One of the first things that come to mind when you hear of Kolhapur is the ‘Kolhapuri Chappal’, a open-type footwear that is extremely popular all-over India. Almost equally famous is the ‘kolhapuri lavangi mirchi’ ( a type of green chilli) and the kolhapuri cuisine. Kolhapur was a princely state ruled by the Bhonsle dynasty till it acceded to the Indian dominion in 1947. However, there are still a couple of regal abodes here that are reminders of its autocratic heritage. Most famous among them is the Shalini Palace that was built in 1931. A friend in Mumbai had been very vocal in his praise of the palace resort and so when I had a business trip lined up for Kolhapur, I opted for a stay here. From Mumbai, there are several ways to reach Kolhapur. There are luxury air-conditioned sleeper buses, daily trains and private cabs can be booked too. It’s a 300 km long journey and being a business trip, I chose to travel by the kingfisher airlines flight to Kolhapur from Mumbai which took about an hour. From the airport to the resort is another 25 minutes travel and as soon as I stepped out of the cab, I had my first brush with royal treatment with the almost king-like welcome accosted by trained attendants dressed in period costume. Although I found it funny, I liked it nevertheless 
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The sight of the palace itself is bewitching.The Palace stands on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala Lake (Circumference-2.5 miles) & is surrounded by towering palm trees, lush greenery & lovely gardens. It is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble Rich decorative wooden doorways fitted with etched Belgium glass bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, add to the regal grandeur. The majestic black stone arches forming the verandah and the porch are breathtakingly beautiful.
I had chosen a royal room which was on the second floor and had a gorgeous view of the lush green scenic landscape around the palace. The air-conditioned room was huge and richly decorated with luxurious furnishings befitting a royal abode. The bathroom equally well appointed with modern fittings and had running hot and cold water. There’s a TV with all popular satellite channels and telephone with international direct dial. At 4000 rupees or roughly 80 US $, this was just too good for a 2 night/3days stay.
Among the highlights of a stay at the palace are the delightful kolhapuri cuisine served at the Durbar restaurant designed to provide a regal ambience. The restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine. The service is absolutely a delight, the attendants are bent on making you feel like a king!
I thoroughly enjoyed my two private sessions at the in-house Rankala bar that serves Indian Spirits, Scotch, Cocktails & Mock tails and off course the house Wines & Champagne. They have a variety of snacks that can enrich the experience of having a drink at the bar.
For those with an inclination for games and sports, there is a badminton court and indoor games. Early risers can enjoy the morning jog through the beautifully laid out jogging trail amidst the green gardens.
Among the places that I visited during my stay and which are worth the time and effort include the Mahalaxmi temple, Narsinghwadi and Panchganga ghat.I also visited the New Palace that has been built as per an architectural style that represents a magnificent fusion of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, along with the local Rajwada style. A part of the palace (first story) is still used as the residence by the current Maharaja of Kolhapur. However, its ground floor has been converted into a museum, known as the Chhatrapati Sahu Museum.
It exhibits an impressive collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewelry, embroidered items and the belongings of the royalty, such as silver elephant saddles.
The tranquil atmosphere of the place is like a soothing balm to both the mind and the body. By offering a stay reminiscent of its regal past yet complete with modern amenities, the WelcomHeritage Shalini palace provides a delightfully unique experience that you would cherish for a long long time.
