10

Picnic Spots Near Kolhapur

Best time to visit: October to March.

The birthplace of Shivajirao Sawant, Ajara is located on the banks of Chitra and Hiranyakeshi rivers, offering a serene getaway in the lap of nature. The small, bustling town offers a unique experience with tourist attractions like Mahalaxmi Temple, Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum and Rankala Lake amongst many others, and most of the places can be explored in a day, making it one of the popular one day picnic spots near Kolhapur.

The greenery in Ajara is at full bloom immediately after monsoon, offering a pleasant sojourn to visitors who are looking for places to visit near Kolhapur in winter. For a rejuvenating experience, visit the Ramtirth Waterfall near Ajara and experience a blast of freshness. 

Distance from Kolhapur: 86 km

Best time to visit: October to May

This one is for all the adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs out there. A visit to Panhala is incomplete without the Panhala Fort, which is located on a hilltop and offers a sneak peek into the culture of the erstwhile Maratha rulers. Other places of tourist interest include Parashar caves, Jyotiba Temple, Sajja Kothi and Mahalaxmi Temple.

Spend a mesmerising evening with your loved one at the sunset point to witness the spellbinding sunset and feel romance in the air. Panhala also offers treks to Pawankhind and Panhalgad, making it one of the best one day picnic spots near Kolhapur if you are looking for adventure activities during the weekend.

Distance from Kolhapur: 18 km

Best time to visit: October to May

If you want to test your trekking skills, conquer the Konkans by trekking to the Shrivardhan peak and the Manaranjan peak located in Rajmachi. Reach atop the Rajmachi fort by trekking uphill as you are greeted by lush greenery on all sides. Rajmachi makes for an exciting picnic spot near Kolhapur as you can undertake night treks and witness the fireflies adorning your sky.

Explore Rajmachi Village to get a cultural insight and live with the locals to experience their way of living. The Kondane caves located in the Karjat region offer an exciting journey through the unexplored landscapes near Kolhapur.

Distance from Kolhapur:  80 km

Best time to visit: October to March

Amboli remains pleasant throughout the year due to the high amount of rainfall it receives. Enjoy the gushing waterfalls and streams that dot Amboli, offering greenery and tranquillity on your sojourn. Amboli makes for an ideal picnic spot near Kolhapur, whether you are travelling solo, with family or friends as there are plenty of adventure activities coupled with historic places to explore.

While monsoon may spoil your chances of exploring the place due to heavy rainfall, the flora in Amboli is at full bloom immediately after monsoon, making it one of the most pleasant places to visit near Kolhapur in winter. The major tourist attractions in Amboli include Amboli Waterfalls, Madhavgarh Fort, Shirgaonkar Point and Hiranya Keshi Temple.

Distance from Kolhapur:  119 km

Best time to visit: October to June
How to Book: Granada Cathedral Tickets

Located in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Malvan is as quaint as it can get for its minimal human penetration, offering you the right blend of privacy and joy on your picnic. Malvan is popular for its clean beaches and historic forts located off backwaters.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you will be delighted to indulge in the exciting water adventure sports on the beaches of Malvan. Enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling and boating at Malvan beaches, and munch on some exotic seafood at the beachside shacks at Malvan.

Distance from Kolhapur:  157 km

Best time to visit: October-end to February

Fulfil your dream of dipping your toes in the white sand and enjoy a splash of pristine waters at Tarkarli. It is one of the few white sand beaches in the Indian mainland, making it a unique picnic spot near Kolhapur. Relish on the mouth-watering Malvani food while staring into the endless sea as cool breeze kisses your cheeks.

Enjoy a laid back weekend picnic at Tarkarli beach, which is dotted with tamarind and coconut trees. The Konkani-styled cottages along the beach are an ideal place to laze around. Take a stroll on the beach at midnight, and if you are lucky, you may also spot turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

Distance from Kolhapur: 160 km

Best time to visit: October-March

Located in the Radhanagari tehsil of Kolhapur, Olavan is one of the best places to visit near Kolhapur within 100 km if you are looking to unwind yourself with a day’s picnic. The gushing Rautwadi waterfalls in Olavan, surrounded by lush greenery, will rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, explore the Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary to witness the varied species of mammals and birds in their natural habitat.

Distance from Kolhapur: 60 km

Best time to visit: October-May

Nestled in western part of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri has a rich heritage value attached to it, attracting a large number of history buffs and culture enthusiasts throughout the year. Explore the captivating Guhagar beach and feel enchanted by the pristine waters coupled with a cool breeze and it is one of the amazing picnic spots near Kolhapur.

If history and culture interest you, a visit to the Ratnagiri fort, Marleshwar temple and Shri Devi Bhagwati temple is unmissable. Ratnagiri is an ideal blend of ancient temples, lush green mountains and peaceful beaches, suitable for travellers across age groups with varied interests.

Distance from Kolhapur: 132km

Best time to visit: October-May