Sawantwadi, Kolhapur - Best Season to Visit, Things to Do

At a distance of 57 km from Panjim, and 139 km from Kolhapur, Sawantwadi is a scenic town situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Situated on the National Highway (NH17) that connects Mumbai and Goa, it is one of the most scenic places to visit near Kolhapur.

The small picturesque town of Sawantwadi is situated amidst the Sahyadri Hills and the Arabian Sea. Located in the vicinity of Moti Lake, it is well known for the centuries-old traditional art of making wooden toys, Ganjifas (the name given to an ancient card game), and Laquerware. It is popular stop for people commuting to Mumbai or Goa for refreshment and rest.

The 2 storied Royal Palace of Sawantwadi is truly an architectural masterpiece that effortlessly merges the English arches with the native workmanship and the vibrant red laterite stones. The Palace has a beautiful façade square at the center covered with an immaculate lawn and is surrounded with rooms on all four sides which is now converted into a museum in 2005 by Lt. Her Highness Rajmata Satvashiladevi Bhonsle. The museum houses photographs and paintings of the Royal family, Coronation of the kings over the years, artworks by king and queen, furniture used by the family, sculptures collected by the royal family and our very own Ganjifa Playing Cards.

While in Sawantwadi, visitors can visit Chitarali to buy wooden toys as well as other handicraft items including jewellery boxes, Ganjifa cards, popular exotic lacquer ware, hand-knit bags, purses, bamboo craft and earthen pottery.

Palace Timings: 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM & 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM

Entry: Rs. 30 for Person