Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Kolhapur New Palace – Complete Visitor Guide
The Kolhapur New Palace is a black-stone palace built between 1877 and 1884 and now partly a museum.
Visitor details
Timings, Entry Fee and Closing Day
- Photography and mobile phones are not allowed inside the museum, and shoes must be removed.
Source: search listings, October 2026. The Incredible India tourism page lists opening at 9:00 am and closing at 5:00 pm, so arrive well before 5 pm to be safe.
Overview
Kolhapur New Palace – Overview
Kolhapur New Palace is one of the most visited sights in Kolhapur. It is also called the New Palace of Kolhapur or the Shahu Maharaj Palace.
This page explains the history, the architecture, what is in the museum, the timings and fee, and how to plan a visit.
Background
History of the Kolhapur New Palace
The palace was built between 1877 and 1884, a seven-year construction period, at a reported cost of about seven lakh rupees. It is built in black polished stone, with an eight-sided plan, a central tower and smaller corner towers. The clock on the central tower was fixed in 1877. The Incredible India page describes the clock tower as 85 feet tall, with a mechanical clock made in England. The south facade mixes basalt and sandstone, with neo-Mughal lobed arches and temple-like columns.
Inside
What to See: Shahaji Museum and Darbar Hall
The ground floor houses a museum with royal costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and silver elephant saddles. Displays also include a letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India, one of Aurangzeb’s swords and a section of stuffed animals such as tigers, bears and deer. The Darbar Hall is a double-height hall with stained-glass scenes from the life of Shivaji and a raised throne.
Part of the palace is the residence of Shahu, a direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, so access to some areas is not allowed.
Outdoors
The Grounds
The grounds include a garden, fountain, wrestling ground and lake. Wikipedia also lists a zoo. Not every part of the grounds may be open to visitors.
Naming
New Palace and Old Palace: What Is the Difference?
Kolhapur has more than one palace. The New Palace is the black-stone building with the museum. The Old Palace (Rajwada) is a separate historic complex near the Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) temple area. If someone says Shahu Palace, they usually mean the New Palace, so check which palace your driver is taking you to.
Season
Best Time to Visit
Kolhapur is comfortable from about October to February. In summer, go in the morning. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for another day.
Travel smart
Plan Your Visit: Practical Tips
Timings and fee are in the box at the top of this page (source: search listings, October 2026).
The museum is closed on Mondays.
Photography and mobile phones are not allowed inside the museum, and shoes must be removed.
Part of the palace is a residence.
And other Kolhapur sights.
Cooler and quieter.
Book a cab
Reach New Palace, Kolhapur With Siya Travels
Siya Travels can arrange a cab with a driver for the Kolhapur palace from Kolhapur, Pune or Mumbai and nearby cities, as a one-way transfer or a full-day trip.
Tell us your date, pickup point and group size. We reply with a quotation and suggest a sensible route, so you can combine nearby sights without rushing.
Share the pickup point, drop point, travel date, pickup time and the number of passengers using the form on this page, on WhatsApp or by phone on +91 98600 80525.
Pick a sedan, Ertiga, Innova Crysta, Tempo Traveller or Urbania based on group size and luggage. Tell us if you have senior citizens or small children travelling.
We reply with a quotation for Kolhapur to New Palace, Kolhapur. Ask clearly whether tolls, parking and driver allowance are included, so there are no surprises.
Once you confirm, we share the vehicle and driver details before pickup. Keep the driver’s number handy for the pickup point.
Sources
Sources for This Page
History, architecture and museum: Wikipedia, “New Palace, Kolhapur”, and the Incredible India New Palace page. Timings, entry fee, closing day and photography rule: search listings, October 2026.
Summary
Kolhapur New Palace: Quick Summary
The Kolhapur New Palace is a black-stone palace built between 1877 and 1884 and now partly a museum.
- Built: 1877–1884
- Material: Black polished stone
- Museum: Shahaji Museum
- City: Kolhapur
Planning more than this one trip? See our Car Rental Kolhapur, Car Hire in Kolhapur, Airport Taxi Kolhapur and Aurangabad Taxi Service for related routes, vehicles and services.
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FAQ
Kolhapur New Palace – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kolhapur New Palace?
A black-stone palace built between 1877 and 1884, now partly a museum.
Is it the same as Shahu Palace?
People usually mean the New Palace when they say Shahu Palace.
What is inside?
The Shahaji Museum, the Darbar Hall and royal artefacts.
Can I see the whole palace?
No, part is a private residence.
What are the Kolhapur New Palace timings and ticket price?
9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and ₹35 per person (search listings, October 2026). Incredible India lists 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, so arrive before 5 pm. Fees can change.
Which day is the Kolhapur New Palace closed?
The museum is closed on Mondays (search listings, October 2026).
Is photography allowed in the New Palace museum?
No. Photography and mobile phones are not allowed inside the museum, and shoes must be removed.
Where is it?
In Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Is New Palace, Kolhapur suitable for children and senior citizens?
Most visitors manage it, but walking, steps, heat and crowds differ by place and season. Choose a comfortable time of day, carry water, and tell your driver if anyone needs extra rest stops.
Can Siya Travels arrange a cab for New Palace, Kolhapur?
Yes. Send your date, pickup point and number of passengers using the form on this page, on WhatsApp or by phone on +91 98600 80525. We reply with a quotation.
Plan Your Trip With Siya Travels
Call +91 98600 80525 or send your trip details on WhatsApp. We reply with a quotation.