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Kolhapur is a very famous city known for its spices and footwear in Maharashtra. If you are planning a vacation in the city, then you should not miss out on the famous cuisines, shopping items, and touristic places. Among many other tourist places, Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum, Kolhapur is a place you must put on your list.

The Famous New Palace

Kolhapur’s famous New Palace is very famous in the city as it is carved out of black polished stone and was built between the years 1877 and 1884. The palace was the home of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his heir Chhatrapati Shahuji. Today, the palace has the Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum on the ground floor which is, yet another, tourist attraction. The palace was created in the Indo-Saracenic style by British architect Charles Mant in 1881.

What to See in Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum?

The museum is one of the places that you must visit when you are in Kolhapur. The museum has weapons, costumes, jewelleries, and other such collections from the Maharaja’s time. It also has a huge collection of items owned by Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chhatrapati such as trophies, guns, etc. The museum depicts the culture, tradition, and art during the reign of the Maharajas. These include Lathi, wrestling, Danpatta, rare paintings, arterials, etc. It also has stuffed animals and birds that are part of the attraction for the children in the museum.

The Darbar Hall is located right in the middle of the palace. On one side, you can see the life of Shivaji Maharaj being depicted through a glass painting. On other sides, you can witness the carved columns that depict temple-like brackets. You can also see the throne at the end of the darbar.

What is Inside the Palace?

Apart from the Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum, the palace has a beautiful green garden. It also has a small zoo with deer, ducks, and peacocks along with a spectacular lake. You can also enjoy the photos of one of the Maharaja’s love for hunting and how to train a cheetah.

When to Visit the Museum?

Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum can be visited on all days except for Monday. However, there are timings applicable during the visiting days. You can visit the museum from 9 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 6 pm on all days.

Are there Any Entry Fees?

Even visiting the New Palace is free, the museum has a nominal entry fee for its visitors. The entry fees vary and can be checked out on their website or at the museum itself.

How Long does it Take to Cover the Museum?

If you are planning to visit the museum only, then it does not take more than 1 hour to cover the whole museum. However, if you want to include your visit to the whole New Palace, then you need at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the beauty of the palace.

What is the Best to Visit the Museum?

There is no best time to visit the Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum as it is open throughout the year. However, visiting the city during peak summer is not a very good idea. Hence, try to visit the city when the weather is good, i.e. between November and February.

Ways to Reach Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum

Kolhapur is a city that is visited by many people every year. Hence, it is quite accessible and finding transportation within the city is not difficult. Some interstate buses and trains can be boarded to reach the city from Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Panaji, etc. These cities have buses run by the Kolhapur Municipal Transport service. You can also hire a taxi to reach the city. To reach the museum you can hire a taxi or rickshaw within the city.