1. Visit the ancient Mahalaxmi Temple

The Mahalaxmi Temple, in Kolhapur, was built in the 7th century and takes its name from Mahalakshmi, the wife of the Hindu god Vishnu, it is alleged that they resided nearby. The image of the goddess has been mounted on a stone platform and it is made of precious gemstones. The temple is honored as a Shakti Peetha, or revered shrine and pilgrimage destination. Millions of tourists and devotees visit the temple, every year.

Mahalaxmi Temple

Address: Mahadwar Road, B Ward, Shivajipet, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012, India

Website: Mahalaxmi Temple

2. Enjoy family time at beautiful Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is a big lake in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It is a popular place where families spend time, amidst nature. The lake is surrounded by gardens and scenic pathways and it is famous for horseback riding and boating.The Shalini Palace, now converted into a stupendous hotel, stands at one end of the lake. There is a garden surrounding the lake where food vendors sell Kolhapuri snacks like bhel puri (a savory puffed rice snack) and ragda pattice (a snack made of yellow peas and spices).

3. Go-karting at one of Asia's top 5 racing tracks

The Mohite Racing Track, in Kolhapur, is an amazing go-karting race track, ranked as one of Asia’s top racing tracks and a place where one can have a thrilling experience. It holds a National Grade A license, which means national and Asia zone events can be held there. It was built by motorsport enthusiast and industrialist, Mr Shivaji Mohite, for his son.

Go-karting at Mohite Racing Track

Address: Hupari Borgao Rd, Maharashtra 416202, India

4. Trekking At Panhala Caves

Panhala is a popular hill station near Kolhapur, trekking to the Panhala fort is a common excursion here. The fort was built in the 3rd century BC. It lies in the north-west direction of Kolhapur city and many important battles were fought here. Today it is an important excursion site and a picnic site as well. Thousands of tourists come here every year to visit this magnificent fort and caves.

Panhala Caves

Address: Kolhapur

Website: Panhala Caves

5. Go back in history at the Siddhagiri Museum

Siddhagiri Museum is situated near the famous Mahalaxmi Temple, mentioned above. It is a unique project where village life has been replicated in models and wax figures and was opened in the Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, in Kaneri, Kolhapur. The Siddhagiri Museum site has a history that dates back more than 1000 years and is a place of worship of the Hindu god Mahadeva. The museum depicts village life in Kolhapur and it takes you back 100 years ago to rural village life.

Siddhagiri Museum

Address: Kaneri, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416234, India

Website: Siddhagiri Museum

6. Tour the New Palace Museum

The New Palace museum is in Kolhapur and it is the current residence of the descendants of Shahu Maharaj. The ground floor of the palace is now a museum dedicated to the life of the Kolhapur rulers and has different types of guns, swords, crockery and animal skins on display.

The New Palace Museum

Address: New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416003

Website: The New Palace Museum

7. Rejuvenate yourself at the Rautwadi Waterfalls

The Rautwadi Waterfalls are located in the mountains of Sahyadri, in Kolhapur and they are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and climate. It is ideal to visit in the rainy season, between August and September where there is greenery all around and plenty of water in the falls. Tourists visit the waterfalls and enjoy themselves with their families and friends. It is better to visit this place in a group for one’s safety.

Rautwadi Waterfalls

Address: Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, MH SH 179, Olavan, Maharashtra 416211, India

Website: Rautwadi Waterfalls

8. View the stunning Radhanagari Dam

This dam is located on the Bhogawati River and is more than 100 years old. It was built by the erstwhile ruler of Kolhapur, Shahu Maharaj. It is a scenic spot with a spectacular backdrop of thick forest cover. This habitat is a site for many varieties of birds and flora. Tourists come here in huge numbers, every year, to the see the various bird species that flock to the area around the dam.

Radhanagari Dam

Address: Bhogawati River, Kolhapur

Website: Radhanagari Dam

9. Visit the ancient Kopeshwar Temple

This is an ancient temple at Khidrapur, Kolhapur District and is dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. It is located on the banks of the river Krishna. This temple was allegedly built in the 7th century but building is still incomplete, due to the constant battles between the rulers of the region. The Kopeshwar Temple is on every tourist itinerary who visits Kolhapur because of its ancient and artistic sculptures. It is a very busy temple as a lot of worshippers visit it, especially on Mondays and during the Shivratri festival.

Kopeshwar Temple

Address: Khidrapur, Kolhapur

Website: Kopeshwar Temple

Kolhapur offers something for everyone

Kolhapur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, has something in store for everyone. It has the world famous Mahalaxmi temple, where millions of tourists and pilgrims flock every year. There are picturesque lakes and waterfalls, where tired souls can cool off and get rejuvenated. The museums and palaces literally take you back into the pages of history, where you can get lost in the world of royalty and their battles. There is truly something magical about Kolhapur and one must visit it to see all it has to offer.