30 Places to Visit near Kolhapur within 200 kms (2024)

Hill Station

Perched at an altitude of 1,353 m in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. It is about 123 km from Pune, and 243 km from Mumbai. It is one of the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages.

Known for its lovely views, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather, Mahabaleshwar is often referred to as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. It boasts of many tourist attractions including Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar Mandir, Krishnabai Temple, Lingamala Falls, and Panchgani. Several viewpoints are strategically located here to capture the panoramic views created by the majestic Sahyadri Mountains and deep valleys. Arthur's Seat, Wilson Point, Kate's Point, Elephant Head Point, and Bombay Point are some popular viewpoints you must include in Mahabaleshwar packages.

Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River. Four other rivers also flow from here, before they merge into the Krishna; these are Koyana, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri. Also, it is famous for the cultivation of strawberries and mulberries.

Distance from Kolhapur: 189 Kms

Hill Station

Panchgani or Paachgani is a picturesque hill station in Maharashtra. Situated 104 km from Pune and 254 km from Mumbai, it is one of the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages, and among the famous scenic places to visit near Kolhapur.

Situated at an altitude of 1334 m, Panchgani is nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is one of the top hill stations near Pune & Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar was the summer resort of choice for the British, but it was uninhabitable during the monsoons. Panchgani was developed as a retirement place for the British as it remained pleasant throughout the year. It is also said that, during Vanavasa, the Pandavas spent some time in Panchgani and the cave where they stayed in the famous Devil's Kitchen, among the most popular sightseeing places in Panchgani.

Panchgani has several beautiful tourist attractions. Table Land, Parsi Point, Kamalgadh Fort, Devil's Kitchen, Rajpuri Caves, Sydney Point, Mapro Gardens, Dhom dam, etc. are some of the major sightseeing places to visit as part of Panchgani tour packages. Panchgani is dotted with British style old bungalows and Parsi houses.

Distance from Kolhapur: 169 Kms

Pilgrimage | Beach

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.

Distance from Kolhapur: 153 Kms

Historical & Heritage | Beach

Ratnagiri is a port city on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. About 308 km from Pune, and 350 km from Mumbai, Ratnagiri is one of the famous places to visit near Kolhapur, and among the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages.

Ratnagiri can be visited along with Mahabaleshwar tour packages. Surrounded by the beautiful hills of Sahyadri ranges, Ratnagiri offers the most diverse attractions for tourists in the form of the most beautiful beaches, historical monuments, and serene temples. However, the beaches in Ratnagiri dominate all other tourist attractions. Mandvi Beach, Pawas Beach, Ganeshghule Beach, Bhatye Beach, and Ganpatipule Beach are the other famous beaches you must visit as part of Ratnagiri holiday packages.

Apart from the beaches, there are other places to visit in Ratnagiri like Ratnadurg Fort, Thibaw Palace, Gateway of Ratnagiri, Vijaydurg Fort & Beach, Ganpatipule, and Jaigad Fort & Lighthouse. It can be visited along with Konkan tour.

Distance from Kolhapur: 132 Kms

City

Located near the confluence of the River Krishna,and the River Venna, Satara is one of the famous places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon and among the top places to visit near Pune.

Situated at an altitude of 2320 feet, it is a base station to several tourist destinations like Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani. The district of Satara is lined with amazing temples and forts. The Ajinkyatara Fort is the major historical fort in Satara and was built by Raja Bhoj. About 3,000 feet high, the fort was once an important line of defense in southern Maharashtra, and now among the must-visit places as part of Satara tour packages.

Satara is another popular attraction not to miss in a Mahabaleshwar packages. The Kaas Lake, Kaas Plateau, Thosegarh Falls, Gare Ganapathi Temple, Koteshwar Mandir, and the Abhayankar Vishnu Temple are some important places to visit in Satara.

Distance from Kolhapur: 122 Kms

Nature & Scenic

Chiplun is a town in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist places in Maharashtra. About 238 km from Pune, and 259 km from Mumbai, it is among the best weekend getaways from Mumbai, and Goa.

Situated between the Western Ghats, and the Arabian Sea, Chiplun has a stunning natural beauty which includes lush greenery and stunning waterfalls. Lies near the source of the Vashishti river, Chiplun is also an industrial town and happens to be one of the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages.

Chiplun offers a bouquet of attractions to its visitors. Parashuram Temple, Swatsada Waterfalls, Gowalkot Fort, Nehru Smriti Udayan, Murud-Dapoli Beach, Anjarle Ganapati Temple, Anjarle Beach, Koyna Dam, and Pandava Caves are the top Chiplun tourist places.

Distance from Kolhapur: 164 Kms

City

Hubli or Hubballi, along with its twin city Dharwad, is the second-largest city in the state after Bangalore, and among the top Karnataka tourist places. About 361 km from Mangalore and 406 km from Bangalore, this multi-faceted city is also known as the cultural, educational, and music capital of the state.

Lying on the 'Golden Quadrilateral', Hubli is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Karnataka. The city boasts numerous monuments and monasteries, that can be visited as part of Hubli tour packages. Hubli is often called Chotta Mumbai due to its immense commercial development. Chandramouleshwara Temple, Nrupatunga Betta, Unkal Lake, Sidharoodha Math, Banashankari Temple at Amargol, Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple, and Sri Kalika Devi Temple in Sirsangi are the other prominent places to visit in Hubli.

The city of Hubli is also renowned for its handloom textile industry with several cotton ginning and processing mills. Hubli is the base station for many Dandeli tour packages.

Distance from Kolhapur: 200 Kms

Pilgrimage

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.

Distance from Kolhapur: 184 Kms

City

Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India with beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Goa is a strip of land 110 km long and 60 km wide between the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India. Panaji is the state's capital while Vasco Da Gama is the largest city. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna.

The festival of Shigmo Mel or the Holi, Goa carnival and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals in Goa.

Distance from Kolhapur: 200 Kms

Pilgrimage | Beach

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.

Timings: ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 142 Kms

Lake & Backwater | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 41 km from Chiplun, and 86 km from Satara, Koyna Dam is a rubble-concrete dam situated at Koyna Nagar in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is one of the largest dams in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit in Chiplun.

Koyna Dam was constructed on Koyna River, a major tributary of Krishna River. The construction of this dam was completed in 1963 and is amongst the chief civil engineering projects built after the independence of India. The catchment area of the Koyna Dam blocks up the Koyna River and creates the Shivsagar Lake, which is roughly 50 km long. The spillway of the dam is located at the center and it has 6 radial gates. The dam plays a vital role in flood controlling in monsoon season.

This dam is situated between Chiplun and Karad and is the main water source for the Western Maharashtra region. The main purpose of the dam is hydroelectricity with some irrigation in neighboring areas. Today the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant in India having a total installed capacity of 1,920 MW. The Koyna Dam has survived a lot of earthquakes, even the destructive earthquake of Koyna Nagar in 1967 AD which resulted in a few cracks. The cracks were later repaired and holes were created internally to relieve the hydrostatic pressures in the dam. In 2006, the dam was further developed to strengthen the spillway.

Boating is available at the dam and is a prime ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 129 Kms

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 24 km from Satara, 37 km from Mahabaleshwar, and 50 km from Panchgani, the Kaas Plateau, also known as the Kas Pathar, is a vast volcanic lateritic plateau situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It falls under the Sahyadri Sub Cluster and is among the top Satara tourist places.

Popularly known as the Plateau of Flowers, Kaas Plateau is one of the famous tourist attractions in Maharashtra and also a popular picnic spot among nature lovers during late monsoons. The plateau is situated at an altitude of 1200 m and is approximately 1,000 hectares in area. The name 'Kaas' originates from the Kaasa tree. It is one of the most visited tourist places as part of Satara packages.

Kaas Plateau was formed by volcanic activities and is covered by a thin soil cover as a result of which, no vegetation thrives in the region. This area comes under a very high rainfall zone. Due to this, the flora and fauna of the region are quite unique. These unique ecological features make Kaas one of the hotspots of biodiversity.

The Plateau is well known for its unique biosphere, high hill plateaus, and grasslands. During monsoon season, especially in the month of August, the Plateau comes to life with various types of flowers. Kaas has more than 850 different species of flowering plants ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 141 Kms

Waterfall

At a distance of 26 km from Satara, 73 km from Panchgani, 77 km from Mahabaleshwar, 141 km from Pune & 294 km from Mumbai, Thoseghar Falls is a popular waterfalls located at Thoseghar village in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top waterfalls in Maharashtra and also one of the highest waterfalls in India. Thoseghar falls is among the most popular Satara places to visit and one of the best monsoon Tourist places near Mumbai.

Thoseghar waterfall is a scenic spot located at the edge of the Konkan region. The waterfall is drops through a series of cascades with a total height of about 500 m. This is a seasonal waterfall which is only seen in monsoon and drops into a deep gorge.

Thoseghar Falls is famous for its serenity, clam and quiet natural surroundings. It is a wonderful place where one can enjoy the beauty of the nature. There is a picnic area and a newly constructed platform which gives a good view of the waterfall. There is no way to enter into the falls but one can go to the starting point of the falls.

People come from all over Maharashtra to visit the falls, especially during the monsoon season between July and October.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Kolhapur: 144 Kms

Pilgrimage

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 ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 108 Kms

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

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 ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 60 Kms

Historical & Heritage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 80 km from Kolhapur, and 89 km from Ratnagiri, Vishalgad Fort is an ancient fort situated at Vishalgad village in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the historical forts in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur.

Also called Khelna or Khilna by the locals, Vishalgad Fort was one of the important forts of the Maratha empire. According to history, Vishalgad Fort was built in the year 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh and was initially known as Khilgil. In 1209, the then king of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri defeated Shilaharas and captured the fort. In 1309, Allauddin Khilji defeated King Ramchandra of the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri and soon the fort was attached to the Khilji dynasty. Later, the fort was under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, and then the Adishlahi dynasty. In 1659, Shivaji captured the fort from Adilshah and renamed the fort 'Vishalgad' which means grand or giant fort.

In July 1660, the fort witnessed Shivaji's escape from the Adilshahi blockade around Fort Panhala and the Battle of Pawan Khind. After Shivaji's death, Chhatrapati Sambhaji would spend most of his time on the fort. He took initiative in the renovation and reconstruction of some parts of the fortresses and gates of the fort. During the times of the Maratha Empire, Vishalgad was made the capital of a large region consisting of ninety towns and villages in Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts. In 1844, as a result of mutiny by the Killedars, ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 81 Kms

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 22 km from Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is an ancient fort situated at Panhala town in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Also known as Panhalgad, it is one of the historical forts in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur.

Panhala Fort is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur in the interior of Maharashtra to the coastal areas. Due to its strategic location, it was the center of several battles in the Deccan involving the Marathas, the Mughals, and the British East India Company, the most notable being the Battle of Pawan Khind. It is also called the 'Fort of Snakes' as it is zigzagged in shape.

Built between 1178 and 1209 CE, Panhala Fort was one of the 15 forts built by the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II. A copper plate found in Satara shows that Raja Bhoja held court at Panhala from 1191-1192 CE. It was successively held by the Yadava and Bahamani Kings. In 1489 AD, the fort and the territory were taken over by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Shivaji seized the fort in 1659 AD. In July 1660, Shivaji escaped from the Adilshahi blockade around Fort Panhala and the Battle of Pawan Khind. The fort went to Adil Shah, and it was only later, in 1673, that Shivaji occupied the fort once again, stationing 15,000 horses and 20,000 soldiers here. Panhala would be the second-most important fort in the Maratha empire after the capital, Raigad.

After the death ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 23 Kms

Wildlife

At a distance of 55 km from Kolhapur, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located at Dajipur in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Also known as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, it is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur trip for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nestled in the southern end of the Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary was the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur. Among the prime places to visit near Kolhapur, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in1958 and is the first declared wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. In 1985, the Government of Maharashtra expanded the sanctuary by declaring additional areas of forest including the catchment basins of Kalammawadi Reservoir (Rajarshi Shahu Sagar Reservoir) and Radhanagari Dam & Reservoir (Laxmi Sagar Reservoir) as Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. The total area of the sanctuary is 351 sq. km. Popularly known in the state as Bison Sanctuary, it is a natural World Heritage Site of category ix and x since 2012.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary contains tropical evergreen forests typical of the northern Western Ghats. About 425 species of plants have been recorded in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to 47 species of mammals, ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 80 Kms

Waterfall

At a distance of 35 km from Amboli, 59 km from Belgaum, and 87 km from Kolhapur, Ramtirth Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall situated at Ajara near Kolhapur. It is one of the stunning waterfalls in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur tour.

Formed over River Hiranyakeshi, Ramtirth Waterfall is a natural waterfall popular for its unmatched serenity and beautiful locales. The spot is mostly used for day picnics and to unmind from the hustle-bustle of the city. According to legend, the place is so named because Lord Rama had stayed here during his exile in the forest. It is one of the spectacular Kolhapur places to visit.

The main feature of the waterfall is it never dried. However, the beauty of the waterfall enhances during the monsoons when it is in full swing. Also, It is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The area also has several temples which are thronged by pilgrims at all times.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Distance from Kolhapur: 86 Kms

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 4 km from Sangli Railway Station, and 47 km from Kolhapur, Sangli Ganapati Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated at Ganapati Peth locality of Sangli town in Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent temples in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Sangli Ganapati Temple is situated on the eastern banks of the Krishna River. The construction of the temple started in 1814 by Chintamanrao Patwardhan, the first head of the Sangli, to honor the guarding deity of the Sangli city. The construction of this temple took a period of 30 years and was completed in 1845. The king consecrated the idol of Lord Ganesha in this temple only. In 1952, a red stone arch was erected in front of the Ganesh temple. The rest of the temple was completed during the reign of Chintamani Rao II. Vijay Singh Patwardhan has recently renovated and transformed this temple.

Considered as a masterpiece of Peshwa architecture, the main temple is made of black stones brought from the Jyotiba hills. The doors of the temple have been carved out of multi-colored natural wood. The premises of the temple is spread over an area of 2 acres of land and comprises of a large hall, a platform, and a 'Nagarkhana'. The idol of Ganesha with Riddhi-siddhi in marble is beautiful in the temple. Around the main temple, there are four temples of Chintamaneshwar, Chintamaneshwari, Suryanarayana, and Laxminarayan. These four temples along with the ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 46 Kms

Wildlife

At a distance of 30 km from Karad, 49 km from Sangli, and 64 km from Kolhapur, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a Deer sanctuary situated at Deorashtre in the Sangli district of Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made sanctuary located at the meeting of Kadegaon, Waluva, and Palus tehsils of Sangli district. Covering over an area of 10.87 sq. km, this is an artificially cultivated forest without a perennial supply of water, and most of the wildlife species were artificially introduced. This protected area was previously declared as a forest park, then Sagaroba game reserve in 1980, and thereafter, in 1985, it became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary when approximately 52 animals were set free in the area.

The sanctuary is forested, but with grassy hill slopes. Large animals found in the sanctuary include several types of deer (Sambar Deer, Blackbucks, Muntjac, Chital) as well as wild boar and peacocks. Small carnivores like hyena, fox, and porcupines are also found in the area. A large number of insects, birds, and reptiles such as pythons and other snakes are also present. The most popular tourist activity is hiking to the top of a hill in the sanctuary, from which one can see the Krishna River flowing through fields of sugarcane and grapevines.

The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural, and archaeological significance ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 64 Kms

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 20 km from Kolhapur, Jyotiba Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated near Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the revered places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Kolhapur.

Standing 3124 feet above sea level, the glorious temple of Jyotiba is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, who was believed to be an embodiment of three different deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. According to mythology, Jotiba helped Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain. It is believed that this temple should be visited after visiting the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur.

The Jyotiba temple was made in three different stages. The original temple was established by Navji Saya while the main temple that stands today was built by Ranoji Shinde in 1730 in its place. It is 55 feet in length, 37 feet in width, and 77 feet in height. The second temple of Kedareshwar was constructed by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808 and is 49 ft x 22 ft x 89 ft high while the third temple of Ramling was constructed in circa 1780 by Malji Nilam Panhalkar, and is 13 ft x 13 ft x 40 ft high including its dome.

The interior is elegant while the exterior includes a flight of 100 stairs that pilgrims need to climb to reach the main temple. The triangular domes of the temples are painted in shades of yellow while the main body and walls are still in the same stone that they were made of. The premises includes ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 22 Kms

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 13 km from Panchgani, 35 km from Satara & 88 km from Pune, Wai is a small town situated on the banks of Krishna River in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the ideal places for one day trip near Pune.

Wai has some historical prominence; two important Maratha Brahmin queens Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Gopikabai, wife of Nanasaheb Peshwa were born here. Wai is the place referred to as Charanpur in the hit film Swades.

Wai is famed for its seven Ghats, including Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh and Bhimkund. It is also known for numerous beautiful temples near the ghats. Brahmanshahi ghat contains several temples including Kaunteshwar, Chakreshwar, Kaleshwar and Chimneshwar. Menavali ghat is the most popular sightseeing destination in Wai apart from the backwaters of Dhom dam and the famous Dholya Ganpati temple.

The temple of Dholya Ganapati, built in 1762 by Raja Bhoja, is located on the banks of Krishna River. The temple is made out of finished stone with a spacious inner sanctum and a huge hall in the front. The idol of the deity in the temple is carved out of a monolith, and is about 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The deity acquired its name Dholya Ganapati from its sheer massive size.

The temple of Mandhradevi Kalubai, Mahalaxmi temple in Dharmapuri and Pandavgadh Fort are the other popular attractions in Wai. Besides being ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 156 Kms

Beach

At a distance of 79 km from Ganpatipule and 46 km from Chiplun, Guhagar is a pristine beach located at Guhagar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit in Ganpati Pule.

Guhagar Beach is one of the cleanest and less polluted beaches in Maharashtra. It is located just 200 m from Guhagar Bus Stand towards the western side. Guhagar is the place where Vashishti River empties into Arabian Sea. Guhagar Beach is a very long beach and extends for almost 6 km between two hillocks.

Guhagar Beach is the main beach and also the most prominent tourist attraction in Guhagar. The beach is dotted with thick plantations of suru trees and white sand. It is known for activities like swimming and sunbathing. The sea beach offers swings and slides to the children and camel ride to the elders. This beach is also famous for various food and beverage stalls, chaat stalls and flea markets. There are no water-sports or boating activities.

There is another route to reach Guhagar from Ganpatipule via Jaigad, which is about 55 km and it includes 2.5 km ferry ride on Jaigad River.

Distance from Kolhapur: 195 Kms

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 19 km from Ganpatipule and 42 km from Ratnagiri, Jaigad Fort is coastal fortification that is located near Jaigad village in Maharashtra. It is one of the popular forts in Konkan region and also one of the top tourist places near Pune for history lovers. It is a protected monument under Archeological Survey of India.

Jaigad Fort is one of the prime places to include in Ganpatipule tour The meeting point of the river Shashtri and Arabian Sea is called as the creek of Jaigad. For the protection of this creek two forts were constructed, one is Vijaygad at the north direction and the other is Jaigad at south. Situated on a cliff, Jaigad has a commanding view of the bay and the open sea. A jetty port and a lighthouse are located nearby.

It is believed that the construction of Jaigad was initiated in 14th century and completed by Sultan of Bijapur and was named after Jayba Mahar's sacrificing his life for building the fort. It was conquered by Kanhoji Angre, the commander-in-chief during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja's regime. Shivaji also controlled the fort for some time before handing it over to the Peshwas who finally lost the fort to the British in the year 1818.

Although in ruins, most of the fort's outer wall and ramparts still intact. Spread across an expanse of 4 acres, the fort is surrounded by a moat and strong bastions ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 166 Kms

Beach | Pilgrimage

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.

Distance from Kolhapur: 184 Kms

Pilgrimage | Waterfall

At a distance of 65 km from Ratnagiri, Marleshwar Temple is a cave temple located at Maral village near Sangameshwar in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Sri Marleshwar Temple is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Maharashtra, and among the most visited Ratnagiri tourist places.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Marleshwar Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Kolhapur. It is believed that the temple was built by Lord Parashuram. The shrine is most famous for the cobras which are believed to live here with the shivaling and to date have not harmed anyone. This has resulted in increasing faith in the place and every year thousands of devotees visit the place as part of their Ratnagiri tour. This temple is known as the 'Trimbakeshwar' of Konkan. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village.

Dhareshwar waterfall is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar. The Dhareshwar waterfall is formed over the Bav River. Adventure lovers and trekkers will love this area. The waterfall sight is very beautiful from the cave but one can get a better view of the falls from Karambeli Doh, which is situated near the falls. One can see a saffron flag fluttering ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 94 Kms

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 10 km from Ganeshgule and 24 km from Ratnagiri, Purnagad Fort is an ancient sea fort situated at Purnagad village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular forts of Konkan and also one of the best places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Purnagad Fort is situated on a mountain which is at the confluence of Muchkundi creek and the Arabian Sea. It is believed that the fort of Purnagad was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but some evidences suggested that it was constructed by Sakhoji Aangre, son of Kanhoji Angre.

Spread over an area of 22 acres, Purnagad Fort has two entrance gates, one facing east and the other facing west. The main entrance door is a very robust structure between the two bastions. There is a Hanuman shrine and a well at the entrance. Pictures of Moon, Sun and Lord Ganesh are carved onto the main entrance door. Vestibules of security guards are present on the either sides of the main entrance door. There are stair cases from four sides to reach the top of the fort.

Although covered in thick vegetation and overgrown trees, this small fort is in good condition. The main entrance door and its buruj, boundary wall are still in good condition. The fort is located very close to the village Purnagad and it is a ten minutes' walk. One can get a captivating view of the Arabian Sea, Muchkundi creek and surrounding places from the top of the fort.

Distance from Kolhapur: 145 Kms

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 29 km from Devgad, 73 km from Malvan and 100 km from Ratnagiri, Vijaydurg Fort is an ancient fort situated on a hill near the mouth of the Vaghotan River in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest forts on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Ratnagiri. It is a protected monument under ASI.

Vijaydurg Fort is located at the tip of the peninsular region of Vijaydurg in Devgad Taluka. It was earlier known as Gheria because of its proximity to the village Girye and functioned as a strong military base for Admiral Kanhoji Angre. The fort is also known as the 'Gibraltar of the East' since it was so impregnable, surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides.

The original fort was built by Bhojraja Shilahar between 1196 and 1206 AD. The Maratha king Shivaji took control of this fort from Adil Shahi dynasty in 1656 AD and renamed it as Vijay Durg. Thereafter the fort was the main Maratha naval base under Kanoji Angre. The fort was attacked in 1717, 1720 and 1724 AD by the British, Portuguese and Dutch - but could not be conquered. The fort was under the control of British and Peshwas in 1756 AD and remained with the Peshwas till 1818 AD. In 1818 Vijaydurg was totally fell into the hands of the British Empire.

The earlier fort encompassed an area of 5 acres and was surrounded by sea on all the 4 sides. Presently the area of fort is about 17 acres and is surrounded by Arabian Sea on three sides. ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 144 Kms

Hill Station

At a distance of 88 km from Panjim, 68 km from Belgaum, and 119 km from Kolhapur, Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra situated at an altitude of 690 m (2000 ft). It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa, and amog the top places to visit near Kolhapur.

This hill station forms the southern range of the Sahyadri Hills. The Konkan coast lies on one side of Amboli, whereas valleys are found on the other three sides. A British Colonel Westrop made a major contribution to the development of Amboli as a hill station.

Amboli is an idyllic hill station that comes alive in monsoon when the area is abounding with waterfalls and mist. Amboli is receiving an annual rainfall of about 750 cm, the wettest region in Maharashtra.

The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February when the waterfalls can be seen gushing down from the hills. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin of Hiranyakeshi River, Shirgaonkar Falls, Nagatta falls are worth visiting. The Hiranyakeshi River originates from a cave adjacent to the Hiranyakeshi temple and flows out from the 'Kund'. The Mahadevgad Fort is about 3 km from Amboli. The Nagatta Falls is an excellent location for picnics and relaxing. Amboli has many viewpoints, like the Sea View Point, the Kavelsad Point, the Parikshit Point, and the Mahadevgad Point. Located 10 km from Amboli, the Bauxite Mines are another attraction.

Rickshaws, ...

Distance from Kolhapur: 110 Kms

No Destinations found for the selected filters

Top 6 Maharashtra Packages