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Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum Kolhapur
Location | Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
Built by | Charles Mant |
Built in | 1881 - 1884 |
Visiting Hours | 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Daily) |
Price | Indian/foreigner Rs13/30 respectively |
Architectural Style | British and Hindu Architecture |
Shree Chatrapati Shahu museum is lodged in the novel palace construction finished in 1881. The outfits, arms, cups, ornaments, needlework and trappings for example silver elephant loads and the stimulating assortments from the belongings of Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chatrapati like weapons, awards and dresses are stored in the gallery.
The ground floor houses a wacky museum with one of the most peculiar collections of memorabilia in the country. Then, there's an armory which houses enough weapons to stage a mini coup. The horror-house effect is brought in full circle by the taxidermy section, where you'll see everything from tigers to African dik-diks. Don't forget to visit the durbar hall, a rather ornate affair, where the king once held court sessions.
Built in the commemoration of Shahu Chatrapati, this unforgettable museum has exquisite collections of rare paintings, artifacts, royal weapons and sculptures with many still art materials showing the court life. The museum is surrounded by lush green parks, a scenic and serene lake and a magnificent zoo.
Built in the metropolis of Kolhapur, the Museum now contains memoirs from the period of the Kolhapur monarchs and is completely made in black polished stone. Each glass found in the region is said to display canvases describing happenings from the Maharaj's lifetime.
Currently, it is the residence of Shreemant Shahu Maharaj and the Palace is enclosed by a well-maintained lawn, a stunning pond and a zoological garden.
History
The Palace is home to the living descendants of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Erected by the kings of Kolhapur in 1884, it redefines the meaning of the word "Strange". Planned by British designer 'Mad' Charles Mant, this Indo-Saracenic massive structure still functions as the imperial family's reserved dwelling. An eccentric kind of an animal-lover, the king went on numerous rash tours into the forests. The awards he came back with were then set to some resourceful consumption, such as creating walking canes from tiger backbones or shaping ashtrays made of rhino feet!
Architecture
Royal Palace completed in 1884 displays fine combination of Hindu and British architecture.
It was constructed during 1877-1884. Being an excellent specimen of architecture build in black polished stone, it has been an attraction for the tourists. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, fountain and wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. The clock on it fixed in 1877. At a distance, there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Shivaji's life.
Best Time to Visit
Winter season in Kolhapur prevails from November to February. It is the best time to visit Kolhapur as the weather becomes extremely pleasurable at this time. The temperature in the season lies between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Visitor Information
Photography is strictly prohibited.
The Palace has been occupied partially by royal family and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. It also houses stuffed animals & birds which attracts children. Darbar hall also displays richness of darbar decorum of the kingdom.
How to Reach
By Air
The domestic airport of Kolhapur, Ujlaiwadi, located at a distance of 13 kms from the center of Kolhapur city, is linked to Mumbai International airport. The taxi charge from the airport to the city is approximately Rs 300. Located at a distance of about 370 km from Kolhapur, Mumbai International airport is the main close by airport.
By Rail
The Kolhapur terminus and Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus is linked with many metropolises in India which includes Mumbai by Mahalaxmi Exp, Pune by Maharashtra Exp, Bangalore by Ranichennama Ex and Ahmedabad by Ahmedabad Exp. Nonstop trains are offered from Kolhapur to Delhi by Nizamuddin Exp, as well.
By Road
The town of Kolhapur is well linked by public transport buses owned by the state. Major cities like Mumbai (379 km) and Pune (225 km) have deluxe luxury tourist buses plying to Kolhapur. The charge for such buses is about Rs 3 - Rs 4 per km.
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