KOLHAPUR DISTRICT
Kolhapur is the last district from southern part of state of Maharashtra. Western hilly boundaries of the district are adjacent to Konkan area, while southern boundaries touch neighboring district of Karnataka state. It is 100 k.m. away from Arabian sea. It has average rainfall and a pleasant climate all though out the year. There are plenty of rivers running across the district; so this part of state hardly faces any draught situation. The district is well connected with rest of the world with air, rail, and roads. Population of Kolhapur city is approx 8 lakhs.
Kolhapur has rich cultural heritage. It is known as “ Dakshin Kashi” on account of its deity “ Mahalaxmi” or “ Ambabai”. The Ambabai temple was built by Chalukya King Karnadev in 634 AD. Kolhapur is famous for being a centre of art, education, industry & sports, particularly wrestling.
Kolhapur is also known for sugar cane industry. Economy of local people has been significantly influenced by big no. of sugar cane factories in and around the district. The “Jaggery” produced in kolhapur popularly known as “GUDH” is exported to many countries. Roots of Indian film industry are seen in kolhapur.
Many film industry stallwards have their originated their film carrier from kolhapur to name few, V.Shantaram , Lata Mangeshkar, Ramesh Dev, Suresh Wadkar, etc. are from Kolhapur.
It is a seat of educational centre. “SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY” is located in the main city. There are 2 medical colleges and 5 other faculty medical colleges as well as 6 engineering colleges are running in the district.