15 Best Pilgrimage sites near Kolhapur

Ganpatipule is a small pilgrimage & beach town on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra in India. About 307 km from Pune, and 345 km from Mumbai, it is one of the top places to visit near Kolhapur, and among the must include places in Maharashtra packages.

Ganpatipule is mainly known for its 400 years old Ganapati Temple which is the prime attraction in Ganpatipule holiday packages. The idol of Ganesha is believed to be a monolith that was self-incarnated and discovered over 1600 years ago. It is one of the Ashta Ganapati Temples of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Devata'. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect. Ganpatipule can be visited as a day trip along with Mahabaleshwar tour packages.

Besides, Ganpatipule has some of the most spectacular beaches that can be visited along with Konkan packages. It is an ideal getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. Jaigad Fort, Prachin Konkan Museum, Arey Ware Beach, Guhagar Beach, and Velneshwar are the other prominent places to visit in Ganpatipule.

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Harihareshwar is a coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. About 175 km from Pune, and 213 km from Mumbai, it is one of the must-include places in Konkan tour packages, and among the famous weekend getaways from Pune, and Mumbai.

Situated on the Konkan coast, Harihareshwar is one of the best Maharashtra beach destinations. This beach town is often called Southern Kashi because it is home to the Harihareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Harihareshwar comes across as a pleasant surprise with some of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches along the Konkan Coast. Harihareshwar Beach, Diveaghar Beach & Temple, Kondvil Beach, Kelshi Beach, Velas Beach, Srivardhan Beach, Bankot Fort, are the must include places in Harihareshwar Packages.

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Pandharpur is a temple town located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River near Solapur city in Maharashtra, India. About 77 km from Solapur, and 209 km from Pune, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Solapur tour packages.

Renowned for its deep-rooted religious heritage and enchanting spiritual aura, Pandharpur is considered to be the spiritual capital of Maharashtra and revered as the Southern Kashi of India. The sacred town of Pandharpur boasts magnificent temples and shrines. The Vitthal Rukmani Temple stands as the primary place of worship, attracting millions of devotees every year. The exquisite craftsmanship and intricate carvingsof the temple offer a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the bygone era.

Besides, the Kaikadi Maharaj Math, Pundalik Temple, Shri Gopalkrishna Temple, Vishnupad Temple, and ISKCON Pandharpur are the other prominent Pandharpur tourist places. The annual Pandharpur Yatra, also known as the Ashadi Ekadashi, witnesses a colossal gathering of devotees.

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At a distance of 39 km from Akkalkot, and 46 km from Solapur, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tuljapur in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the prominent places to visit near Hyderabad.

Dedicated to goddess Bhavani, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India. Goddess Bhavani, literally translates to 'giver of life',is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. The temple was built in 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty.

The temple of Bhavani at Tuljapur along with the temples of Renuka at Mahur, Mahalaxmi at Kolhapur, and Saptashringi at Vani forms the four great Shaktipitha in Maharashtra. Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur is known as the Kulswamini of Maharashtra, and the inspirational deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is believed that goddess Bhavani gave him a' Bhawani sword' that brought success in his various expeditions.

Several legends are associated with the temple. According to one legend, a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh, who was wreaking havoc upon both the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, who advised them to turn to the Goddess Shakti. She took up the form of a destroyer, and powered by the ...

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About Wai

At a distance of 13 Km from Panchgani, 35 km from Satara & 88 km from Pune, Wai is a small town in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the ideal places to visit near Pune for a day trip. Nestled along the banks of the Krishna River, Wai holds significant historical importance. It is the birthplace of two notable Maratha Brahmin queens: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Gopikabai, the spouse of Nanasaheb Peshwa. With more than 100 temples, it is known aptly as the Dakshin Kashi. In recent years, Wai has emerged as a favored destination for the production of Bollywood and Marathi films, with more than 300 movies filmed in and around the area. Additionally, Wai is known as Charanpur in the acclaimed film Swades.

History of Wai

Wai is traditionally regarded as Viratnagari, the location associated with the thirteenth year of the Pandavas' exile. Information about Wai remains sparse until the period of Muslim rule. Between 1453 and 1480, Wai is noted as a military outpost for the Bahamanis, from which troops were dispatched for various expeditions. By around 1648, Wai served as the headquarters for the Bijapur mokasadar, or manager. Afzal Khan, a renowned general from Bijapur, held the position of subhedar in Wai for a time. When Shivaji proclaimed independence for the Maratha region, he seized control of Wai, which also marked the site of Afzalkhan's final encampment ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Guhagar and 72 km from Ganpatipule, Velneshwar Temple and Beach are located at Velneshwar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Sri Velneshwar Temple is believed to be one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. Earlier, the temple was built by Gadgils and was later renovated by Sri Trimbak Ravaji Gokhale. Representing an example of ancient Hindu architectural style, the temple houses many small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ganesha and Kala Bhairav. The main sanctum of the temple is adorned with paintings and stone carvings representing various episodes of mythology. This temple is flocked by a large number of devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri. It is held in the month of March and celebrated in honour of the deity Lord Shiva.

Another prime attraction of Velneshwar is the Velneshwar Beach which is lined with coconut trees. This is one of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the entire Konkan stretch and with popular destinations like Guhagar and Ganpatipule flanking it on either sides. This beach is quite famous for its location and also the peaceful surroundings. The beach experiences stable waves throughout the year and is an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports are the frequent activities, which are carried out here.

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At a distance of 21 km from Ratnagiri, Ganeshgule Beach is a beautiful beach situated at Ganeshgule village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most serene Maharashtra beaches, and among the top places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Ganeshghule Beach is popular among nature lovers and is known for its clear sunset view. The beach is 1.5 km long and is flanked by mountains on both sides. The rocky, white sandy terrain and clear emerald sea of the secluded Ganeshghule Beach is an idyllic holiday retreat for many travellers who visit the beach as of Ratnagiri packages.

Ganeshgule Beach is considered a perfect place for those who want to relax and spend peaceful moments. Swimming and sunbathing are the favorite activities at the beach. This beach also has many water sport activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, and parasailing. Visitors can even enjoy boat riding when visiting this beach.

The well-known Ganeshgule Temple is located 1.5 km from the beach. This temple is a popular religious place and is visited by many pilgrims from the Konkan region. This temple contains the idol of Lord Ganesha that is known as Swayambhu. The trunk of Lord Ganesha is towards the west in the temple. In addition, this temple contains an ancient well of the Pandava era.

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About Anjarle Ganapati Temple

At a distance of 3 Km from Anjarle Beach, 24 Km from Dapoli, 43 Km from Harihareshwar, and 82 Km from Chiplun, Anjarle Ganapati Temple, also known as Kadyavarcha Ganapati Temple, is a Hindu temple located atop a hill in the small village of Anjarle in the Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, it is one of the popular temples in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, and among the most popular places to visit as part of the Chiplun tour packages.

History of Anjarle Ganapati Temple

The Kadyavarcha Ganapati Temple is thought to have been constructed in 1150 AD using wooden pillars. According to local legends, this temple was originally located by the seashore alongside two other temples, Ajayrayleshwar and Siddhivinayak. Remnants of these two temples can still be observed during low tide when the water recedes. Due to the erosion caused by high tides, the Ganpati temple was relocated to its current site in the 18th century, which is how it acquired the name Kadyavarcha Ganpati. This relocation likely occurred between 1768 and 1780. Since 1630, the temple has been under the management of the Nisture family.

Architecture of Anjarle Ganapati Temple

The architectural design of the temple is significantly shaped by both medieval and contemporary styles. It features a main hall, an assembly hall, and an open courtyard. Within ...

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At a distance of 44 km from Satara and 63 km from Panchgani, Yamai Devi Temple is an ancient temple situated on a hilltop at Aundh in Satara distric of Maharashtra. The temple is very much revered in Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Satara.

Yamai Devi is the family deity of many Maharastrian families. The idol of Devi Mahishasur Mardini in black stone is almost 2 meters high in a cross-legged sitting position. The idol has four hands and is carrying gada, arrow, trishul and paan patra.

The town and the temple have been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill. Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

The temple can either be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill. Direct road access is also available to the hilltop. The temple complex also houses Sri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum holds paintings by noted 19th and 20th century Indian artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the famous Mother and Child stone structure by the British artist Henry Moore.

The annual Yatra to the Yamai Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Sangli, and 61 km from Kolhapur, Sri Kopeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Khidrapur village in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Located at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, it is one of the ancient temples in Maharashtra, and among popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Built on the banks of River Krishna, Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the must include places in Kolhapur tour. According to archaeologists, the construction of the temple began by Badami Chalukyas in the 7th century AD and remained incomplete for a long time. It was patronized by the Shilahara Kings during the 12th century. Lord Shiva has worshiped here in the form of a Shivalinga as well as a sculpture of his fierce form, Veerbhadra. Legend has it that Lord Shiva got angry when Sati sacrificed herself and he was then brought to this temple by Lord Vishnu. This is how the temple got its name as Kopeshwar which means furious god.

Kopeshwar Temple is a magnificent piece of intricate Chalukyan architecture. Built with basalt stone, the entire temple is divided into four parts Swarga Mandap, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha / Sanctum Sanctorum. The Swarg Mandap of the temple is unique and stunning. The mandap is supported ...

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