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Siddhagiri Museum which is also known as Siddhagiri Gramjivan and Kenari Math is a popular tourist attraction of India. It contains a good collection of wax models in it and thus known as a wax museum too. When you are on a tour to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, you must not forget to pay a visit here.
Description:
Siddhagiri Museum is located in Kaneri village of Maharashtra. Visiting this museum is the greatest way to understand the ancient lifestyle of the villagers. In fact, it depicts village life before the Mughal era started in Maharashtra.
It is known as the dream project of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The village model reflects the ancient barter system, joint family feeling, self-sufficiency in the village people, etc. To portray this huge thing more than 300 wax models have been used. The wax models are seen playing 80 different scenes from the Indian epics – The Ramayana and Mahabharata. The entire model is spread over almost 7 acres area. You must be thinking what is so special about the wax models? Those have huge multidimensional effects that make them almost alive.
The Siddhagiri Museum, Kolhapur is the result of sole effort and enormous dedication of 27th Mathadipati HH Adrushya Kadisidheshwar Swamiji. What all the wax statues are shown doing in the entire village structure, is the reflection of his imagination. He tried his best to work on his ideas to display the rich Indian culture of the ancient times to inspire the later generations for understanding the true meaning of 'Golden Bird', what we really were.
Traveler Tips:
Siddhagiri Museum, Kolhapur is open all through a week between 9.30 AM and 7.00 PM. But you will get entry tickets till 5.30 PM only.
You will require 2 – 3 hours to finish your tour of the museum. You can also stay here with the permission of the Math authorities. There are 36 total rooms for visitors’ stay with attached toilets.
Things to Do:
You can visit the museum which itself is a big visiting spot to witness the culture and heritage of ancient India.
If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, you will find your inner peace here. The place is naturally covered with rich greenery and fauna all around, so you will enjoy roaming around. The place is truly a piece of heaven. But remember photography is prohibited here. Just walk and enjoy villagers doing their daily activities, Goldsmith, etc.
History:
The inauguration of the museum took place in 2006. Its aim was to understand the enormity and richness of rural life of the ancient ages. It also showcases the age-old traditions and heritage of our country by highlighting the forgotten means of life.
In short, the Siddhagiri Museum makes a journey to the old days emphasizing different phases of life through the wax statues which all together portray that time’s society. This open-air museum bears some mythological background too and thus the followers of Lord Shiva count Kenari math as a holy place to visit.
Best Time to Visit:
You will enjoy visiting here during the winter, between November and February. Remember to carry food, sunglasses, water, etc. with you.
How to Reach:
By air – Ujalaiwadi is the nearest airport to Kolhapur, which 9 km away from the city.
By rail – to reach the city you need to board a train for Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus.
After reaching the airport or railway station you can hire an auto to reach your destination.
Kolhapur, Maharashtra is very well connected through roadways with all the major cities of the country.
FAQ:
Popular tourist attractions in Kolhapur
• Bahubali
• Rankala Lak
• Panhala Fort
• Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Jyotiba Temple
• New Palace
• Shalini Palace
• Town Hall
Where to stay in Kolhapur
• Citrus Hotel
• Shiv Malhar Hotel
• Dark Forest Retreat
• Green Valley Resort
I hope this blog will help you in planning your trip to Siddhagiri Museum, Kolhapur in Maharashtra.
