Kolhapur

Kolhapur is an important ancient city dating back to 300 years in Maharastra situated on the banks of the river Panchganga. The name Kolhapur is famed all over India and abroad by the common names of most demanded items like Kolhapuri Chappal, Kolhapuri cuisine and Kolhapuri gur. Legend says that Kolhapur is named after the wish of a demon named Kolhasur, killed by Goddess Mahalakshmi.

The historical Kolhapur city was an important princely state of Bombay presidency of British rule. The Bhonsle dynasty who ruled during this period was given 19 gun salutes and so Kolhapur was named as 19 gun state during that period. Present Kolhapur city is noted with political, cultural, commercial and religious importance.

Kolhapur is renowned as capital of Maratha film industry and has borne the credit as the place where the first feature film in India - Raja Harischandra was conceptualized. The region is renowned for the localized version of wrestling known as Kusti and also renowned for art and education. Kolhapuri footwear, Kolhapuri jewels and Kolhapuri tobacco are world famous products exported from Kolhapur. A personalized version of necklace known as Kolhapuri Saaj is a specimen of Kolhapur jewel products.

Pancglgad hill station, Irwin Agricultural Museum, Mahalaxmi temple known as Dakshin Kashi and Bahubali Jain temple are some of the nearby attractions. Shopping is a wonderful experience in Kolhapur. Apart from the specialized items, all types of textile products, artifacts and gift items are available plenty in big and small malls in Kolhapur.