Kolhapur is a city in West Indian state of Maharashtra popular for the shoes known as Kolhapuri slippers (a popular leather craft). This city of western India was under the Maratha Empire till British annexed it in the first half of 18th Century.

Location of Kolhapur
Kolhapur is located in Kolhapur District of the south western corner of Indian state of Maharashtra. This city has Panchganga River which is the major lifeline.

History of Kolhapur
History of Kolhapur began with the rise of Maratha in medieval India. It was the capital city of Maharashtra till British came in the power. Before British, Kolhapur was ruled by Bhonsle Dynasty. This city was ruled by Rashtrakutas, Western Chalukya Empire and Shilaharas. In 1707, the Princely State of Kolhapur was established by Tarabai and later it was annexed by British East India Company. After Independence, this Princely State was merged with Government of India in Bombay Presidency.

Geography of Kolhapur
Kolhapur is geographically located very near to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. It is situated on the Sahayadri Mountains in the Western Ghats.

Climate of Kolhapur
Kolhapur enjoys a mixture of coastal and inland climate. The temperature generally comes from 10 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius. The maximum temperature ranges up to 38 degree Celsius.

Demography of Kolhapur
According to the Population census in the year 2011, Kolhapur has a total population of about 8, 89,879. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains and Sikhs are the residing here.

Education of Kolhapur
Kolhapur is popular for the Oriental studies. It is the centre of Maratha education. Shivaji University, KIT College of Engineering and many others are the popular educational centers.

Economy of Kolhapur
The economy of Kolhapur is associated with leather industries, tourism, jewellery and many other industries. Kolhapur is also famous for hand block printing, silver jewellery, wood carving, lacquer art, brassware and embroidery.

Culture of Kolhapur
The culture of Kolhapur is enriched with its cuisines, which comprised of spicy non-vegetarian dishes. Kolhapur is also popular for the sports like wrestling and football. Rajarshi Shahu Stadium and Khasbag Wrestling Stadium are two popular stadiums in Kolhapur.

Tourism in Kolhapur
Kolhapur is a place of many tourism destinations. Panchganga River and its tributaries (Bhogavati River, Tulsi River, Kumbhi River, Kasari River and Dhamani River), Rankala Lake, Baburao Painter Memorial and Bhonsle Palace are the popular destinations in Kolhapur.

Visiting Information
Kolhapur is connected by roadways, airways and railways. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus links this main city via railway with the principal cities of Maharashtra. Kolhapur is also connected with National Highway 4.