Kolhapur is an historic city in southwestern Maharashtra, India, nestled on the Panchganga River at the edge of the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) and long known as a spiritual and cultural hub. Formerly the capital of the princely state of Kolhapur, it is celebrated for its majestic Mahalakshmi temple, one of the 51 Shakti peethas, and proudly called “Dakshin Kashi” or the “Varanasi of the South” for its deep religious significance. Beyond its temples and palaces, Kolhapur today is a bustling commercial center famous for Kolhapuri chappals (handmade leather sandals), ornate Kolhapuri saaj jewelry, and a food culture noted for its bold, spicy flavors.
Hotel Gokul sits on Station Road in New Shahupuri, about 2 km from Kolhapur Railway Station, and serves a practical dual purpose: modest accommodation for travelers passing through or visiting the city's temples and landmarks, and a well-regarded vegetarian restaurant that draws locals and pilgrims alike.