Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a city located in south west Maharashtra besides the River Panchganga and is the headquarters of the Kolhapur district. The city is also famous for the temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi, a Hindu Goddess. The origin of Kolhapur goes down in Hindu mythology and it is believed that Kolhapur was the home of Kolhasur, a demon who was killed by Goddess Mahalakshmi to deliver the local people of their misery. The city was named Kolhapur as per the demon's last wish to have the city named after him. Religiously Kolhapur was an important Buddhist destination in the 6th century BC and also finds mention in the Devi Gita.The climate of Kolhapur is a blend of costal and inland climate of Maharashtra and temperatures range between 10 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. Most residents of the city are Marathas along with communities of Gujaratis, Brahmins, Buddhists, Marwadis, Jains and mainly Lingayats and Sindhis, including a small population of Muslims.

There are number of forts in this old city. Descended from its historic events, the city has many historical monuments and sites. During the periods of Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas, the magnificent temples of Kolhapur were constructed. Kolhapur has number of tourist sites. The architecture of New Palace offers the visitors a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style. As far as shopping in Kolhapur is concerned, the city can be called as shoppers' delight. The city is famous for its Kolhapuri saaj, Kolhapuri chappals and Kolhapuri sarees. Har and malas, mohanmal, bormal, chaplahar, kolhapuri saaj, pohehar and putlihar are the jewelleries, which can attract that tourists' eye.

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra. Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhasur - a demon who was slayed by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The famous Mahalakshmi temple is situated here in the honor of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Kolhapur became a popular place because of it's chappals, jewellery and cuisine. Kolhapuri chappals, Kolhapuri jewellery and Kolhapuri cuisine is famous all over India.