The palace was designed by British architect Charles Mant, who incorporated motifs from local Marathi temple architecture.
The ground floor of the palace is currently dedicated to the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, preserving the legacy of the former rulers.
The collection features an extensive assortment of taxidermy specimens, including a tiger and a lion, which were part of the royal hunting tradition.
The architecture utilizes a prominent 'darbar hall' with stained glass windows that depict scenes from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The royal family still resides in a portion of the palace, keeping the site a functional historical estate rather than a decommissioned monument.
The building's foundation includes intricate stone carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of local artisans from the late 19th century.
The New Palace in Kolhapur is a significant historical site built in 1877 as a residence for the Chhatrapati rulers of the princely state of Kolhapur. The building features a unique blend of Indo-Saracenic, Jain, and Rajasthani architectural styles, constructed primarily with black polished stone. It currently serves as the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, housing a collection of artifacts belonging to the royal family. Key displays include personal items of the Maharajas, including clothing, weapons, jewelry, and hunting trophies. The interior is characterized by an octagonal central hall that rises to a double-height ceiling. The grounds include a zoo and a lake, maintaining the original layout established by the royal family. It remains an active symbol of the Maratha heritage in the region.
The main exterior facade captures the full scale of the black stone architecture against the gardens.
Prioritize time for the main Durbar Hall, as the lighting through the stained glass is best during mid-morning.
Check local event calendars as the royal family occasionally hosts private functions that may limit access to specific palace wings.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as private or restricted, as the royal family continues to maintain a residence on the property.
Closed on Mondays.
Remove footwear before entering designated display areas; maintain silence as sections of the palace are private residences.
