India is a very vast country with many options available for tourism because every place has its history, heritage, food, 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. Located 230 kilometers away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the ancient princely states that boasts of a rich heritage from the time of Marathas. Kolhapur is a city in Maharashtra that is known for its tourist places as well as its handicrafts, especially Kolhapuri slippers. 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 Chatrapati 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 than Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum to start your trip to the famous tourist place of Kolhapur. The New Palace, located on the Bhawani Mandap-Kasba Bawda Road in Kolhapur, was constructed in 1877–84 and was 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 which remains the center of attraction for the tourists visiting here.

Ramtirth Waterfall, Kolhapur
Descending on the banks of river Hiranyakeshi in Azara taluka of Kolhapur, Ramatirtha Falls is a natural waterfall popular for its unmatched tranquility and beauty. This place, included in the major tourist places 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 hustle and bustle of the city, then you can visit Ramtirtha Waterfall. There are also many temples in this area which are frequented 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 approximately 11 square kilometers, the sanctuary also houses wildlife artificially introduced into the amphitheater. The sanctuary boasts of a rich flora and fauna making 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 located at a distance of about 20 km from Kolhapur. Let us tell you that this fort has its place among the largest forts of 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 about 7 kilometers of fortifications as well as three double-walled gate gates. The entire section of the Panhala Fort, built by Raja Bhoj in the late 12th century, consists of parapets, ramparts, and bastions which are later styled with motifs of the various dynasties that ruled the fort. If you visit Panhala Fort during your trip to Kolhapur, then by seeing this fort you can estimate its historical importance and also enjoy the picturesque 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 in Kolhapur to visit for wildlife and nature lovers. Whenever you visit Dajipur Vanyaji if you come to the sanctuary, you will be able to see various wildlife species like bison, leopard, tiger, sloth bear, and deer along with natural views. Let us tell you that Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary was the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kolhapur which was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. It is also known as the Bison Sanctuary, as this place is most popular for the 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
Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the famous temples of Kolhapur, is a major pilgrimage site 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 located at a distance of about 5 km from the city's railway station and central bus depot, hence the temple can be easily reached. Near the temple, there is another temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. Mahalakshmi Temple was built by the Chalukya rulers in the 7th century and is one of the six abodes of 'Shakti' (Goddess of Power).

Jyotiba Temple Kolhapur
“Jyotiba Temple” 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 sincerity. It is believed that after visiting 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 a place in Kolhapur where tourists come to feel the divinity and calmness.

Siddhagiri Museum, Kolhapur
Looking for interesting places to visit in Kolhapur? Kaneri's Siddhgiri Village Life Museum is the right pick for you. Siddhagiri Museum, known as Kaneri Matha, is located inside the Sri Kshetra Siddhagiri Matha and has a beautiful Shiva temple. Whenever you come here, to this museum, you can see wax and cement sculptures that depict the life of a villager. 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)