The Town Hall spans across a vast area in the heart of the city of Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. There are many government buildings within the premises of the town hall, such as courts, semi-govt. offices, telephone offices and so on. The complex houses the Town Hall museum which is considered the best attraction in the city. The museum exhibits pottery fragments, beads and coins from the Brahmapuri civilization. It exhibits fantastic sculptures that are rescued from the popular Malaxmi Temple. One of the most eminent pieces of sculpture displayed at this museum is that of a female attendant who bears the fly-whisk from the place Panhala. The museum also displays a magnificent bronze bell which was brought in the year of 1979 from Vasai. The gallery of the museum is raised at one end and this part is dedicated for the display of arms.
Within the complex lies the Chhatrapati Pamela Raje Hospital, whose entrance exhibits Corinthian columns guarded by monkeys. Trees, fountains, Mahadevi Mandir are the other things located within this premise.
History
The Town Hall is a popular building in Kolhapur, which was erected during the years of 1872-1876 by Charles Mant. This is the only architectural building to exhibit Neo-gothic architecture. The town hall has a museum which displays items of the Satavahana period, such as figures of Poseidon, Greek God, elephant riders and a medley of Hellenistic figures.
Getting There
Kolhapur can be reached by trains, buses and airplane. The nearest railway station to the Town Hall in Kolhapur is the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminious, 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. From Mumbai and Pune it takes only 8 hours and 3 hours respectively by buses and private cars to reach Kolhapur. From the railway station and airport, the town hall at Kolhapur can be reached by buses or private cars.
Things to Do in and around
The town hall is located in a vast complex that houses various government offices. Apart from these the town hall museum and garden deserves special mention. There are also fountains, flowering trees, Mahadevi Mandir situated within the complex and are worth seeing. In addition to this the Chhatrapati Sahu Museum, New Palace Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake etc. are other remarkable nearby attractions.
Opening/Closing Timings and days
It is open everyday except Sundays from 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Town Hall at Kolhapur is between the months of June to February.
