Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kolhapur is famed for the calibre of its wrestlers, and at the
Motibag Thalim
, a courtyard
reached through a low doorway and passage beside the entrance to Bhavani Mandap (ask
for directions), young athletes train in a muddy pit. You are free to walk in and watch, as
long as you don't mind the sight of sweaty, semi-naked men and the stench of urine eman-
ating from the loos. Professional matches are held between June and December in the
Kas-
bagh Maidan
, a red-earth arena a short walk south of Motibag Thalim.
Shopaholics, meanwhile, can browse for the renowned Kolhapuri leather sandals,
prized for their intricate needlework. Most designs are priced from ?300 to ?500. The
break-in blisters on your feet come free of charge.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Tourist
( 2650421;
www.hoteltourist.co.in
; Station Rd; s/d incl breakfast from ?888/1099, with AC ?1480/1714; )
This
is one of the better places on the main street, offering cosy though minimalist rooms.
There's an acclaimed restaurant serving great veg food, and welcoming staff.
HOTEL
$
Hotel Panchshil
( 2537517;
www.hotelpanchshilkolhapur.com
; 517 A2 Shivaji Park; s/d incl breakfast ?1937/2348, with AC ?2583/
3053; )
This professionally run business hotel, with a helpful front desk, has an under-
whelming plain brown decor. Nevertheless, the spacious, clean rooms with TV and inter-
net are comfortable, there's also a complimentary business centre, and best of all, there's a
branch of
Little Italy
(Shivaji Park; mains ?250-450)
, the Italian restaurant chain, downstairs.
$$
Hotel Pavillion
( 2652751;
www.hotelpavillion.co.in
; 392 Assembly Rd; s/d incl breakfast ?1350/1585, with AC from ?1761/1996;
)
Located at the far end of a leafy park-cum-office area, this Mediterranean-style
hotel guarantees a peaceful stay in large, clean rooms with windows that open out to de-
lightful views of seasonal blossoms. It's very close to the MTDC office.
HOTEL
$$
Hotel Pearl
( 6684451;
reservation@hotelpearl.biz
; New Shahupuri; s/d incl breakfast ?2583/2936, with AC from ?3170/3757;
)
Modelled on big-city business hotels, this place has good rooms, a spa, a travel
desk and a decent, pure veg, multicuisine restaurant.
HOTEL
$$
