Kolhapur: Day 1

Kolhapur, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes, had long been on our list of must-visit places. My husband, our beloved dog Sophie, and I decided to make the most of a long weekend by taking a road trip to this charming city. Here’s a peek into our delightful experience.

Click on the links below to read blogs on the next days of this trip:	Before Lunch	After Lunch
Day 1	Journey from Pune to Kolhapur, Bhawani Mandir, Mahalakshmi mandir	Rankala lake, Panchganga Ghat
Day 2	Panhala Fort, Kopeshwar temple, Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade samadhi	Mouje Vadgaon scenic road, Chinmay Ganadhish Temple
Day 3	Masai plateau, Pandavdara cave, Pohale cave	Journey from Kolhapur to Pune

Day 1: Exploring Kolhapur’s Cultural Heritage

We left Pune on a sunny Friday morning, ready for a weekend of adventure. Sophie sat excitedly in the backseat as we made our way towards Kolhapur. After a quick lunch at Sadguru Pure Veg, we continued our journey and reached the Serenity Resort, Panhala, by mid-afternoon. The resort, nestled in nature, offered stunning views that instantly put us in a relaxed mood.

Our first destination in Kolhapur city was the Bhawani Mandap a significant gateway and temple that boasts a small museum. It is not possible to go by car till this destination since cars are not allowed in the vicinity of Bhawani mandap and Mahalakshmi temple. The route to these places is very congested. Sophie stayed back in the parking with my husband and I went walking towards Bhawani mandap.

It is a notable part of the historic Old Palace, serves as a key landmark housing a college, the Bhavani Temple, and an entrance to the revered Mahalakshmi Temple. The surrounding area is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of delicious options. However, before purchasing from local shops, be sure to confirm the price first.

The next stop, the Mahalaxmi Mandir, left us in awe. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, was a spiritual experience, and the energy there was palpable. Sophie patiently waited outside, soaking in the calm ambiance.

Our next stop was the Panchaganga Ghat, a serene place where the sacred rivers meet. A huge parking lot is available on the banks of the river. Panchganga is an ancient river and a tributary of the Krishna River, originating from the Sahyadri mountain ranges in Maharashtra. Its source, known as Prayag Sangam, is located in Chikhlee Taluka, a small village in the Kolhapur district.

The river is formed by the confluence of five rivers—the Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati—at Prayag Sangam. It eventually merges with the Krishna River at Kurundvad, Maharashtra.

Panchganga Ghat, situated along the riverbanks, is a popular destination for picnics, leisurely walks, and photography. As one of the oldest sites in Kolhapur, it played a crucial role in the city’s early civilization. The serene atmosphere of the ghats, along with an ancient temple nearby, attracts devotees and tourists throughout the year.

We went down by the steps of the ghats. There are some submerged temples in the river basin. There are small temple on the ghats as well.

We went walking towards the end of the ghat where we could explore Shri Siddheshwar Maharaj Temple. While coming back to the parking, we came across the monumental entrance of Shri Mahadev temple. We couldn’t enter it since it was locked.

Shri SIddheshwar Maharaj Temple, Kolhapur. — Shri Siddheshwar Maharaj Temple, Kolhapur.

Shri Mahadev Temple Panchganga ghat, Kolhapur — Entrance of Shri Mahadev Temple, Panchganga ghat, Kolhapur

By late evening, we explored the Rankala Manora, an ancient watchtower, followed by a peaceful walk around the Rankala Lake. Boating is available at the lake. There is a wide variety of fast food available at the Chowpati near the lake. On road parking is available. While taking a stroll around the lake, we came across some openings in its boundary wall. There were steps leading down to the lake.
According to history, Rankala Lake was originally a stone quarry until an earthquake in the 9th century led to its formation by filling it with water. However, the present-day Rankala Lake was developed by Chhatrapati Shri Shahu Maharaj.

Visitors can explore Rankala Lake at any time of the day. Early mornings offer a serene experience with a stunning sunrise and opportunities for birdwatching, while evenings provide a relaxing atmosphere to witness a breathtaking sunset. The lake is home to over 139 bird species, making a boat ride an excellent way to observe them. In the evening, the lake sometimes reflects the majestic Shalini Palace, creating a mesmerizing view best enjoyed during a boat ride. Most boat rides typically begin in the evening.

We also witnessed the partially submerged Sandhya Math with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

Sophie absolutely loved it, running freely around the promenade. After a beautiful sunset, we returned to the resort for a hearty dinner and an early night’s rest, preparing for the action-packed day ahead.