Wildlife , Treks, Waterfalls

Wildlife , Treks, & Waterfalls

Here are a few places that you can travel to, when in kolhapur, after your appetite has been satiated in the city itself.

Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary is located in between the areas of the major reservoirs viz. "Shahu Sagar" and "Laxmi sagar" in Kolhapur district. It covers an area 351.16-sq-km. The entire protected area is undulating with steep escarpments.

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary :
The forest area of dajipur is situated on the border of kolhapur and sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded little place is completely cut off from human habitat. Home to bison, wild deer, gava (bison), and many more spectacular wild animals & birds. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. There is a scenic resort near the backwaters of Radhanagari dam which is highly recommended for wildlife lovers.

Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1200 meters above sea level.
Getting there: Kolhapur, about 80 km away is the most convenient airport and railhead. It can be accessed by road as well. Radhanagari to Dajipur distance is 30 km.

Giroli Tourist Park:
Tropical flora and fauna, the wild cry of the peacock, the chirp of the forest birds and then a well-planned visit to Panhala, Jyotiba, Warnanagar and the carvings of Pohale, makes for a complete holiday experience.

Amba:
Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau. Within an hour's drive from Amba, you can reach Pawankhind & Vishalgad, both hallowed places in the history of the Marathas. After returning to Amba, you can drive towards Ratnagiri to visit Marleshwar, Ganpatipule, Pawas & many idyllic beaches in the Konkan.
Getting there: Amba is about 65 km from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.

Barkhi :
The Barkhi waterfall is a seasonal attraction in the monsoons. Located about 45 km drive from kolhapur city, it is huge breathtaking waterfall. You can also enjoy backwater reservoir nearby the waterfall. On your way to Gaganbawada, you can visit Palsamba, a serene place with fresh air akin to a natural oxygen bar, which you thirst for in towns..

Amboli waterfalls :
Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 km away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.

Ramtirth , Ajara :
A scenic picnic spot in Ajara taluka, with ancient temples, a river, an old coffee plantation and an orchard, lend a quaint charm to this place. According to legend, the place is so named because Rama stayed here during his vanvaas or exile in the forest. It is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Radhanagari Dam :
Radhanagari Dam is a century old dam built by the Kolhapur ruler Shahu Maharaj and is constructed across Bhogawati River. This dam is used primarily for hydro-electricity power generation and also for irrigation purposes.

The dam is located amidst scenic surroundings in the backdrop of thick forest covers. The dam has self-opening gates and is 100 years old. The dam site is a habitat for many birds flora and many visitors reach here to see the spectacular bird species.

Gokak Falls :
Real beauty of Kolhapur is seen in rainy season. The Gokak falls well known as Niagara Falls of India, is a must visit for adventure & nature lovers. Enjoy the thrilling ride on a swinging rope bridge there.

Hill Stations and Forts

Hill Stations and Forts

Panhala

Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. The history of Panhala Fort is one of the oldest, and famous amongst Maratha warriors. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

An average temperature of 25 *C.It is a must place to visit, while in kolhapur. A 45 minute journey, accompanied by beautiful landscape , a trip to Panhala will surely be a memorable one!

Gaganbawada

Gaganbawada the hill station untouched by commercial tourism, beautiful, misty blue & green throughout. The steep hills, valleys & gorgeous waterfalls that gurgles through them. Trekkers, Rock-Climbers & nature lovers can enjoy & explore its hidden treasure.

Ganganbawada is a hill station on the way to Sindhudurg district & Goa about 55 km away from Kolhapur. This is a very quite place which is 3000 ft. above sea level known as a CHERAPUNJI of Maharashatra as it has the highest recorded rainfall .It is also known as a spiritual place since Late Pujya Shri Gagangiri Maharaj spent most of his life meditating on the hill of Gagangad. An ashram is situated on the hill well known for its spirituality. Every year many devotees visit this ashram for meditation, and yoga.

The beauty of Gaganbawada is enhanced, in monsoon. A place worth visiting...!

Amboli
Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches.

Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 km away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.
Getting around: Taxis and rickshaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.
Weather: Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate -- a welcome respite in summer.

Getting there: Belgaum 64 km away, is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway. Mumbai is 549 km by road. Pune is 390 km. State Transport buses ply from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.

Mahabaleshwar (175 km from Kolhapur)
Placed in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Western India, and also one of the most popular. Mahabaleshwars religious and historical associations are not inconsiderable. It has two ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar from which the town takes its name and Atibaleshwar. Pratapgadh Fort, a stronghold of the Maratha leader Shivaji, is only a short drive away.

The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgadh Fort, 24 km away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries,blackberries,jams and jelly.

Amba- Pavankhind
A small hill station with salubrious climate popular with trekkers. Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau. Amba is about 65 km from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.

Vishalgad
The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort houses the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.
Getting there : Vishalgad is 76 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.

Sammaangad
This fort has inspiring fables woven around it. Situated in the Gadhinglaj taluka or district the fort has secret passages and strong bastions.

Bhudargad
This fort is situated on a huge vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of Lord Shiva.
Getting there: Located about 65 km south of Kolhapur

Paargad
Surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque forest, the fort has exquisite bronze statues of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.
Getting there: Paargad lies to the south of Kolhapur, 28 km from Chandgad.

Places of Pilgrimage

Places of Pilgrimage

Mahalakshmi temple
The puranas, have listed 108 sites where Shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested. Amongst these, the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance. This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area.

Mahalakshmi also known as Goddess Ambabai enjoys status of one of the important spiritual centers in India. Construction of the temple was initiated in 7th century by Chalukya rulers and further beautified by Yadavas till 9th Century AD. Garuda Mandap used for concerts by renowned artists was built in 1838 AD.

During Navratri Festival ,Temple is well decorated with lights & flowers and renowned musicians, Kirtankars, artists pay their homage by performing for goddess in front of public at large in temple.

Daily Routine in Mahalakshmi Mandir

The 'Aarati' ritual is most important. Daily at 5-30 a.m. when the Mandir is opened, Aarati is performed after the worship of the idol's feet This is called 'Kakadarati.' Devotional songs in 'Bhup-Rag' are recited at that time.

At 8-30 a.m. Mahapooja occurs followed by 'Mangalarati.' At 12-30 a.m., worship with fragrant flowers & Kumkum is done for the devotees camphor is burnt and 'Naivedya' (Rich dishes) is offered. If there is no Mahapooja from devotees, milk instead of Panchamrut (milk, curds, sugar, ghee & honey) is spilled on the feet followed by Aarati. This process continues till about 2 p. m. This is followed with a 'Pooja' where the goddess is offered ornaments. In the interiors of the Mandir, Vedic hymns are chanted. After 7-30 p.m., with ringing of bells, 'Aarati' is performed. This is called the 'Bhog -Aarati'. The ritual of "Abhishek Vidhi"is carried on throughout the day.

Jyotiba temple
Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the mountains, also known as Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A colorful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh. During the fair, Devotees from various regions hoist "Sasan Kathi", which is the holy symbol of lord Jyotiba.
Getting there: Jyotiba lies 17 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.

Temlabai Mandir

Temblai hill is a famous spot in Kolhapur. There is a temple of Goddess "Temlabai" and other small temple on this Hill. In every Ashadha the religious ceremony of pouring water on the steps of the Mandir is celebrated on a grand scale. There is a Yamai Mandir also on this hill. A statue of Shivaji Maharaj is raised by the Devasthan Committee. A huge Idol of "Ganpati" is situated at the center of the hill-top. A small garden is developed for visitors. Every year during the month of "Shravan" a one day celebration known as "Tryamboli Yatra" takes place. People from Kolhapur and all other regions visit this place during the yatra. During Navratra Utsav procession of "Mahalakshmi" is carried from Ambabai Temple to Temblabai Temple. It is said that Goddess "Temlabai" & Goddess "Mahalakshmi" are sisters. During the war against devils, Goddess "Temlabai" helped Goddess "Mahalakshmi" but after the victory Goddess "Mahalakshmi" did not give her the due respect which made Goddess "Temlabai" angry and thus she came and settled on Temblai Hill. Hence, this procession is carried during Navratri, where it is believed, that on this day Goddess Mahalakshmi meets Goddess Temlabai, and people worship her with all devotion.

Ramling, bahubali
This site is revered by both Hindus and Jains. Devotees flock here to pay respect to the 28 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 tirthankaras or saints.
Getting there : This site is 27 km to the south of Kolhapur.

Narsobachiwadi
This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas (slippers) of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru who lived here for 12 years. Recently, all the devotees have erected a temple called "Jahaz Mandir", which is unique in its own way, because it has been built in the shape of a ship with beautiful landscape. Narsobachiwadi is famour for Basundi, Kundhi Pedas, Kawatchi Barfi's.

Getting there: Narasimha Wadi is 45 km from Kolhapur.

Khidrapur
The artistic temple of Kopeshwar or Mahadev at Khidrapur is a treasure-house of beautifully carved sculptures and a rare architectural marvel. The entire temple rests on a gajapeeth which is a semi-circular platform resting on the back of 92 carved elephants.

Babujamal Darga
The only Islamic Tomb with Lord Ganesha engraved on the entrance arch.

Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir
The known history of the temple dates back to early nineteenth century. This temple has been renovated thoroughly in the late 1900s in order to accommodate the needs of the surging crowds of devotees that throng the temple during festive occasions. Located Near industrial heart of Udyamnagar, it is a must visit for Lord Ganesha Followers.

Gagangiri Maharaj
Gagangiri Maharaj was a Great Yogi. One of the few living sages having Unique Capacities, Vision and Synthesis. Gagangiri Maharaj Math is renowned as a spiritual destination for domestic and foreign travelers. The Math is located in the midst of dense forests and thick green vegetation at Dajipur nearby Kolhapur. Shri Gagangiri Maharaj was a Hindu Sanyasi (Sage) following the Nath Sampradaya.

The life and history of the sage tells that Gagangiri Maharaj spent many years in this Math undergoing penance from 1932 to 1940. The Sage spent all these years in meditation in the deep jungle in this Math. This Ashram offers the Hindu teachings, yoga and meditation practices and also serves as a religious temple for the devotees. It is an attractive place for meditation, yoga and to clearly understand the Indian culture and its religious importance.

Shankaracharya Math

Shringeri is one of the 4 'Mathas' founded by Jagatguru Shankaracharya at Kolhapur in 13 A. D., The main reason was the religious importance Kolhapur had acquired then. No wonder if the Swami thought that they should have their 'Math' at the great holy place of Mahalakshmi and which is considered as the 'Deccan Kashi.' 'Abhinawa Panchaganga teerwas, Kamala Niketan Karveer Simhasanathishwar Shri Vidya Shankar Bharati Swami' are the phrases forming the title of this chief. This clarifies that Panchaganga Bank & the Mahalakshmi temple were the attractions for Shankaracharya. It also accounts for Selection of site for the 'Math' on the Panchaganga Bank.

Another season can be told for the choice. 'Math' means burial ground. This cannot be forgotten. It is desirable that the 'Samadhi' (Tomb) should be on the bank of a river. So Shankaracharya chose this site.

Mutton dishes

Mutton dishes : Kolhapur is known for non-vegetarian meal. Tambada rassa and Pandhara rassa, dry and fried mutton, and mutton pickle .Even though eaten in the restaurant it's Maratha household flavor can be experienced. Kheema Balls Rice is also well known as a special dish as Golyachi Biryani.

Tambada Rassa is a mutton soup generally hot & spicy, red in colour , while Pandhara Rassa is Mutton soup prepared by using white coconut milk and hot spices without chilly.

Tambda & Pandhara Rassa are served along with the main course as accompaniments.
Kolhapuri mutton masala & Mutton sukke (dry) are tender pieces of lamb meat cooked in a traditional way with special kolhapuri chutneys & masalas.

Available at almost all restaurants , household eateries (khanavals) , mainly served in thalis .

Vegetarian delights : Vegetarian meal comprises of pithala and bhakari, leafy and sprouted vegetables with dahi (curd) or butter milk. Servings of the meal in traditional Marathi style proves that the goddess Annapurna ( Goddess for meal) has flavored Kolhapurians.

Available at almost all restaurants , household eateries (khanavals) , mainly served in thalis .

Kolhapuri Bhel : Tongue teasing , mouthwatering bhel is made from puffed rice & farsan & is a great evening time snack. Mostly served in roadside eateries also available near Keshavrao Bhosale Hall & Rankala Chowpaty.

In its real way the Kolhapuri cuisine is full of mouth watering delights. To name, Mutton Kheema, Fry Chicken, Chicken Green, Goli Pulaav, Misal Paav, Kat Vada, Zhunka Bhakari with Kharda / Thecha, Bharali Wangi, Masala Wangi, Basundi, etc.

misal

Kolhapuri Special Delicacies

Kolhapur is a foodie paradise. Kolhapuri food is world famous for its taste &Traditional Delicacies. Though it is being misrepresented as very spicy food worldwide, but the truth is that it is very less spicy, & the unique taste being due to the use of typical kolhapuri homemade masalas (spices mixture), & Onion Garlic chutney. So if you have to taste the real kolhapuri food, you have to travel to the lovely city of kolhapur, where People of Kolhapur love to show their hospitality by serving variety of kolhapuri dishes in their traditional “PAHUNCHAR’.

All stand alone restaurants to star category hotels in kolhapur serve all the traditional kolhapuri dishes & thalis. Misal Pav: The sumptuous and filling breakfast dish tastes like nowhere else in the country. Traditionally a mixture of boiled moth beans, potatoes, farsan, sev and kat, a spicy soup like gravy made with garam masala, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and dry and wet coconut. This fiery morning breakfast can get tourists going with its pungent flavors and tantalizing aromas always accompanied by bread(pav).

Available at almost all restaurants & breakfast joints.

Batata Wada Pav : The kolhapuri wada pav is as bigger sized batata wada served with typical bread slice with chutney & fried green chillies. It’s a simple preparation of potato sabzi balls dipped in gram flour batter & deep fried. The tempting smell of wadas cant leave you without having a bite of it.

Available at almost all restaurants & breakfast joints, roadside eateries.

10 Unique things to do while in kolhapur

10 Unique things to do while in kolhapur

1. A evening walk at Rankala Lake :
One of the famous tourist spot in kolhapur is rankala choupaty , wherein the evening walk is worth a memory. You can enjoy boating, Horse riding, Camel rides & Chowpaty food like bhel,pani puri, pav bhaji, batata wada, etc on the food stalls there.

2. A Visit to talim ( Wrestling Arena) :
Kolhapur is the home town for wrestling where you have variety of wrestling Aakhadas ( schools) , have a glimpse of kolhapuri Pailwans ( wrestlers) or you can even try your hand on it too. More than 40 wrestling arenas called as talims are functioning in the city.

3. Night Camping at Dajipur Forest :
A unique thing for wildlife lovers, Dajipur is a wildlife sanctuary having varieties of wild species like wild Boars, tusker elephants, Leopard, Tiger, bear, wolf, wild cats. Birds lovers can have a feast at the backwaters/ reservoirs of radhanagari dam.

4. Dinner at Domestic Eateries (Khanawal):
Come home to the world famous Kolhapuri cuisine. Being in kolhapur , you shouldn't miss out on local kolhapuri food specialties like mutton fry, tambda rassa, Pandhara Rassa, Mutton kheema, Mutton goli Pulav, .etc. Mostly all eateries cook home style kolhapuri food served in thalis and are located in mangalwar peth, shivaji peth & others parts of city.

5. Evening at Gural :

A rare chance to get a glimpse of jaggery being prepared from sugarcane juice during the harvesting season (October- January) at gurals at nearby sugarcane fields. Also enjoy fresh & hot liquid jaggery with variety of toppings along with cultural shows being arranged on request.

6. Visit to Doodh Katta :

A tradition being carried on, Gangavesh Doodh Katta is a place where 100 ‘s of cows are bought daily & milked to sell fresh milk thereafter. The streets are busy from 5 in the morning till 1 in the night.

7. Morning walk to University & Golf Course :

Tourist can have a glimpse of Green City kolhapur on their morning walk at the golf course ( to be accompanied by a member ) or the university campus. You will get to see the rarest species of plants & trees along with a variety of different birds. Their pleasing chorus will soothe your ears.

8. Drive to panhala :
A must for adventure & nature lovers. Enjoy the 45 minutes drive in your jeeps, bikes or in your cars to Panhala, with a view of lush green fields, tall gray mountains & valleys to surround with. A true memorable drive for city dwellers.

9. Visit to Sugar Factories:

Maharashtra Sugar Industry is one of the most famous and large-scale sugar manufacturing sectors in India. When you are in Kolhapur, you should visit one of the nearby Sugar Factory and see how beautiful they are.

10. Tanga Ride city tour: A city tour on a traditional tanga (horse cart) is a sure shot unique thing to do for all those adventure lover tourists visiting kolhapur. Tanga rides are currently being arranged on requests. Also a visit to a museum on kolhapur outskirts , which displays old buggy’s & horse carts is a must.

Kolhapur Today

Kolhapur Today

Kolhapur has been long discussed as the second highest per capita income II tier city, called the "sugar bowl of India" ,having the maximum amount of Mercedes cars, spinning mills, education center and above all facts, known for its spicy curries and leather footwear. An international Go- carting track, Hill resorts/Amusement park, multiplexes & the other new entrants in the past few months are 3 new malls, Big bazaar, Reliance, and number of residential apartments.

Today kolhapur is emerging as of one of the most progressive III tier cities. Located on the golden quadrangle express way ,with the travel time of major cities like Pune, Bangalore and Bombay reduced considerably. The Kolhapur airport is being revamped .It now has refueling and night landing facilities with the expansion plan, & an increased airstrip for Boeing flights too in years to come.

The city is emerging as a new Important IT destination. Research made by various institutes indicate that Kolhapur has a very good potential for the growth of IT & BPO’s in years to come.

All major banks have seen this potential growth of Kolhapur. It is the 10th city of choice by Deutsche bank .ITC is planning a cooperate office, 3-4 star hotels are in the pipeline .Kagal 5 star, MIDC can proudly boast an investment of 5500 crores .With a textile SEZ set up in the adjoining MIDC. The foundry cluster is around the corner. For instance, Gremach Infrastructure Equipments and Projects Ltd has already acquired 200 acre of land in the town from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation for a proposed metal SEZ.

Kolhapur corporation has been sanctioned over 230 crores for infrastructure by the center. It will soon have 50 to 60 km of 4 lane roads.

Education has always been in the forefront with 2 international schools functioning. National and International big Giants in IT have signed MOU's with Shivaji University and other institutes.

This is a big positive change and don't be left out to be a part of it. Kolhapur is all set to face the challenges of the big world!! Kolhapur as you see has been one of the best kept secret. NOT ANYMORE!