Kolhapur Introduction

The ancient city is known for its rich Maharashtrian culture and cuisine. The place is vibrant and packs a number of splendid tourist attractions. Kolhapur is well known for its Kolhapuri Chappals, leather handicrafts, forts, and temples. Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the Panchganga River and perfectly showcases the rich Maharashtrian culture. The beautiful city of Kolhapur is about 400 Km from Mumbai. Today, the city is home to many agro-based industries. The land here is rich in natural resources like fertile soil, water, and minerals. This gives the place an edge in attracting people from all the corners of India. Kolhapur is also the center for Marathi Film Industry. The city is well connected by buses, trains, and air travel services.

Things to See

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have settled in Kolhapur. The Ammabai or Mahalaxmi temple is a fine piece of artwork. It is located on the banks of the Panchganga River.

Bhavani Mandap

It is the royal palace of the Maharaja of Kolhapur. It used to be the Darbar of the Chhatrapati.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Museum

It is also known as the New Palace. It was completed in the year 1884. The palace was the royal residence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his direct heir Chhatrapati Shahuji. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Kolhapur.

Jyotiba Temple

A very prominent Hindu temple in Wadi, Kolhapur district! The deity here is believed to be the reincarnation of three Gods viz. Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Pattankodi Introduction

The Pattan Kodoli village in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is renowned for celebrating the Vittal Birdev Annual Yatra. The Pattankodoli Haldi Festival is a colorful festival of the Shepherd community in Maharashtra. The festival starts on the 17th of October and ends on the 24th of October. It is attended by thousands of devotees coming from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The prayers are offered to Shri Vittal Birdev, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The tradition allows devotees to throw Haldi, turmeric powder, over a Baba sitting under a banyan tree.

Panhala Tour

Panhala is a peaceful place nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Range. It is about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur at an altitude of 3177 feet above sea level. A trip to Panhala is incomplete without visiting Panhala Fort. The fort was built by the great Maratha warriors. The Panhala fort houses the Ambarkhana, a huge granary, and an administrative division. The most incredible place in Panhala is Nayakini Sajja. This corner showcases the impressive warfare strategies used by the great Maratha Warriors to defeat their enemies.

Itinerary

An Itinerary for the Pattan Kodoli Haldi festival is given below:

Day 1:

22:00 - Departure from Mumbai by train

Day 2:

08:30 - Reach Kolhapur Railway Station

09:30 - Check-In at the Hotel

11:00 - Leave for Mahalaxmi temple after breakfast

Local sightseeing, Bhavani Mandap, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Museum

14:00 - Lunch

14:30 - Leave for Jyotiba temple and Panhala fort

19:30 - Return to Hotel

Day 2: (Whole day at the Pattankodoli village)

10:00 - Leave for Pattankodoli Haldi Festival

14:00 - Lunch

19:30 - Return to Hotel

20:30 - Check out

22:00 - Board the train for Mumbai

India is blessed with rich traditions and unique rituals. Its vibrant culture has always been a wonderful experience for any traveler. A trip to Kolhapur and the Pattankodoli festival can be a mesmerizing experience. The prestigious temples and the undefeated forts tell a remarkable story of the courage and valor of this place.