2-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kolhapur

  1. Day 1: Mahalaxmi Temple
    5 minutes (1.3 km) from Kolhapur Railway Station

    Start your trip with a visit to the Mahalaxmi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Built in the 7th century, the temple is an architectural masterpiece, featuring carved pillars, intricate sculptures and colourful murals. Devotees come from miles around to offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple also has a museum that showcases valuable artefacts and displays the history of the temple. Note that electronic devices are prohibited inside the temple.

  2. Day 1: Kolhapur Zoo
    15 minutes (5 km) from Mahalaxmi Temple

    After visiting the temple, head to the Kolhapur Zoo for a fun-filled afternoon with the family. The zoo boasts over 60 species of animals, including tigers, lions, monkeys, and birds. It also has a mini train ride for kids, a children's play area, and a picnic spot for families. Visitors can also enjoy natural vegetation and a lake. The zoo has strict rules against littering and feeding the animals. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

  3. Day 2: Rankala Lake
    20 minutes (8 km) from Kolhapur Zoo

    On the second day, head to Rankala Lake, one of the most popular attractions of Kolhapur. The lake offers a serene atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking and horse-riding. There are various food stalls along the shore where visitors can indulge in local Kolhapuri delicacies. In the evening, the lake's surroundings come alive with colourful lights, and street vendors selling balloons, toys and souvenirs. A must-visit attraction for families.

  4. Day 2: Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum
    10 minutes (4 km) from Rankala Lake

    End your trip by visiting the Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the era of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shahu. The museum features coins, paintings, sculptures, and photographs, each telling a story about the history of Kolhapur. The museum's building itself is a work of art, with a blend of Gothic and Indian architectural styles. There is also a library, a children's section and a souvenir shop on the premises.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Mahalaxmi Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Kolhapur Zoo (2 hours, INR 10/adult, INR 5/child)
  • Rankala Lake (3 hours, boating cost starting from INR 100)
  • Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum (2 hours, INR 20/adult, INR 10/child)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 135/adult, INR 80/child

Useful Tips:

If you have additional time, consider adding a visit to the Jyotiba Temple, a famous Hindu temple located on a hilltop. Alternatively, if you have less time, skip the Kolhapur Zoo and spend more time exploring Mahalaxmi Temple and Rankala Lake. Remember to carry drinking water, sunscreen and hats during the trip. You can hire a local taxi or rickshaw for transportation within the city.

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