When you think of Kolhapur, perhaps what comes to mind first are the Kolhapuri chappals, saaj, or the fiery food. But there’s even a lot more to this historic city. Spending the weekend in Kolhapur means that your days are going to be filled with history, shopping, and lots of fun. If you’re in Kolhapur for a weekend, use this 2-day Kolhapur itinerary which covers all the important places you must visit and the things you must do!
Things To Do In Kolhapur On Day 1
- Worship Goddess Laxmi At The Mahalaxmi Temple
- Visit The Bhavani Mandap
- Learn Kolhapur’s History At The Town Hall Museum
- Eat At Dehaati
- Go Boating In Rankala Lake
1. Worship Goddess Laxmi At The Mahalaxmi Temple
Give your morning a spiritual start by visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur. It’s believed to be one of the five Shakti Peethas, marking it as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple follows the Hemadpanthi architectural style and has a black stone carving of Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Earlybirds, you can make it in time for the very first aarti that starts at 5:30 am. It starts with washing the feet of Goddess Laxmi, followed by a Kakada aarti at 5:45 am.
Festivals like Lakshmi Puja, Navratri, and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotees gather from all around the world to see the festivities.
Timings: 4:00 am to 10:30 pm
2. Visit The Bhavani Mandap
Very close to the famous Mahalaxmi Temple, let Bhavani Mandap be your next step. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani. Built by Shivaji Maharaj II of Kolhapur, the temple is built in British architectural style.
It once had 14 squares, but after the ruler Saadat Khan invaded the palace, only 7 squares remain now. There’s a life-size statue of Shahu Maharaj and you can also get to look at the wooden throne used by Shivaji Maharaj during one of his visits to Kolhapur. At the center of the Mandap’s complex, there’s the temple of Tulja Bhavani.
If you’ve worked up a hunger, all you need to do is step outside Bhavani Mandap. You can shop for local artefacts and hog on the local food.
3. Get To Know History At The Town Hall Museum
Be prepared to be spooked and fascinated when you visit the Town Hall Museum in Kolhapur. The museum is a neo-gothic structure with Corinthian columns, monkeys, and demonic heads. It was a British administrative office during their reign and then became home to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
A figurine of the Greek god Poseidon, Stone Age axes, and items retrieved from the Brahmapuri Hills excavations are all put on display at the museum. You’ll also find artefacts from the Shilahara dynasty and porcelain dishes, coins, and pottery pieces here. The Town Hall Museum is surely worth a visit.
4. Eat At Dehaati
Dehaati is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Kolhapur which has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Their recipes have been passed down through generations. You can also order dishes like mutton fry, tambda rassa, and egg curry and fry. Dehaati is known for its thalis that serve over nine varieties. There are over 11 types of thalis to choose from, including vegetarian ones.
Their flavors and spices bring out the Kolhapuri flavors. Even their ambiance gives off rustic village vibes. From warm lighting to traditional artifacts, they’ve stuck to the theme. It’s the perfect stop for a traditional Kolhapuri lunch.
Cost For Two: INR 1,200
Address: Ruikar Colony, Kolhapur
5. Boating In Rankala Lake
Built by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the lake has Rajgath and Marathghat on either side. On the west of Rankala Lake is the famous Shalini Palace and on the east is the Padma Raje Gardens. This vast lake spreads over an area of 107 hectares, and you can go boat riding to revel in the lake’s tranquillity.
Apart from the palace and the garden, you can find a quiet spot to see and watch the beautiful sunset. There are also a lot of activities for the tourists and stalls of delicious food are also set up. You can bring an end to the day by savoring chaat like bhel puri and ragda patties.
Things To Do In Kolhapur On Day 2
- Trek To Jyotiba Temple
- Get Mesmerized By Panhala Fort
- Treat Yourself At Moon Tree Cafe
- Explore The Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum
- Go Shopping At Mahadwar Road
1. Trek To Jyotiba Temple
Jyotiba is said to be the embodiment of the Hindu trinity: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. According to legend, after defeating the demon Kolhasur, Goddess Mahalaxmi entrusted Jyotiba with the protection of the northern side of Kolhapur.
The temple is 3,124 m above sea level and requires 100 steps to climb before reaching the main complex. So, make sure you’re mentally ready for a short trek. During the months of Chaitra (usually between March and April), the Chaitra Yatra procession is held here. The entire temple and its surroundings are doused in gulaal. We highly recommend that you experience it first-hand.
Timings: 5:30 am – 10:30 pm
2. Mesmerize Yourself By Panhala Fort
One of the must-visit spots in Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is decked with history. It witnessed the Maratha, Mughal, and British rule. Also known as ‘Fort of Snakes’ because of its zigzag shape, it gives you an unobstructed view of the Sahyadri ranges.
The fort was passed down by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to his son Sambhaji. It was here where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s younger son Rajaram I declared Kolhapur to be independent, with Panhala being its capital.
Panhala is one of the largest forts in the Deccan and the fortifications are 7 km long with three double-walled gates. For those who love a trek, Panhala Fort is the ideal destination.
3. Treat Yourself At Moon Tree Cafe
Spoil yourself with craft beer and oven-made pizzas as you go for your lunch at Moon Tree Cafe. You can relish their Malabari wraps or try an Indo-Italian fusion called ‘Nazza’. If want to rejuvenate for the rest of your day, you can order some coffee. Their robust flavors will wake you up right away.
Even the ambience adds the charm of the cafe as you can see Kolhapur’s entire skyline while sitting at one of their tables.
Cost For Two: INR 800
Address: Old Pune-Bangalore Highway, Kawala Naka, Shahupuri, Kolhapur
4. Explore The Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum
Also known as the New Palace, this is another one of the residences of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Charles Mant, a British architect, built this palace. You’ll find the architecture to be a melting pot of different cultures as there are tones of Jain, Hindu, Rajasthani, and even Rajwada styles.
Now a museum, you’ll find interesting pictures of royalty and a throne at the very end of the room. Royal apparel, coins, weapons, silver elephant saddles, and a lot more artifacts are on display. To learn about the life and works of the beloved king of Kolhapur, this is the place to be.
5. Go Shopping At Mahadwar Road
Get your Kolhapuri chappals and jewelry at the famous Mahadwar Road. After two long days of sightseeing, you can finally indulge in retail shopping and fill up your bags with vibrant souvenirs. It’s the main shopping street of Kolhapur and you can get traditional items too. So, make a list of everything you want to get in the two days and go crazy the second you’ve reached the market.
Summing Up
After you use this 2-day itinerary for a weekend in Kolhapur, you’ll know a lot more than just the chappals. You’ll have a deep knowledge of its rich history and the legends behind all of these structures along with a nice thrill of hiking, boating, and unwinding.
FAQs
What Is Special About Kolhapur?
Kolhapur is special for its handcrafted leather chappals and Kolhapuri Saaj, a special Kolhapuri jewelry.
What Food Is Kolhapur Famous For?
Kolhapur is famous for its misal, tambda, and Pandra Rasa – a Kolhapuri-style chicken curry.
