solapur

Solapur is a city located in the south-western part of the West Indian state of Maharashtra; it is located close to the border with the neighbouring south Indian state Karnataka.

Solapur has various religious and historical places to see, as well as other kinds of attractions such as:

• Ujani Dam
• Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary

If you are planning a trip to Solapur, do not forget to pay a visit to these below listed places :

• Mallikarjuna Jain Temple
• Parasnath Jain Temple
• Bhuikot Fort – An ancient fort, whose name means a fort built on land (“Bhui” means “land” and “Kot” means “built”, in Marathi language), as it has been built on flat land, and not on any mountain.
• Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple
• Revansiddeshwar Temple
• Sree Dahigaun Teerth – A Hindu religious centre
• Anagha Mahalakshmi – Another Hindu temple; this is dedicated to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth

Some of the best museums to visit in the city are:

• Solapur Science Centre – A science Museum
• Geology Museum at Dayanand College, Geology Department

Solapur consists of a majority of Maharashtrians and Hindus. So, most Hindu festivals and few others are celebrated grandly in this city. These include:

• Makar Sankranti – An auspicious harvest festival celebrated in the month of January.
• Gudi Padwa – Beginning of a new year according to Marathi Calendar (celebrated as New years day all over Maharashtra state).
• Maha Shivratri – People worship Lord Shiva and fast for long hours.
• Navrathri & Dussehra – A 10-day festival, where Goddess Durga is revered.
• Ganesh Chaturthi – A major festival in the state of Maharashtra, this is celebrated in all cites and town in this state, to worship Lord Ganesha (who is also the son of Lord Shiva).
• Diwali – The festival of lights; celebrated in October-November.

Solapur is a busy business center (specializing in cotton mills) and has many markets and shopping complexes where people can shop for things such as pure cotton towels, bedsheets and other cotton products like garments for men, women and kids; and other things like cheap jewelry, footwear and accessories. Some of the best shopping spots to check out in Solapur are:

• Golden Place
• Park Shopping Complex
• Solapur Tadpatri Store
• Oasis Mall
• Deccan Javlary
• Atlance Solapur
• Siddheshwar Shopping Centre
• Vikram Mall
• Cottonking Jule Solapur

Solapur’s food mostly consists of many delicious Maharashtrian dishes as well as few others, such as:

• Batata Bhaji – A curry of diced boiled potatoes, spiced with turmeric, green chillies, ginger & mustard.
• Usal – a curry made with sprouted beans (mung or any other bean sprouts.
• Vada – Fried snacks, made with flour and vegetables like potato (Batata Vada), coriander (Kothmbir Vadi).

South Indian breakfast items like:

• Idli – Steamed rice-black gram batter cakes.
• Dosa – Crepes made with the same batter as Idli.
• Uthappams – Pancakes made with the same Idli batter, and topped with onions, tomatoes, carrots, etc.
• Masala Dosa – Dosa with a potato curry stuffing inside.

Solapur, being home to a large number of temples, is also known for the special dishes served in these temples as Prasad (offerings). Some such dishes are:

• Lapsi Halwa – A sweet pudding made with broken wheat and jaggery syrup.
• Sheera – A pudding made with Sooji/semolina, milk and sugar.
• Amti – A salty, tangy and soupy lentil dish with spices.

Some good restaurants in Solapur to find these dishes and many others are:

• Walsang Wada Restaurant
• Sugran (vegetarian restaurant)
• Hotel Kamat
• Nisarg
• Angraj Restaurant
• Hotel Priyanka
• Siddheshwar Idli Center
• Vaishali
• Hotel Ajinkya

Some good hotels in Solapur for a comfortable stay are:

• Balaji Sarovar Premier
• Lotus Hotel
• Hotel Vaishnavi
• Hotel Vikas Palace
• Hotel Naman
• Dhruva Hotel
• Hotel Pratham
• Hotel Srikamal International
• Pride Executive

Solapur also has a couple of pubs and bars which make for great hangout places during the late hours:

• The Speg Bar
• Dance Bar
• Mahek Bar & Restaurant

Solapur STD Code – 0217 (to be used before dialling numbers from a device that is not locally registered).

Common Emergency numbers:

• Police Control room – 100
• Fire emergency – 101
• Accident helpline (Medical emergencies) – 108
• Crime Stopper – 1090
• Women Helpline – 1091

The main language spoken in Solapur is Marathi.

Marathi:

• Welcome - Tumcha svagat aso
• How are you? - Tu kas ahes
• What's your name? - Tujha nav kay ahe
• Where are you from? - Apaṇ kothale ahat?
• Good morning - Su-prabhat
• Have a nice day - Sukhi raha