Kolhapur city is situated on the banks of Panchganga river and is surrounded by Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is a city known for its historical forts, temples and royal places of erstwhile royals. It is one of the best places to explore the splendor and magnificence of India.

Kolhapur is about 387 km from the Mumbai, the financial capital of India and is famous for the Indian handcrafted leather slippers the Kolhapuri chappals and its unique local Jewellery a special type of necklace called Kolhapuri Saaj.

Kolhapur is famous for the shri. Mahalakshmi Temple and according to the popular belief goddess Mahalakshmi started residing in Kolhapur following a quarrel with her husband lord Vishnu. Kolhapur derived its name from a mythological event legend says, Goddess Mahalakshmi killed a demon named Kolhasur who used to oppress the local people. Before dying, the demon wished that the place be named after him and so the region got to be known as Kolhapur. Also, Old Palace, New Palace, Rankala Lake, Shalani Palace, Town Hall, Panchaganga Ghat, Shivaji Pool etc. are the places a tourist cannot afford to miss. Kolhapur city is famous for Kolhapuri Chappal, Kolhapuri Lavangi Mirchi, Kolhapuri Gur (Gul), Kolhapuri Tambada & Pandhra Rassa (Red & White curry), Kolhapuri Suke Mutton (Dry Meat), Kolhapuri Misal, Kolhapuri Saaj, Kolhapuri Pheta, Kohapuri Dudh Katta, Kusti (wrestling).

The Bhonsle dynasty was the ruling family of Kolhapur pricely state and they pride themselves for being the descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the Great. King Chhatrapati Shahaji II Puar was the last ruler of the state of Kolhapur. Down the years the rulers of Kolhapur promoted theatre, wrestling and other crafts. Today, Kolhapur is a modern and industrialized city.

Situated at an altitude of 1900 feet, Kolhapur enjoys a pleasant climate for the major portion of the year best time to visit Kolhapur is from October to March.