Description:
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum)
This royal residence of the Chhatrapati Bhonsale, built in 1877-1884, is an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, in the Indo - Sarcenic style. Now it houses the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, with an array of the former Maharaja's possessions. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, a fountain and a wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tall tower with a clock in it, fixed in the year 1877. The 'Darbar' hall is a huge hall which has beautiful paintings representing certain events from the life of the Maharaja. At separate distance there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Shivaji's life. There is zoo and a ground lake. Even today, it is the residence of Shreemant Shahu Maharaj. Antiques found during the excavations such as old sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed in the Town Hall museum.
The Old Palace or The Bhavani Mandap is located behind the temple of Mahalakshmi. It is a magnificent structure with impressive marquee and filigree work in stone. Part of it was burnt, when in 1813 the Muslim King Sadat Khan invaded Kolhapur. It is the glory of the city center there is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani. History tells that Shambhu Maharaj was killed in this very Mandap.
Shalini Palace, built in 1932-34 was named after Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur. The palace stands on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala lake and is surrounded by towering palm trees, lush greenery and lovely gardens. The palace is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. Rich decorative wooden doorways fitted with etched Belgium glass bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur add to the regal grandeur. The majestic black stone arches forming the verandah and the porch are breathtakingly beautiful. In 1987 the palace was converted into a hotel. This is the only palace hotel in Maharashtra.
