Bahubali Hill Temples

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Bahubali Hill Temples are located 27 km south of Kolhapur, Maharashtra on the Bahubali Hills. Huge devotees thronged the temple to worship the 28-feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 Tirthankaras or saints. These hills are popularly known as 'Kumbhojgiri'. A Celibacy Resort was established in 1935 and named after the sage Bahubali who mediated here about 300 years before.

This temple looks very beautiful and splendid. The scene of the forest and the village farms looks full of delight and beauty. People visiting these temples have to climb about 400 steps. A fair is held here on the 15th day of the bright half of the month of Kartak, on the 15th day of the bright half of the month Chaitra and on the 10th of day the dark half of the month of Magasar

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Kolhapur is well known for its textiles and cottons, in particular Kolhapuri sarees (also spelt as saris). But it is of course most famous for its jewelry and leather sandals or Kolhapuri Chappals.

Kolhapuri Chappals (footwear):
The age old Leather and Footwear Industry in Kolhapur is a unique identity of Kolhapur in India. Apart from exporting Leather raw material in a big way, the traditional Chappals made here have a unique ethnic look and have been equally popular in India and abroad. These Chappals are still mainly prepared by hand, which helps them retain their unique appearance. Places like Kapashi, Kurundwad and Airoli in Kolahpur district have roughly 500-700 Small and Large scale Industries where these Chappals are prepared.

Silver Jewelry Art:
Another town, Hupri, which is situated just 16-km away from Kolhapur, is a place where people are skilled in the art of making Jewelry and Show items out of Silver. This traditional business has expanded throughout the Maharashtra State and notably through entire India, Nepal, Belgium, Romania and America.

Interesting things to Visit:

Mahalaxmi Temple:
This beautifully architect temple attracts huge devotees from in and around Kolhapur. Goddess Mahalaxmi also known, as Amba Bai is the presiding deity of this temple. Images of Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram are also there inside the temple complex. Chalukya ruler, Karandev started the construction of this temple in the 7th century AD and later beautified by Shilahara Yadavas in the ninth century. The sanctum sanctorum has revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kg. The idol has not been fashioned by any human being but exists in its natural form - a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones.

New Palace and Chhatrapati Sahu Museum:
Built in 1884, it is also known as the Maharaja's New Place. Major Mant designed the palace. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style. The first floor is for the present Maharaja, while the ground floor is dedicated to a fine collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles. A letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India is the other memorabilia. Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum is in the New Palace. Curious and interesting collections from the possessions of Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati like guns, trophies and clothes are preserved here.

Town Hall Museum:
Old sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are displayed in the museum, which were found during the excavations at Brahmagiri.

Old Palace:
Old Palace has a temple of the goddess Bhawani as well. This magnificent structure has an impressive marqee with filigree work in stone. This palace is located behind the temple of Mahalaxmi Temple.

Rankala Lake:
Rankala Lake is said to be the oldest of all lakes in Maharashtra. There is the Rankabhairav temple at the center of the lake. Its name is derived from this temple.

Radhanagari Dam:
Radhanagari Dam is a century old dam built by the Kolhapur ruler Shahu Maharaj and is constructed across Bhogawati River. This dam is used primarily for hydro-electricity power generation and also for irrigation purposes.The dam is located at a scenic surroundings in the backdrop of thick forest covers. The dam site is a habitat for many birds flora and many visitors reach here to see the spectacular bird species.

Gaganbavada:
Gaganbavada is a hill station nearby Kolhapur. Located at a pretty height from sea level, the hill station is a summer resort. The calm ambience and cool climate make this place a much sought tourist destination in Kolhapur. The hill station is aptly placed in the background of lush green woods and undulated hilly regions

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Dajipur Bison Sanctuary:
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary is situated on the border shared by the Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra. The wildlife sanctuary derives its name from the splendid animal, Bison, which is found in abundance here. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1200 m above the sea level

Ganapatipule Beach:
Ganapatipule Beach is one of the most popular excursions from the Kolhapur city, which lies approximately 150 km away. It is situated around 50 km from the Ratnagiri city and falls under the district of the same name. One of the few beaches in Maharashtra that have still remained untouched

Panhala Fort:
Panhala Fort is situated at a distance of approximately 19 km from the Kolhapur city of Maharashtra. Counted amongst the largest as well as most significant forts of the Deccan region of India, it stands perched at an altitude of around 850 m above the sea level.

Tarkarli Beach:
Tarkarli Beach is one of the most famous attractions of the Tarkarli city, which is sited at a distance of approximately 6 km to the south of Malvan. The location of the city, at the confluence of the Karli River with the Arabian Sea, makes it home to one of the most picturesque beaches in India.

Sindhudurg Fort:
Maharashtra is known for its rich historical legacy. The land has been a silent witness to some of the most gruesome battles that have been fought in India. One such symbol of the rich historical past is the mighty Sindhudurg fort. It is situated in Sindhudurg district.

Vishalgad Fort:
Vishalgad Fort is situated at a distance of approximately 76 km to the northwest of Kolhapur. Perched on top of the Gajapur Hills, it now stands mostly in ruins. However, its magnificence is so great as not to be lost completely to the ravages of time. Some of the must-see structures at the fort comprise of the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the Tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba.

Bhudargad Fort:
Bhudargad Fort is located in Paal village, approximately 50 km to the south of Kolhapur. Towering over a huge vertical rock, the fort stands surrounded by mountain ranges. It is said that from a distance, the fort looks like the crescent moon, seen in the hair of the Lord Shiva. The fort was constructed under the patronage of King Bhoj of the Shilahar family. The nearby attractions include Dudhsagar Lake, two Shiva Temples, and a Bhairav Temple.

Paargad Fort:
Paargad Fort is situated to the south of Kolhapur, at a distance of around 28 km from Chandgad. One of the major attractions of this fort is its serene environment and lush green surroundings. Apart from this, it is also known for housing a wonderful bronze statue of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.

Narasimha Wadi:
Narasimha Wadi is a holy destination, situated on the embankment of rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It lies approximately 45 km away from Kolhapur and is renowned for housing the padukas (slippers) of Dattaguru (an incarnation of the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh).

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Nearest Hospital:

CPR hospital,Kholapur.
Lotus hospital,Kholapur.