Kolhapur is a City in the southern part of Maharashtra, a state in Western part of India. Kolhapur is 380 KM (7.5 Hour drive) from Mumbai and 240 KM (5 Hour drive) from Pune. It is accessible with National Highway - 4 (NH4) connecting Mumbai and Pune.
Kolhapur was a princely state under the suzeranity of British Raj. After India gained independence in 1947, it acceded to the Union in 1949. The name "Kolhapur" is derived from Hindu Mythology. There was a demon named Kolhasur who was killed by Shri Mahalakshmi, the Hindu deity of Wealth. While dying, Kolhasur requested the city where he stayed to be named after him. The Goddess granted him wish and then he died. Hence, the city gets its name - Kolhapur. "Kolha" means the demon's name and "Pur" means city. There is a famous Hindu Temple built in the honor of Shri Mahalakshmi in the city. It was built in 634 CE, during the rule of Chalukya Dynasty.
Kolhapur has a large lake called Rankala Lake, which was once a stone quarry. In the 9th century, an earthquake caused immense structural damage to the quarry, causing water to accumulate from an underground source, thus forming Rankala Lake. It is a Freshwater Lake with a Garden adjacent to it. Near this Lake is a Palace Hotel called Shalini Palace, which once belonged to the Royal Family of the State and later converted into a Hotel.
On the outskirts of the city, is the famous Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Palace, built in the honor of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, who ruled the princely state from 1874 to 1922 CE. Rajarshi Shahu was considered a true democrat and social reformer. He was an able ruler who was associated with many progressive policies during his rule. Primary education to all regardless of caste, creed and religion was one of his most significant priorities.
Kolhapur is famous for its Local Cuisine. For vegetarians, there is Misal Pao, A spicy dish made of Sprouts and Dry Fried Snack of Gram Flour (Besan), garnished with chopped onions and lemon. It is served with Pao (a type of bread roll). For meat eaters, try the Chicken Curry or Mutton Curry served with spicy Tambda Rassa (Red Gravy) and mild Pandhra Rassa (White Gravy). It is best eaten with Bhakri (a Flatbread made of Jowar or Bajra flour).
About 22 KM (45 minutes) drive from Kolhapur is situated Panhala Fort. The Fort was built between 1178 and 1209 CE. It was built by King Bhoja II of Shilahara dynasty. Later in 1659, it was taken over by Shivaji Maharaj, a famous warrior-king of Maratha Empire. It was then passed on to his successors after his death in 1680.
Many Buses operate from Mumbai to Kolhapur via Pune, both Private and State-Run. Kolhapur is accessible by Train and Air. Many trains connect to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, the main Railway Station of Kolhapur. The Airport (Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport) is 9 KM (20 Minutes) from the city. At present, only Indigo and Star Air provide connections to limited cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Tirupati.
