Think of Kolhapur in Maharashtra and many images come to mind of a legacy of valor, graciousness, arts and culture. A modern town yet with a mythical past, referred to in the Purana'ss (ancient religious texts) as Dakshin Kashi (Varanasi of the South) it lies on the river Panchaganga among the Sahyadri ranges. It was put on the world map by its humble leather Kolhapuri Chappal (Sandal). Everyone from the Beatles, to artist's musicians and those wanting to make a statement sported these in the 60s. Kolhapur offer a lot to the tourist. The Shalini Palace built of black stone and intricately carved Italian marble is a reminder of a bygone era when the Marattas ruled and art, music and the theater flourished. Now run as a hotel it was once the summer place of the Maharaja and stands on the west bank of Rankala lake stop for a meal and feel like royalty. Visit the Maharaja's palace called the New Palace as it was built only in the 19th century. It houses a Museum the Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum. Designed by Mad Charles Mant it is a fine example of Indo-Sarasanic architecture, looks like a Victorian train station and has rare paintings and artifacts and weapons used by the royal family.
The Maharaja's trophies of wild animals stare at you from everywhere while their skins cover the floors. Stuffed rare exotica like the Oryx, gnu, dik-dik, pangolin, tigers, bears etc are on display, together with old shikar photos. A silver peacock shaped elephant saddle is surely one of a kind. Even the silver spade used to dig the earth for the Kolhapur Railway in 1888 is on display. The museum is close to the town center so stop for a bite to eat.
The mother goddess reigns supreme as is evident from the all pervading presence of the Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai's Temple. It has exquisite carvings specially the ceiling of the columned Mandapam. The idol of the deity is a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. Every Friday a Palkhi (palanquin) bearing the goddess is taken around but celebrations are vibrant during. Navratri (September/October) when musical concerts are also held within the temple with renowned musician's performing. The Bhavani Mandap in the grounds of the Old Palace (nearby) is dedicated to the goddess Bhawani. The Old Palace has a marquee with exquisite filigree work in stone. The Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is a unique pillarless structure
The Town Hall Museum has antiquities, found during excavations at Brahamagiri close by, which revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to Roman times. You can enjoy watching Indian style wrestling during the sports season (June to December) at the Kasbagh Maiden, a natural sunken stadium.
Visit Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads to shop for textiles, cottons, Kolhapuri Sarees, Kolhapuri chappals, exquisite jewellery. Shetkaari Bazaar is another interesting place to browse around. If hungry savor the Maharashtrian Thali (Metal plate with little containers of curries). It may be a little spicy so watch out! Try and see a stage show at Keshavrao Bhosale Theater or a Tamasha which is a wonderful musical Marathi drama. Kolhapur is well connected by air, train and road.