📍 Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Ground Floor, New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Housed inside New Palace, the museum exhibits royal regalia, silver throne, vintage weapons, royal hunting trophies, letters, and artefacts of progressive visionary Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
Hidden Gem
Khidrapur, Shirol taluka, Kolhapur district
An extraordinary 12th-century Silahara dynasty temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Krishna River. Renowned for its unique Swarga Mandap (Heaven Hall) — an open-to-the-sky circular pavilion with 48 intricately carved pillars, and a sanctum housing both Shiva and Vishnu.
Bhavani Mandap Road, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Completed in 1884, this majestic Indo-Saracenic palace made of black polished stone serves as the residence of the Chhatrapati Maharaja of Kolhapur with an ornate clock tower and private lake.
Panhala hill town, ~20 km from Kolhapur
The largest hill fort in the Deccan, strategically dominating Sahyadri mountain trade passes. Associated with Shivaji Maharaj's historic siege escape, featuring Teen Darwaza, Sajja Kothi, and huge granaries.
Hidden Gem
Radhanagari, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
Maharashtra's first notified wildlife sanctuary, nestled on the crest of the southern Sahyadris. Known as the 'Bison Sanctuary', it protects vast herds of Indian Gaur (bison), leopard, barking deer, giant squirrel, and endemic Sahyadri orchids near the Kalammawadi reservoir.
Bhavani Mandap, Kolhapur
One of the 51 celebrated Shakti Peethas dating to the 7th-century Chalukya era, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai). Built in black basalt stone with intricate friezes, pillars, and courtyards.
