| Around Kolhapur |
| Panhala |
| The history of
Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are
innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes.
Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used
to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji
Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history,
Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing
climate. Click here for
more information on Panhala |
| Weather: |
| An average temperature of
25 C. |
| Vishalgad |
| The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence.
This picturesque fort contains 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 kms north-west of Kolhapur. |
| Saamaangad |
| 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 the
god Shiva. |
| Getting there:
Located about 50 kms 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 kms from Chandgad.
|
| Narasimha Wadi |
| This holy place is situated on the confluence of the
rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas or
slippers of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha
Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru lived here for 12 years. |
| Getting there:
Narasimha
Wadi is 45 kms from Kolhapur. |
| Jyotiba |
| Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the
mountains near Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of
three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A mammoth
colourful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of
Chaitra and Vaishakh. |
| Getting there: Jyotiba lies 17 kms
north-west of Kolhapur. |
| Bahubali of Kumbhojgiri |
| 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. A Durgamata temple on the hill nearby is
another place of pilgramage. |
| Getting there :
This site is 27 kms to the south of 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. |
| 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, make for a complete holiday experience. The restaurant in
the park offers delectable food from Kolhapur, Goa, karnataka and the Konkan
region. |
| Dajipur Bison Sanctuary |
The jungle resort 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, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild
animals and birds.
Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1200 metres
above sea level. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj's Math
makes for a pleasant outing. This scenic resort near the backwaters of the
Radhanagari Dam is highly recommended for wildlife lovers and nature
enthusiasts. |
| Getting there:
Kolhapur, about 80 kms away is the most convenient airport and railhead. It can
be accessed by road as well. Radhanagari to Dajipur is 30 kms. |
| Ramteerth |
|
A scenic picnic spot in Ajra 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. |
| 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. |
| Getting there: Amba is about 65 kms from Kolhapur
on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway. |
| 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 kms away. For a few days of
isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort. |
| Getting around: Taxis and richskaws 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 kms away, is the nearest
airport and the most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway.
Mumbai is 549 kms by road. Pune is 390 kms. State Transport buses ply from
Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum. |
The modern MTDC resort is the best accommodation available
|