Panhala

The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

Weather:An average temperature of 25 C.

Vishalgad

The name Vishalgad itself connotes grandeur and magnificence. This picturesque fort contains the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba, visited by hundreds of devotees.

Getting there : Vishalgad is 76 kms  north-west of Kolhapur.

Saamaangad

This fort has inspiring fables woven around it. Situated in the Gadhinglaj taluka or district the fort has secret passages and strong bastions.

Bhudargad

This fort is situated on a huge vertical rock amidst mountain ranges. It is said to resemble from a distance, the crescent moon in the matted hair of the god Shiva.

Getting there: Located about 50 kms south of Kolhapur

Paargad

Surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque forest, the fort has exquisite bronze statues of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani.

Getting there: Paargad lies to the south of Kolhapur, 28 kms from Chandgad.

Narasimha Wadi

This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas or slippers of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru lived here for 12 years.

Getting there: Narasimha Wadi is 45 kms from Kolhapur.

Jyotiba

Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the mountains near Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A mammoth colourful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh.

Getting there: Jyotiba lies 17 kms north-west of Kolhapur.

Bahubali oR Kumbhojgiri

This site is revered by both Hindus and Jains. Devotees flock here to pay respect to the 28 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 tirthankaras or saints. A Durgamata temple on the hill nearby is another place of pilgramage.

Getting there : This site is 27 kms to the south of Kolhapur.

Khidrapur

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.

Giroli Tourist Park

Tropical flora and fauna, the wild cry of the peacock, the chirp of the forest birds and then a well-planned visit to Panhala, Jyotiba, Warnanagar and the carvings of Pohale, make for a complete holiday experience. The restaurant in the park offers delectable food from Kolhapur, Goa, karnataka and the Konkan region.

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary

The jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded little place is completely cut-off from human habitat. Home to bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild animals and birds.
Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1200 metres above sea level. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. This scenic resort near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam is highly recommended for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Getting there: Kolhapur, about 80 kms away is the most convenient airport and railhead. It can be accessed by road as well. Radhanagari to Dajipur is 30 kms.

Ramteerth

A scenic picnic spot in Ajra taluka, with ancient temples, a river, an old coffee plantation and an orchard, lend a quaint charm to this place. According to legend, the place is so named because Rama stayed here during his vanvaas or exile in the forest. It is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Amba

Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of the Konkan and Deccan plateau.

Getting there: Amba is about 65 kms from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway.

Amboli

Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches.

Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 kms away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.

Getting around: Taxis and richskaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.

Weather: Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate -- a welcome respite in summer.

Getting there: Belgaum 64 kms away, is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway. Mumbai is 549 kms by road. Pune is 390 kms. State Transport buses ply from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.

The modern MTDC resort is the best accommodation available

Siddhigiri Museum - Kaneri

India is a land of wxquisite customs and age old traditions that traces their origin to ancient times.

A small ruler township at Kaneri, just 10/15 minutes of travelling from major tourist points, has set up an astonishing museum under the guidance of revered Adrushya Kad Siddeshwar Swamiji which exibits culutural descendancy of our society in the form of statues. This is the place as interesting as the Madurodam near Amsterdam.