Kolhapur

A hill station about 2-3 hours from CBS (Central Bus Stand, Kolhapur) and Kolhapur Railway Station. Excellent climate during the rainy season.

Gagangiri Maharaj was a great yogi. One of the few living sages having unique capacities, vision and synthesis. Gagangiri Maharaj Math is renowned as a spiritual destination for domestic and foreign travelers. The Math is located in the midst of dense forests and thick green vegetation at Dajipur nearby Kolhapur. Shri Gagangiri Maharaj was a Hindu Sanyasi (Sage) following the Nath Sampradaya.The life and history of the sage tells that Gagangiri Maharaj spent many years in this Math undergoing penance from 1932 to 1940. The Sage spent all these years in meditation in the deep jungle in this Math. This Ashram offers the Hindu teachings, yoga and meditation practices and also serves as a religious temple for the devotees. It is an attractive place for meditation, yoga and to clearly understand the Indian culture and its religious importance.

Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the mountains, also known as Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A colorful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh. During the fair, Devotees from various regions hoist "Sasan Kathi", which is the holy symbol of lord Jyotiba

A famous and beautiful Lord Shiva Temple built 900 years ago. The artistic temple of Kopeshwar or Mahadev at Khidrapur is a treasure-house of beautifully carved sculptures and a rare architectural marvel. The entire temple rests on a gajapeeth which is a semi-circular platform resting on the back of 92 carved elephants.

This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas (slippers) of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru who lived here for 12 years. The devotees have erected a temple called "Jahaz Mandir", which is unique in its own way, because it has been built in the shape of a ship with beautiful landscape. Narsobachiwadi is famour for Basundi, Kundhi Pedas, Kawatchi Barfi's. This attraction may be inaccessible during monsoon seasons due to flooding.

Built in 1100 AC. Historic memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hill Station. Carrying a rich heritage, Panhala Fort forms the largest of all the Deccan forts. This fort was built between the 1178-1209 AD, this is the only fort where the great ruler, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is believed to have spent more than 500 days. The history of Panhala Fort is one of the oldest, and famous amongst Maratha warriors. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate. An average temperature of 25 °C.It is a must place to visit, while in Kolhapur.
As you enter the fort complex, there is a statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande who defended the Pawan Khind during Shivaji's escape. There is a parking area on the left. Women's self help groups have setup many eateries where one can enjoy the traditional pithla-bhakri (bread and gram-flour dish). A 45 minute journey, accompanied by beautiful landscape, a trip to Panhala will surely be a memorable one! A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Western Ghats and is recognized as a region of immense global importance for the conservation of biological diversity, besides containing areas of high geological, cultural and aesthetic values. Also has a dam.

A unique project, perhaps the only project in India situated at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, Tal. Karveer, Dist. Kolhapur. The place is near Kolhapur city on Pune Bangalore Highway. Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math has a history of more than 1000 years, and is a holy place of worship of Lord Mahadeva. The surrounding around the museum is very calm and quiet, a hilly place with a good collection of Flora and Fauna.
The project is a dream village of Mahatma Gandhi, visually and symbolically created through the vision and efforts of present 27th Mathadhipati H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji.
The main objective of the Project is to refresh the history of self sufficient village life before the invasion of the Mughals in Maharashtra. There were 12 Balutedars (12 main profession based casts i.e. Professions performed by generation by family members) and 18 Alutedars, who provided equipment to all villagers useful in their day-to-day necessities of domestic as well as agricultural life.
These Balutedars, Alutedars and others had a special characteristics with which they served society. The description of all 18 Alutedars, 12 Balutedars and other people and there duties are vividly depicted in the museum.
The first phase of the museum spans over 7 Acres of area with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme which Swamiji very keenly arranged each and every scene to make a proper visual story. In the total cluster the village demonstrate a self sufficient machinery within village. Barter economy, Interpersonal healthy happy relationship among villagers is reflected. The Museum projects the entire village as a single family, and as single family members in a joint family. No adulteration, no cut thought practice, no mad rat race, No pollution, but caring, and delightful atmosphere, no bitter feeling, but fertile land, clean water, clean air, quality food, maximum use of natural resources, cattle field, livestock, job satisfaction. All these things are reflecting the beauty, Joy, satisfaction of human race and oneness with nature. It advises us to get back to nature, without disturbing the equilibrium of nature and many other things which are beyond our imagination.

It's very beautiful place, where various birds come every year.