New Palace is situated at Kolhapur in Maharashtra. This palace exhibits commendable architecture and its ground floor is used to showcase Maharaja’s splendid collection of weapons, costumes, embroidery, jewellery, games and other paraphernalia, such as elephant saddles made of silver. The present Maharaja resides in the first floor of this awe-inspiring palace.
The palace houses a museum inside it which displays a fantastic collection of the trophies, guns and garments of the ace ruler Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati. This museum known as Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum exhibits collection of weapons that include some swords, double-barrelled shotgun, gold-plated and various types of guns. This marvellous museum even displays a sword of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. One section of the museum showcases animals like wild dogs, black panthers, Himalayan black bears, lions, sloth bears, wild dogs and so on. The Durbar’s side wall is made of strained glasses that depict various scenes from the eminent ruler Shivaji’s life.
History
It was constructed in the year of 1884. This palace is popularly known by the name of “Maharaja’s New Palace.” The ace architect who designed this splendid piece of architecture was Major Mant. The palace reflects the fusion of Hindu and Jain influences from the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Rajwada style.
Getting There
The New Palace at Kolhapur can be reached by trains, buses and airplane. The nearest railway station to the New Palace is the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, which is well connected to the major cities all over India. The nearest airport to the attraction is the Ujalaiwadi Airport, which is about 10km from the Kolhapur city. There are many state buses that run between Mumbai and Kolhapur.
Things to Do in and around
Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake, Jyotiba Temple, Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir, Bhavani Mandap, Kopeshwar Temple,Gagangiri Maharaj Math,Gaganbavada, Ajara, Irwin Agricultural Museum, Ichal Karanji, Bhudargad,Kagal, Nrusinhawadi, Khasbag Maidan, Gandhinglaj, Shirol, Chandgad, Hatkanangale and so
on are some of the noteworthy and most sought after places to visit around the new palace located at Kolhapur.
Opening/Closing Timings and days
It is open everyday except Mondays for the visitors between 9:30a.m.-1p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6p.m.
Best Time to Visit
The summers here are extremely hot and humid and so it is best to avoid the months between March-May. This region observes moderate rainfall and so June-September should also be avoided. Thus the best time to visit the New Palace at Kolhapur is between the months of June to February.
