Solapur

Solapur is a city situated in the South West direction of the state of Maharashtra. It shares its border with the neighboring state of Karnataka. Being well connected with the intrastate cities as well as those which are interstate, there are plenty of tourist sites in the city that will leave you spellbound. This city is about 98 km away from Vijayapura via NH 52, and has a plethora of tourist sites in the city that you can enjoy!

The city is known for its calm pace, and some of the best Solapur places include ancient temples, ruins of the bygone eras, traditional places, bustling markets, and shopping complexes. Whether you want to indulge yourself in the tranquillity of the landscape, explore the work of the local artisan or observe the traditional way of living of locals, the best tourist sites in the city have something for everyone. It is also an ideal destination for couples looking for romantic places in Solapur.

Solapur Overview

Best Time to Visit in Solapur

This city is considered to be one of the most important cities to visit in Maharashtra, as far as tourism, commerce and pilgrimage is concerned. It is always good to know about the weather condition of this city before paying your visit to explore Solapur places. When it comes to the best tourist sites in the city, winter is the ideal time to pay your visit. During the winters, the weather in Solapur is just ideal for visitors as they can enjoy exploring the places to visit Solapur in less humidity and without breaking a sweat. The winter season starts in November and lasts till March. The average Solapur temperature fluctuates from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius during this period. Hence, it is advised to visit this city and the best tourist sites in the city.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Solapur

Due to the influx of tourists coming to explore the tourist sites in the city, the State Government of Maharashtra has been making huge strides when it comes to transportation and connectivity. With the well-planned infrastructure, travelling to the best tourist sites in the city has become convenient.

One can reach the best tourist sites in the city by air. The nearest airport to this city is the Pune International Airport which is about 254 km away via Solapur - Pune Highway. The airport is well-connected to all the major cities of India including Chennai, Bengaluru, Nagpur as well as Delhi. The citys own Solanpur Airport is under construction as well.

You can also choose to reach any of the tourist sites in the city due to the extensive railway network. Trains going to and fro in this city are well connected with various cities including Mumbai and Hyderabad. The city is bestowed with its own railway station as well.

You can also reach the best tourist sites in the city via road. The city is located in close proximity to Pune - Hyderabad National Highway. You can either opt for an MSRTC bus or a private bus for reaching this city.

What are the Things to See and Do in Solapur?

The historic allure of this city is compelling enough to attract millions of tourists every day. You can enjoy an extensive collection of handmade art, clothes and rare gems. You can find these masterpieces in almost all the tourist sites in the city.

This city derives its name from the word solah meaning sixeteen and pur meaning village. It reflects the fact that the city is carved out of 16 pre-existing villages, each having a unique story and history. You can wander in the streets of the best tourist sites in the city, and find world-class street food, local shops selling all types of goods at affordable rates as well as an array of temples, both modern and ancient.

Places to Visit in Solapur

Temple of Lord Siddharameshwar

Lord Siddharameshwar's Temple, which is flanked by the impressive Bhuikot Fort, is a shrine to the united manifestation of Shiva and Vishnu. It is one of the most sacred tourist sites in the city.

Bhuikot Fort

The Bahamani Dynasty erected the Bhuikot Fort in honour of Hutatma Bagh in the 14th century. Within the walls of the fort, the Bahamani Sultan constructed a Hindu temple, which continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary

A bird refuge, established in 1979, the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is as stark as it is beautiful. The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary protects a range of rare and threatened bird species across more than eight thousand square kilometres.

Saraf Katta

Saraf Katta is well-known throughout Maharashtra for its high-quality gold jewellery and ornaments. In addition to the more traditional precious metals, gold, silver, platinum, and diamond jewellery are also sold in Saraf Katta.

Solapur Science Centre

Solapur Science Centre stands out as a one-of-a-kind attraction for visitors. That makes it the third-biggest city in all of Maharashtra. Most visitors to the Solapur Science Centre come at night to participate in the star probe and exploration.

Dharmaveer Sambhaji Lake

Dharmaveer Sambhalji Lake is one of the prominent tourist sites in the city. Originally named for the daughter of Mughal king Aurangzeb, the lake is now more commonly referred to by its more well-known name, Kamar Talab (or Sambhalji Lake).

Hipparga Lake

During the time of the British Raj, a large water tank was built and given the name Hipparga Lake or Hipparga Talao. For very some time, it was the city's primary source of water.

Akkalkot

Swami Samarth Maharaj is venerated by his followers as Dattatraya reborn and has a temple in Akkalkot. Temple Bhandara is well-liked by its worshippers. It is among the most sacred tourist sites in the city.

Restaurants in Solapur

Preeti Dining Hall

At this restaurant, you can sample a variety of dishes that are typical of the area's cuisine. While you're here, you can also satiate your craving with sweet delicacies that have been prepared by skilled chefs.

Sanskruti Restaurant

This restaurant serves the healthiest, most thoughtfully prepared vegetarian food possible to visitors. In fact, the finest ingredients and freshest vegetables are used to cook your food here.

Sips N Bites

This restaurant's extensive menu features Indian and Chinese delicacies to tempt your taste buds. In addition to main course dishes, you can also relish burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs here.

Places to Stay in Solapur

Kyriad Hotel

Your stay at this property will be hassle-free and relaxing. It is ideal for family trips because it has an indoor game room and a restaurant known for its delectable and healthy vegetarian fare.

Balaji Sarovar Premiere

Enjoy a luxurious stay at this cutting-edge hotel, which boasts spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, a high-end spa, and other conveniences.

Hotel Pratham

Guests staying at Hotel Pratham have access to a wide range of both contemporary and classic conveniences and amenities during their stay. It features coffee shop, a restaurant, and a library for its guests.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Solapur

Being situated on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, this city has always had a thriving cosmopolitan culture. This is reflected in the food that they eat as well as the tourist places in Solapur. The food that is served is various tourist sites in the city is generally spicy and makes extensive use of peanuts. The famous shenga chutney is made of peanut paste and enhances the taste of your meals. Another staple food of the city is the crisp jowar bread. Khara mutton which is a pickle made of mutton is widely famous in the city.

Even the mahaprasadam that is offered to the devotees within the premises of temples is a famous cuisine for those who would like to explore the sacred tourist sites in the city. The mahaprasadam consist of lapshi, which is a special Solapuri pudding poured upon rice and vegetables, sheera, and Aamti, which is a tangy version of daal served within the temple courtyard. For those with non-vegetarian palate, you can relish chicken rice, chicken biryani and mutton in the city. But keep it in mind that being a religious city, you will find majority of restaurants selling vegetarian food only.

Some of the most popular restaurants in Solapur include Preeti Dining Hall, Sugaran and Hotel Ajinkya Pure Veg Restaurant.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Solapur

There are plenty of things to buy at the tourist sites in the city. This city is known for its intricately designed Solapuri bedsheet or chadar. These bed sheets are prepared using the finest cotton found in this city and are completely hand-woven and handmade. Solapuri sarees are also quite famous and you can take them back home as souvenirs.

Umama Readymade

This store's shirts, slacks, and jeans are appropriate for any occasion. There is a large assortment of high-quality clothing at reasonable costs.

Oasis Mall

More than sixty unique stores and a food court can be found inside this paradise mall, which is located on Surana Market Road.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

Paying a visit to the biggest handloom and textile city of Maharashtra, this city, is like going down the history lane and re-living the life led by yarns and threads, hundreds of years ago. The city is the perfect blend of modernity and traditions as is reflected by the tourist places in Solapur. The holy temples situated are some of the best tourist sites in the city. Be it historical tourist sites or romantic places in Solapur, there is something for everyone in this city.