ABOUT KOLHAPUR

Kolhapur is a historic city located in the southern part of Maharashtra, India, along the banks of the Panchganga River.  Often referred to as “Dakshin Kashi” due to its rich spiritual heritage, Kolhapur is renowned for its cultural significance, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions.

History & Culture

Historical Significance: Kolhapur has been a prominent center of power and culture since the 7th century CE. It served as a princely state during British rule, with Shahu Maharaj ruling from 1894 to 1922.  

Religious Importance: The city is home to the Mahalakshmi Temple (also known as Ambabai Mandir), a revered Shakti Peetha dedicated to 

Goddess Mahalakshmi. Pilgrims often visit Kolhapur as part of a sacred journey that includes the temples of Tirumala and Padmavathi.  

Festivals: Kolhapur hosts vibrant celebrations, such as the 351st coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, marked by traditional rituals, cultural performances, and processions.  

Geography & Climate

Location: Situated in the southern part of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range and is part of the Pune division.  

Climate: The city experiences a blend of coastal and inland climate. Summers are relatively cooler and more humid, while winters are warmer with pleasant temperatures. The monsoon season brings abundant rainfall, often leading to flooding in certain years.
and marks & Attractions

Mahalakshmi Temple: A 7th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, known for its Hemadpanti architecture.  

Panhala Fort: The largest fort in the Deccan plateau, historically significant as a military outpost and residence for Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. 

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1958, this sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including the Indian bison (gaur), and is part of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site.  

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum: A unique museum showcasing life-size sculptures depicting traditional rural life in Maharashtra before industrialization. 

Economy & Crafts

Textile Industry: Kolhapur’s economy is significantly driven by the textile industry, with Ichalkaranji, a city in Kolhapur district, being known as the “Manchester of Maharashtra.” It houses nearly 5,000 textile factories and is a major center for small-scale industry.  

Kolhapuri Chappals: The city is famous for its handcrafted leather slippers, known as Kolhapuri chappals, which have received the Geographical Indication designation in 2019. These chappals are exported worldwide and are a significant part of Kolhapur’s cultural heritage.  

Connectivity

Rail: Kolhapur is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi via the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus. The station is the end point of the Miraj to Kolhapur railway line and falls under the Pune division. 

Air: Kolhapur Airport (IATA: KLH), also known as Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, is a domestic airport serving the cities of Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji. It was inaugurated on 10 March 2024 and began operations on 29 March 2024.