An 18th century palace, depicting the life of Chatrapati Shivaji, the Great Emperor and Founder of Maratha dynasty is the New Palace, a popular attraction in Kolhapur City. Built with basaltic rock stones and black stones, the New Palace stands very sturdy and well planned standing the vagaries of time all these years. The octagonal shaped palace has several domes and the clock tower is said to have been installed in 1877. The present Maharaja, Chatrapati Shahu, the direct descendant of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lives in the second floor of this grand palace.

Highlight of New Palace is the museum on its ground floor named after the great warrior Chatrapati Shivaji. This museum houses countless collections, which are the memorabilia of the Maratha Rulers. The artifacts include weapons, jewelry, costumes and silver elephants. Also one part of the Museum is dedicated to stuffed animals like black panther, wild boar, Himalayan Black Bear and lot more, revealing that the Maratha Rulers spent their free time in hunting in the nearby dense forests.

Another interesting feature of New Palace is the Durbar Hall, which is indeed a fascinating part of your visit to New Palace. It is surprising to see the stained glasses on the walls of this museum depicting popular sequences from the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You have lot more to explore in New Palace, Kolhapur.

Information :

1. The palace can be visited anytime between June to February, except for monsoon seasons between June and September.
2. Palace is closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly
3. Other tourist attractions in Kolhapur are Bahubali, Rankala Lake & Panhala Fort.