Kolhapur is a city in the southern reaches of Maharashtra, near the Karnataka border, known throughout India for two things: its wrestling tradition and its leather footwear. The Mahalakshmi Temple in the old part of the city is one of the shakti peethas — sites of the goddess Mahalakshmi — and draws pilgrims from across the country. The temple complex, with its distinctive Hemadpanthi architecture, is the spiritual centre of the city.
Kolhapur was the capital of the princely state of Kolhapur until 1949, and the legacy of the royal family is visible in the New Palace (now a museum), the town hall, and the town plan. The city is also famous in food circles for Kolhapuri cuisine — fiercely hot mutton preparations and the multi-spiced Kolhapuri misal — and for the hand-stitched leather chappals (sandals) produced in its workshops on Mahadwar Road. Both are worth seeking out.
Khasbag Wrestling Stadium, the largest dedicated wrestling venue in India, reflects the city's deep-rooted martial tradition. Rankala Lake is the evening gathering place, with a lively promenade and food stalls. Panhala Fort, 21 km away, is one of the great Maratha fortresses of the Deccan and the scene of one of Shivaji's most celebrated escapes.