KOLHAPUR--- RELIGION, CHILLIES AND JAGGERY

Kolhapur, a district place and a small city in the southern part of Indian state of Maharashtra, is a place known more as an entry to Konkan, the western sea-shore of India.
The city situated on the banks of river Panchganga, is famous for its ties to Maratha rulings in the Indian history.
It is here that one of the most prominent temples, The Mahalaxmi Temple, the one of the Shakti Piths, the place of Goddess of Power, is situated. The temple architecturally built in Chalukya era in 700 A.D. is a famous place of visit for all Hindus.
During British Raj, Kolhapur was a princely state, and later became after independence of India, the part of Bombay State.
But Kolhapur, apart from this temple, is a well-known place for three more things.
Kolhapur Chillies, Kolhapur Jaggery a type of unrefined sugar typically used in India, and Kolhapuri Chappals a half-way footwear a footwear that resembles the slippers.
Soil of Kolhapur is very suitable for sugar-cane cultivation, raw material for sugar, jaggery and alcohol.
Another field that Kolhapur has its unique contribution is films particularly Marathi films, a regional language of India. Since Kolhapur has hilly regions and moderate atmosphere the scenic beauty provides the best location spots for films.
It is from Kolhapur, that films stalwarts like Bhalaji Pendarkar, Baburao Painter and the most prominent V. Shantaram started their careers.
The Panhala Fort of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha, is just 1 hours journey from Kolhapur, a type of hill station developed for tourism, the bus and taxis are available from Kolhapur. A tourist should feel comfortable here staying and wandering in hilly treks.
Kolhapur is one of the highest per capita income cities in India, it is reported that Kolhapur has highest number of Mercedes cars, second only to Bombay.
The New Palace of Kolhapur has museum of weaponry, robes, and artifects of Maratha era.
Kolhapur has many hotels suitable for the foreigners for staying and foods.
Kolhapur is a major railway station and daily trains from Bombay are available. The nearest air port is Ujalaiwadi (13 kms) from where flights for Bombay are available.