let us tell you that this fort has to keep its place as the largest fort in India, while it also has the distinction of being the largest fort in the Deccan region. Overlooking the green slopes of the Sahyadris, the fort has three double-walled gateways along with about 7 kilometers of fortifications. The Panhala Fort, built by Raja Bhoj in the late 12th century, consists of parapets, ramparts, and bastions that have been styled with the motifs of the various dynasties that later ruled the fort. If you come on a visit to Panhala Fort in Kolhapur, you can estimate its historical importance by seeing this fort, as well as enjoying the panoramic views from Sahyadri. Apart from these, you can also enjoy trekking to reach the fort.

Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Kolhapur
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Kolhapur for wildlife and nature lovers. Whenever you come to Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary on your journey, you will be able to see various wildlife species like bison, leopard, tiger, sloth bear, and deer along with natural scenery. The Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, which was the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. It is also known as Bison Sanctuary, as this place is most popular for Indian Bison or Gaur. If you are also searching for the best places to visit in Kolhapur, then this sanctuary is the perfect place where you can enjoy your trip with your family or friends.

Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
One of the famous temples of Kolhapur, Mahalakshmi Temple is a major pilgrimage center dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Let us tell you that Mahalakshmi is also known as Goddess Ambabai, which remains the center of faith for the local people as well as the devotees coming from different parts. For this reason, the temple has the status of one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. This temple is about 5 km away from the city's railway station and central bus depot. It is located on the river, so the temple can be easily reached. Near the temple, there is another temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. The Mahalakshmi temple was built by the Chalukya rulers in the 7th century and is one of the six abodes of 'Shakti' (the goddess of power).

Jyotiba Temple Kolhapur
"Jyotiba Mandir" located in the heart of the city is one of the famous temples of Kolhapur. The temple is colored with gulal or color as it is offered to the deity as a symbol of honesty. It is believed that after visiting the Mahalakshmi temple, one should visit this temple. The temple is situated at a height of 3124 feet from the ground from where you can also see the breathtaking views of the city. Jyotiba Temple is one such place in Kolhapur where the tourists visiting come to feel the divinity and calmness.

Siddhagiri Museum, Kolhapur
Looking for interesting sightseeing places in Kolhapur? Kaneri's Siddhagiri Village Life Museum is the right pick for you. The Siddhagiri Museum known as Kaneri Matha is located inside the Sri Kshetra Siddhagiri Matha and houses a beautiful Shiva temple. In this museum, you can see wax and cement sculptures that depict the life of a villager whenever you come here. The entire museum is spread over 7 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery and countryside from all corners which makes it one of the famous tourist places of Kolhapur.

(PC: Lifeberrys)