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.