Kolhapur is a city in south west Maharashtra which was the former capital of the Maratha state. The ancient city situated on the banks of the PanchagangaRiver is famous for its Kolhapuri footwear, the splendid temple complex, wrestling and Kolhapuri cuisine. During the British Raj, Kolhapur was a Princely State of British India, under the Deccan division of the Bombay Presidency, and later the Deccan States Agency. This prosperous city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country.
The main places of interest in Kolhapur are: ShreeChattrapatiShahuMuseum- which has bizarre collection of various items including stuffed wild animals.
The MahalakshmiTemple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, the goddess of wealth and power, Devi Mahalaxmi's temple is located at the heart of the city. this temple is famous for its well-known South-Indian Architecture, built by Chalukya king Karndev in 634 AD in the OldTown.
The Bhavani Mandap and the Motibag Thalim are also located in the old town.
The magnificent Town Hall and the ChandrakantMandareMuseum dedicated to actor Chandrakant Mandare are other places worth a visit.
