About Kolhapur
Chennai to Kolhapur distnce : 967 km
Estimated travel time : 16.6 hours
Kolhapur is a one of the popular city of the Maharashtra state of India flank on the bank of the river Panchaganga, is also one of the prominent site of pilgrims. There is a strong belief after one worships Balaji at Tirupati, offering prayer to goddess Mahalakshmi is essential to complete the pilgrimage. Kolhapur is also famous worldwide for Kolhapuri Chappels (Kolhapuris) & Jaggery. Kolhapuris introduced the concept of environment friendliness and innovation in footwear.
Located in Sahyadri mountain ranges, on the banks of the river Panchganga, Kolhapur is a historic Maratha city and religious pride of Maharashtra. It is also known as 'Dakshin Kashi'. Kolhapur offers an incredible archeological & cultural heritage, magnificent temples, monuments, forts, lakes and gardens and is full of tourists all around the year. On the day of Naag Panchami, Kolhapur seems at its best. Thousands of people worship live snakes by offering milk and rice. Another important festival in Kolhapur is Randall Mahotsav. Kolhapur is also called as sugar bowl of India and famous for, having the maximum amount of Mercedes cars, spinning mills, education center and also famous for spicy curries and leather shoes. Kolhapur offers a lot to tourists from pilgrimage sites to wildlife sanctuary, a museum, a ghat, a dam and a lake with few forts and palaces. Most important and must visit attraction is The Panhala fort for history lovers and for trekkers. Another attraction is Shri Chatrapati Shalu Museum, also known as New Palace, built with black polished stone and is an architectureโs delight. Other attractions are Bison Sanctuary, Ramtirth waterfall, Sagareshwara deer sanctuary, Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Narsobawadi in Shirol taluka, Koppeshwar Mandir in Khidrapur, Jyotiba Temple Audumbar, Shri Bahubali Sanctuary, the Radhanagari Dam, Rankala Lake. Some of the other important tourist attractions that lie in close proximity to Kolhapur are Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Solapur.
Taxi from Chennai to Kolhapur is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Chennai to Kolhapur by car is well connected by road and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Chennai to Kolhapur distance is 967 Km and is 16.6 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
1. Mahabalipuram - Known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shore Temple, and the intricately carved stone sculptures.
2. Pondicherry - Famous for its French colonial architecture, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and serene beaches.
3. Gingee Fort - Located in Villupuram district, this historical fort complex is known for its architectural brilliance and beautiful views.
4. Tiruvannamalai - Home to the Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Vellore - Visit the Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fort known for its stunning architecture, and the Golden Temple at Sripuram, a spiritual landmark.
6. Mahadevapuram Bird Sanctuary - Located near Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, this scenic bird sanctuary is a perfect stopover for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
7. Kurnool - Explore the Konda Reddy Fort, Belum Caves (second-largest cave system in India), and the Oravakallu Rock Garden.
8. Bijapur - Known for its historical monuments like Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Roza, and Jami Mosque.
9. Badami - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Badami Cave Temples, known for its rock-cut cave temples dating back to the 6th century.
10. Kolhapur - Finally, reach the beautiful city of Kolhapur, known for the Mahalakshmi Temple, Rankala Lake, and the Panhala Fort.
Tourist Attractions
Mahalakshmi temple
New Palace / Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum
Jyotiba Temple
Rankala Fort
Panhala Fort
Shopping - Kolhapuri Chappals and Jaggery
Temlabai Temple
Binkhambi Ganesh Temple
Siddhagiri Gramjivan Wax Museum
Kopeshwar Temple
Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir
Bhavani Mandap
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Gangagiri Maharaj Math Temple
Rantirth Waterfall
Radhanagari Dam
Khasbag
Sagareshwar Deer Sanctuary
Shalini Palace
Chinmaya Ganadhish