Places Near By Kolhapur
The Shri Mahalakshmi (AmbaBai) Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India, is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism. The temple is of special religious significance and is considered to be a place where Shakti (goddess of empowerment) manifests and as one of only six sacred houses of Shakti where worshipers can either be freed from or granted their longings.
Located on the banks of the Panchganga River, about 140 miles (225km) south of Pune, the Kolhapur Shakti Peetha takes its name from Lakshmi, the four-armed, gemstone-adorned goddess of good fortune, the universal form of whom is Shakti. Lakshmi is endowed with six divine qualities, among them prosperity (spiritual and material). It is believed that the divine couple, Lakshmi and Vishnu reside in the area.
Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler himself, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have spent more than 500 days. A few kilometers away is the Raj Dindi.
The Teen Darwaza "three door" gate meant successive doors could only be approached at an awkward angle, trapping troops in the inner courtyard and making it impossible to charge. A well in the corner was used to send word to allies; lemons with incised message were dropped into the water, and would float to a lake outside.
This place offers mesmerizing views of the nearby valleys. The land is an ideal trekking destination too.
Getting there : 10 km from Jyotiba & 20 km from Kolhapur.
Shri Narsinh Saraswati who is avtar (incarnation) of Lord Dattatraya lived here for twelve years.
Here Lord Dattatreya is in the form of his 'Paduka' situated below a Umber tree, which symbolises presence of lord Dataatrya there.
Getting there : 55 km towards east from Kolhapur.
Bahubali hill temples are located 27-km south of Kolhapur on Bahubali Hills, which are popularly known as "Kumbhojgiri". It is a popular site revered by both Hindus and Jains. A Celibacy Resort was established over here in 1935 and named after the sage Bahubali who mediated here about 300 years before.
Getting there : Bahubali Hill Temples are located 27 km south of Kolhapur.
The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort houses 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 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.
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 km away.
Getting there : Amboli is 142 km from Kolhapur.
Real beauty of Kolhapur is seen in rainy season. The Gokak falls well known as Niagara Falls of India, is a must visit for adventure & nature lovers. Enjoy the thrilling ride on a swinging rope bridge there.
Getting there : Kolhapur (Maharashtra) to Gokak (Karnataka) is 132 km.
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 amidst scenic surroundings in the backdrop of thick forest covers. The dam has self-opening gates and is 100 years old. The dam site is a habitat for many birds flora and many visitors reach here to see the spectacular bird species.
Getting there : 55 km from Kolhapur.
The Barkhi waterfall is a seasonal attraction in the monsoons, it is huge breathtaking waterfall. You can also enjoy backwater reservoir nearby the waterfall. On your way to Gaganbawada, you can visit Palsamba, a serene place with fresh air akin to a natural oxygen bar, which you thirst for in towns.
Getting There : Located about 45 km drive from kolhapur city.
It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna. It was built in 11-12 century by Shilahar. ln the interior we first see Vishnu (Dhopeshwar) & Shivaling facing north. But there is no Nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & rnale-fernale artists in various poses are attractive. The ceiling is semi-circular with rnatchless engravings. On the out side, complete 'Shivaleelamrit' is carved.
Getting There : From Kolhapur distance is 60-65 Kms to east.
Gaganbawada the hill station untouched by commercial tourism, beautiful, misty blue & green throughout. The steep hills, valleys & gorgeous waterfalls that gurgles through them. Trekkers, Rock-Climbers & nature lovers can enjoy & explore its hidden treasure.
Ganganbawada is a hill station on the way to Sindhudurg district & Goa about 55 km away from Kolhapur. This is a very quite place which is 3000 ft. above sea level known as a CHERAPUNJI of Maharashatra as it has the highest recorded rainfall .It is also known as a spiritual place since Late Pujya Shri Gagangiri Maharaj spent most of his life meditating on the hill of Gagangad. An ashram is situated on the hill well known for its spirituality. Every year many devotees visit this ashram for meditation, and yoga.
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Getting there : It is located 55 km by road from Kolhapur.
Samangad is a kind of hill fort and located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It is at height of 2600 ft. It is placed on an oval shape top of hill. Its one wall is still in undamaged codition. It is 8 ft high encircled the top of hill. Previously many water wells/reservoirs were available on fort to supply water but by 1957, some of them are now in ruins.
In 1676, Shivaji Maharaja had taken it into his considerations and improved its condition. After this, the fort was recognized as one of the small yet strong forts of the Great Marathas.
This is the place where gagangiri maharaj used to do tapas. this is most holy place in the world.the great maha yogi, maha siddha gagangiri maharaj made this place very popular. this is very ospicious place. it gives peace of mind.
Getting there : It is located 55 km by road from Kolhapur,and it is near Gaganbawada.
Nestled in the greenery is a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year.Ganpatipule, the Lord of the 'ganas' or army and "pule" means sand dunes. It is one of the 'Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoilt. The beach here is still natural and pristine as ever. And travelling by road is an experience by itself. The vast 'Konkan stretch abounds with scenic greenery There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.
Getting there : The distance is from Kolhapur to Ganapatipule is 144kms.
Today, Mahabaleshwar is a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit. It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for Strawberries and Mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April–May).
Getting there : It is located 169 km by road from Kolhapur.
The forest area 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, gava (bison), and many more spectacular wild animals & birds. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. There is a scenic resort near the backwaters of Radhanagari dam which is highly recommended for wildlife lovers.
Getting there : Kolhapur, about 80 km away is the most convenient airport and railhead. It can be accessed by road as well. Radhanagari to Dajipur distance is 30 km.
Bhudargad Fort is situated near Paal village.It stands on a huge vertical rock. The fort was built by king Bhoj of the Shilahar family. Some remains of the fortification, the Dudhsagar lake, two Shiva temples, and a Bhairav temple are nearby attractions.
Getting There : 50 km south of Kolhapur.
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. Within an hour's drive from Amba, you can reach Pawankhind & Vishalgad, both hallowed places in the history of the Marathas. After returning to Amba, you can drive towards Ratnagiri to visit Marleshwar, Ganpatipule, Pawas & many idyllic beaches in the Konkan.
Getting there : Amba is about 65 km from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.