Shalini Palace

Shalini Palace, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has a reputation for beauty and opulence. Shalini Palace is the only palace hotel in Maharashtra, and it is known for providing world-class services to its guests. Lake Rankala, which is located in front of the Palace, is a beautiful lake with a perimeter of around 4 kilometres or 2.5 miles. Soaring palm palms, rich flora, and exquisite parks surround the Lake. The Bastion is made of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble.

It is situated on the scenic Rankala Lake’s western shore. Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur is the name of the stunning palace. It was constructed between 1931 and 1934 at the cost of around INR 8 lakhs. In 1987, the palace was turned into a hotel, making it Maharashtra’s first and only palace hotel. Despite the fact that the Shalini Palace Hotel closed in 2014, visitors may still visit the palace to photograph its gorgeous exteriors and spend time on its groomed grounds.

The majestic Shalini Palace is a heritage design deep in debt, which may soon go under the hammer of an auctioneer, according to a top official. It was taken over by the Saraswat Cooperative Bank Ltd.

History of Shalini Palace

Around the 1930s, the Shalini Palace was constructed. Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje, the daughter of Kolhapur’s rulers, Chhatrapati Shahaji II and Queen Pramila Raje, was given the title. The Palace required a total of four years to complete as a magnificent landmark. The Shalini Palace was a college in the 1960s that had to close owing to excessive maintenance expenses before turning into a hotel in the 1980s.

Architecture

The place is made of black stone with beautiful carvings and Italian marble. The regal majesty is enhanced by richly decorated timber entrances with engraved Belgian glass carrying the Maharaja of Kolhapur’s insignia. The verandah and entrance are framed by majestic black stone arches. The stained glass windows and the massive tower clock have been restored to their former glory.

Shalini Palace is made of Italian marble and black stone that has been elaborately carved. Its timber entrances are adorned with fine Belgian glass etched with a Maharaja of Kolhapur crest insignia. The portico and entryway of the palace are adorned with magnificent black stone arches that contribute to the imperial magnificence. The huge clock tower and magnificent stained-glass arches of the palace have also been reconstructed to their former splendour. In addition, magnificent green lawns and towering palm trees have been added to the palace’s exteriors.

Princess Shalini

Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje is the daughter of Kolhapur’s monarchs, Chhatrapati Shahaji II Puar Maharaj and Queen Pramila Raje.

Chhatrapati Shahaji II

Between 1947 to 1949, Shahaji II of the Marathas’ Bhonsle family was the Maharaja of Kolhapur. He was Shahu of Kolhapur’s grandson through his daughter Radhabai, and hence Rajaram III of Kolhapur’s nephew. Between 1937 through 1947, he was the King of Dewas Senior before abdicating to become the Maharaja of Kolhapur. He was Kolhapur’s first Maharaja to be accepted from the Puar family.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is a famous night time location and entertainment centre on the western coast of Ambabai temple. Shri Shahu Chhatrapati, the late Maharajah, built this lake. Chaupati, as well as other gardens around the lake. The stately Shalini Palace looms in the background. Shalini Palace is Maharashtra’s only five-star Palace Hotel. Chaupati also conjures up images of Chatak Daar Bhel-Puri, Ragda-Patties, and a range of culinary delicacies. Kolhapur was formerly known as a centre for the film industry.

In the historical events from 750 to 850 A.D., this was a large black stone mine. Earthquakes occurred during 800-900 AD, transforming the mine. It is about half a kilometre from the Mahalakshmi Temple. This is regarded to be the oldest of all, and it was given more prominence in the past since a large temple of Nandi, and a luxury resort named ‘Sandhya Math’ were established. Nandi’s idol is enormous and extremely uncommon. The Shalini Palace is located at the lake’s northern edge. Padmaraje Garden is located to the southeast. This lake is beautiful, and it’s a joy to take a walk around it.

Conclusion

Shalini Palace in Kolhapur is also a must-see location, set amidst beautiful green foliage and well-kept gardens. Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje is the name of this exquisite castle. The location of this magnificent mansion on the shores of Rankala Lake lends a distinctive touch to its allure. This palace’s structure is quite stunning, with flawless workmanship and ornately carved black stone and ornately carved wooden entrances. The palace’s inside is stunning, and the outside is as impressive. The Shalini Palace is now being renovated into a 3-star hotel and receives a large number of guests throughout the year.