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Some of the important tourist sites in Kolhapur are:
One of the major landmarks of Kolhapur the Maharaja’s palace was completed in 1881 and has now partly been converted into a museum called the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, which contains a collection of memorabilia from the days of the Maharaja, from guns to pig-sticking trophies to clothes.
Then there is the tourist attraction of Shalini Palace that was built in 1934, at the cost of 800,000 rupees by the Maharaja of Kolhapur for the Viceroy’s visit. It was known as the Rama Niwas Palace and was later renamed after Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur. Located on a lush green five-acre property, the palace is surrounded by towering palm trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Influenced by many styles of architecture, it can broadly be classified under the Indo-Saracenic style. The palace is built in intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. In 1987, the palace was converted into a hotel and the rich grandeur of the withering palace was restored.
The 7th century Mahalakshmi temple built by the Chalukya rulers is devoted to the Goddess Amba Bai. The carved ceiling, the columned mandapam and the sanctum sanctorum take one into an ethereal world. The 40 kg idol of the Goddess known as Swayambhu does not have a human figure.
The Binkhambi Ganesh temple of Lord Ganesh, the elephant god, is unique and famous for having no pillars. Apart from the devotees, the temple also attracts a lot of students of architecture who come here to study the unique structure.
A trip to Lake Rankala is a triple attraction; firstly, the scenic beauty of the palace; secondly, the Shalini Palace on its banks; and thirdly the Kotiteerth Temple devoted to Lord Shiva and locally known as Ranakbhairav. On a moonlit night, the reflection of the palace and the temple in the placid waters of the lake make for an enchanting outing.
The Kotiteerth Temple in the middle of the Lake Rankala is devoted to the incarnation of Lord Shiva called Ranakbhairav.
Kolhapur has given India many wrestling champions. At the wrestling ground here, one can see young and old and even children practicing and undertaking rigorous training for wrestling. The most popular Kushti Akhara resembles a large sand pit.
The Town Hall Museum built in 1872-76, houses pottery, bronze artefacts; old coins of the region and the antiques found in the Brahmagiri excavations.
So all set for the trip to Kolhapur? As an experienced travel agent for Kolhapur we can take care of your entire trip from tour planning, air booking, railway reservation to car rentals and hotel bookings.
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