This exquisitely carved temple draws millions of pilgrims from all over the India. Over the eyars, members of several royal families have sought the blessings of goddess - Mahalaxmi temle. The temple complex has artistically sculpted and houses the temples of other deities such as Kashi Vishweshwar, MahaSaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta, and Shree Ram.
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir
Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir of Kolhapur is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one amongst the major attractions of the city. One of the unique features of the temple is that it has been constructed without the use of even a single pillar. This is the main reason why the temple attracts not only the devotees, but also architecture students, who come to see it for study purposes.
Bhavani Mandap
Being the biggest and the oldest building, it is the glory of the city and has historical importance. This palace was built in the reign of Shivaji Maharaj II (1785-1800 AD) when Kolhapur became a self-governed state. It boasts of fine and sound construction, which has 14 squares. In 1813 the Muslim King Sadatkhan invaded the palace and a part of it was burnt. After repairs only 7 squares have survived.
Rankala Lake
Situated in the Kolhapur city of Maharashtra, Rankala Lake is a scenic lake that boasts of serene and tranquil environs. A man-made lake, it was constructed by Maharaja Shri Shahu Chhatrapati during his reign over the city. The lake is believed to be linked directly with a well in the Panhala Fort.
Panhala
Panhala lies on the Sahyadri Mountain Range and is situated in the Kolhapur The city sprawls in the Panhala fort commands a panoramic view of the valley below. The main historical attraction here is the Panhala fort. There are many places of interest, each with its share of haunting anecdotes.
Jyotiba
Jyotiba Temple is located 14 km north-west of Kolhapur in the Panhala Range, The temple is dedicated to Jyotiba (also Dattatreya), which was formed by the amalgamation of the jyotis (souls) of three gods - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the three gods took the form of Jyotiba to destroy the evil Ratnasur. A large fair held in the temple on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh is a major draw.
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