Tourism around Kolhapur is a major part of tourism in Western India. Known for its cultural background and historical importance this city of Kolhapur is surrounded with number forts which is commonly known as gads and some of the popular wadis along with sanctuaries which describes the scenic beauty of the places around Kolhapur.
Leisure tourism around Kolhapur
Panhala
Panhal is one of the important cities of Maratha empire. Located at an altitude of 977meters this place includes a number of tourist spots which were some of the most prominent paces in the maratha empire. The place is mainly known for Sajja kothi where Sambhaji was imprisoned, Ambabai temple where Shivaji used tovisit before all his military expeditions;and Pavgan Khind where Baji Prabhu - a faithful soldier of Shivaji laid down his life to make way for shivaji`s escape.Along with this the sight also provides a scenic beauty which attract the tourists.
Vishalgad
As the name suggest this is a palace which is known for its grandeur and magnificent architecture.With some picturesque sights the place include some popular places like Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Babathat are often visited by hundreds of devotees.
Saamaangad
Saamaangad is mainly known for the inspiring fables and a number of passages that were built and used as the escape route for the Marathas.
Bhudargad
This fort stands on a huge vertical rock admist the mountain ranges.it i9s popular sight as it is believed to have resemblance with the maited hair of Lord Shiiva when the cresent moonlight falls on the fort.
Paargad
Another popular fort of Kolhapur is mainly known for the lush green and pictururesque foresgt that surrounds the fort. This also includes the Bronze statue of Shivaji and an old temple of Bhagwati Bhawani.
Nature tourism around Kolhapur
Along with this the place also includes some popular sights which are known for the wadis which provide a panoramic view of the places that surrounds Kolhapur. Among this the popular one is Narsimha wadi. This place is situated at the confluence of river Krishna and Panch Ganga. This place is well known for the padukas of the holysaint dattaguru who lived in this area for next 12 years. Jyotibha is another important sight which is located in the Ratnagiri wadiof Kolhapur. This place is situ8ated at a height of 3100 fts which celebrates a number of local festivals.Along with this Bahubali of Kumbhojgiri is another important sight in Kolhapur which is dedicated to the Jains and 24 tirthankars. This is often visited by the Hindus as well. Besides this, the place also includes Khidrapur which is known for an artistic temple of Lord Maheswar. This temple is mainly known for the beautiful curvatures and stone sculptures thatreflect their architectural marvels.
Tourism in Kolhapur also includes some sanctuaries like Ramteerth and Amba which provides great opportunity for picnic. This place also includes some ancient temples, an old coffee plantation and an orchad that provides great scenic beauty. Amba is another popular sanctuary which is situated on the Western Ghats that provides a splendid view of the Konkan valley and Deccan plateau.
Thus sights around kolhapur include some splendid tourist spots which are popularly known for the scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Surrounded with a number of palaces this narrates the historical background of Kolhapur which was one of the most important cities of Maratha Empire.
