Thinking about a trip to Kolhapur? Here are the top tourist spots we recommend visiting.

 Kolhapur is perhaps one of the oldest cities in Maharashtra, which was well-administered by various eminent empires, including the Satavahanas, the Shilaharas, and later the Marathas under Queen Tarabai and the most famous Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. The Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple, one of the ancient temples and monuments of Kolhapur, along with other alluring sites, has made Kolhapur a must-visit tourist city.  

The ancient Satara and Kolhapur Jain and Buddhist caves testify to the region’s tolerance, a characteristic that was practiced in the area. Auxiliary to Kolhapur’s ancient and rich culture is its modern, multi-faceted, and breathtaking scenic beauty. Let’s look at some of the most amazing places you can visit.

1 – Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple

According to the Karavira Mahatmya, Goddess Mahalakshmi is said to have slain the asura Kolhasura at Kolhapur and rested at the shrine’s place, which later became the temple. This temple is believed to have been built in the seventh century, with additional work done in the tenth century, and was actively worshipped thereafter during the Maratha rule.

She is worshipped in the form of an idol made of black stone and kept in the central shrine. The other two shrines, which flank the central one, enshrine the images of Maha Saraswathi and Mahakali. Above the main shrines, there is a floor with a Shiv linga and a Nandi, and stairs on the left of the shrine lead to the upper floor. The Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. It takes 15 minutes on foot and 2 kilometers from the railway station to reach Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple.

2 – Jyotiba Temple

Legends of Mahalakshmi Jayanti It is said that the Goddess Mahalakshmi stayed in Kolhapur and chose ‘Shakti’ out of the four to guard each of the four directions. The north-facing is dedicated to Jyothiba or Kedareshwar, formed by the incarnated part of Dattatreya. In 1730 Maharaja Ranoji Shinde of Gwalior empire restored the whole Temple. It houses the three old temples and shrines of Nandi, Mahadev, Goddess Chopdai, and Kalabhairav.

During the April-May Chaitra festival, thousands of devotees visit Jyothiba Mountain, and the atmosphere is absolutely festive, with both the vibrant chanting of prayers and a splash of color – pink gulal. The procession of Sasan Kathi is one of those significant events in the Chaitra festival. The Jyotiba temple is approximately 18 km away from the city of Kolhapur.

3 – Panhala Fort

The Panhala fort, claimed to be the largest fort in the Deccan, was constructed between 1178 and 1209 AD. Built as a marvel of architecture to demonstrate the military skills of past armies, the fort’s then Darwaza, or three gates, opened at angles that made it difficult for an attacking army to enter and get stuck in a maze.

There was a well through which lay a river; beyond it would carry secret messages from the fort to soldiers outside the citadel! Apparently, the Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji, stayed on the fort for more than a year. The Panhala Fort is approximately 20 km away from Kolhapur, and one can enjoy a pleasant view of the Sahyadri mountain ranges here.

4 – New Palace Museum

The New Palace, or Nava Rajawada, is the Palace of the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur and the present members of the old royal family. The Palace also has a museum on its ground floor, which consists of the following sections: the first is a pictorial tour through ancient culture and glory, the second section exhibits royal paraphernalia, arms, and armors of the medieval period, the third one is also a feast of beauty and the grace a society culture, fifth & sixth is a gallery of the Peer, Principle Store, rest also too costly tribes and lives.

Royal dresses, coins, armor, jewelry, and the sword of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb can be seen alongside the letters of British Generals. The Durbar Hall has been designed to recreate the old-world opulence of a royal court, and the photo gallery holds a treasure trove of incredible photographs; there’s also a multitude of trophies from royal hunts as well. Visit the lake and the small zoo on the palace grounds.

5 – Shri Kshetra Narasimha Wadi

Another name for this place is Narsobachi Wadi. This temple is located 30 Km away from Sangli. Enveloping thickets of Audumbar trees and the pure confluence of River Krishna and River Panchganga, the Mandir is a sight to behold.

According to the Guru Charitra, Swami Shri Narasimha Saraswathi lived along the Panchganga River for 12 years, and he left his padukas as he proceeded from that place. A devotee places the Padukas for worship under an Audumber tree and pays obeisance to the Padukas with the conviction that the wishes of the devotee would be definitely fulfilled. Shri Kshetra Naraimha temple is located on the bank of Panchganga River or Krishna River. It is located approximately 52 km from Kolhapur, and buses run between Kolhapur and Narasimhawadi.

6 – Siddhagiri Museum

Kaneri Math features the Siddhagiri Museum, an open-air museum showcasing life-sized wax figures of humans and creatures created over a hundred years ago. Some of the statues show scenes depicting rural life that is not possible for millennia. The museum spans seven acres and features nearly 350 figures of villagers and domesticated animals engaged in various daily activities.

The math also features a lavish temple of Shiva and a serene garden where one can get lost for hours. The Siddhagiri Gramjivan Sangrahalaya, or ‘Museum of Rural Life,’ is located at Kaneri, about four kilometers from the Bengaluru – Pune highway. The Math is roughly 13 kilometers from Kolhapur.

7 – Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir

Historic Temples: The Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir, also known as the Joshirao Ganpati Mandir, was constructed around 1882 and is one of the oldest and most important temples in Kolhapur. The sanctum (garbhagriha) of the temple is 9 ft (2.7 m) in length and breadth, with no pillars, and is believed to be cut out of a single stone. The temple is a small, tranquil space that always maintains a very peaceful atmosphere. It isn’t crowded at any time, allowing you to meditate and explore the temple peacefully.

For fairground fans, Ganati is one of the most beautifully decorated idols and is also thronged by many pilgrims during Ganesh Chaturthi preparations. It is a walking distance away from the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple and is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are a pilgrim or a student of architecture.

8 – Town Hall Museum

Town Hall Museum is an iconic landmark of Kolhapur that was built during the British time. It is a neo gothic edifice built, around 1872-76 by Charles Mant and became a museum in 1922, of sculptures he had collected from Nanded,from as early as the Satavahana and Shilahara Bahmani periods.

There are seven galleries that exhibit weapons, ancient coins, old sandalwood and ivory jewelry, paintings, sculptures and finely carved idols. Take a look at varying collections of artwork from famous artists and historical memorabilia donated by members of the community. The Town Hall Museum is open daily, but Monday between 10.30am – 5.30pm.

9 – Kopeshwar Temple

If you are interested in history and architecture, visit the Kopalwar temple. There is also the unprecedented Kopeshwar Temple to Shiva, constructed by the Shilahara King Gandraditya in the 12th century on the banks of the Krishna River , which recalls the highest form of fine art found in the region. The temple is divided into four sections, and notable structures include the cone-shaped domes with an aperture located on top of the Swarga Mandap, as well as the beautiful carvings etched on the outer walls.

Inscriptions on the outer and inner walls mention the two great battles fought in the area, between the Chalukyas and Cholas in 1058 CE and the Shilaharas and Yadavs in 1213 CE. Kopeshwar Mahadev Mandir is situated at Khidrapur, 60 km off Kolhapur.

Conclusion

Banao Yatra Easy is always trying to provide the best travel experience in Kolhapur in 2025. We have crafted a list of hidden gems of Kolhapur. You’re gonna love our list where you can find stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, hidden places etc. We hope our information will help you to get a memorable trip to Kolhapur.  Plan Your Trip With Banao Yatra Easy.