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Katraj Lake in Pune has some very calm and scenic spots, and it is one of Pune’s most peaceful destinations. Built during the Peshwa era, it is indeed a historic lake that is a fine retreat for nature and photographers alike. Whether a casual walk along the banks is what you crave or a lovely evening with a breathtaking sunset is what you want, Katraj Lake is a must-visit. One could enjoy some peace in the surroundings, green lush areas, and various activities; that’s a fine mix for a day out with family and friends.
Quick Details
Location: Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra
Surface area: Approximately 42 acres
Type: Artificial lake
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winter seasons (July to February)
Morning: 6 AM – 11 PM
Evening: 4 PM – 9 PM
Musical Fountain Show: 7 PM
Location
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Katraj Lake is found in Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra, alongside the Pune-Satara Highway, also known as NH 48, next to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. It is 8 to 10 km from the Pune city centre and can be reached easily from different points of the city. Being a part of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj Lake hosts a huge number of people. Built in the Peshwa era, this lake was constructed to supply water to Pune. Important landmarks near the lake are Bharati Hospital, Pune Sinhgad Institute, and Bharati Vidyapeeth University.
How To Reach
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road (Car/Taxi/Auto Rickshaw): You can take NH-48 (Mumbai-Bangalore Highway) and Satara Road for Katraj; it is approximately 10 km from Pune city centre. If going by auto, you can mention Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park or Katraj Lake as landmarks. Commonly, Katraj Depot, Swargate-Katraj, and Pune Station-Katraj are the buses.
By Rail: Pune Junction is the nearest railway station, located about 12 km away, and it is well-connected to almost all the major cities across India.
By Air: You can fly to Pune International Airport, located about 20 km from Katraj, and then take local transport like a taxi or auto, which takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Things To Do
Glide through the calm waters of Katraj lake in pune and explore its beauty and surroundings.
1. Experience Boating
Photo: Moheen Reeyad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Boating in Katraj Lake in Pune is something that most adventurous tourists won’t want to miss. No lake visit is complete without some exciting paddle boating on mellowed waters. Ripples are formed as the boat sails in the water, giving you a very slack attitude to enjoy. Alone or with your friends, you can enjoy both sides of being practical or emotional. The best time to visit for this experience is October to March. The entry fee is ₹50 per person and major attractions are boating and picturesque views.
2. Visiting Katraj Snake Park
Photo: Akshaychikalge / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pay a visit to the Katraj Snake Park. Being a part of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, located close to Katraj Lake, this is a frequented place for wildlife enthusiasts. It is just 500 meters away from Katraj Lake. The Snake Park is home to reptiles, including cobras, pythons, and assorted exotic species. Besides entertaining visitors, the park is meant to raise awareness about snake conservation and safe snake handling. The best time to visit is 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. The entry fee is ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children, and the main attractions here are King Cobra and Indian Rock Python.
3. Witness A Beautiful Sunset And Bird Watching Opportunities
Photo: Ed Dunens / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The lake is quite mesmerising, and the blending of colours at sunset feels real. Many photographers come here just to grab that infinite shade of colour within the sky while the sun sets. For those who enjoy bird watching, Katraj Lake is a fine area for a wide diversity of bird species. It is best to visit at dawn and dusk to catch migratory birds and local species. Bring along your binoculars and a camera to enhance your experience. The best time to visit to witness this is 6:00 PM–7:00 PM, and the major attractions are photography and a peaceful ambience. There is no entry fee.
Places To Visit Near Katraj Lake
Visit the following places near Katraj lake in Pune and explore other must visit places of the region.
1. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Photo: Universalashic / Wikimedia Commons
It is located just a short distance from Katraj Lake. Covering an area of 130 acres, the zoo is composed of an animal orphanage, a snake park, and an animal house, all of which keep varying mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo contains wildlife like leopards, crocodiles, elephants, and the mighty Bengal tiger. Within the park, Katraj Lake adds to the scenic beauty. The Pune-Satara Highway connects the zoo with the city, making access easy via public transport. It is one of the family friendly places to take your kids to.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 1 km
2. Parvati Hill
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Parvati Hill is said to be of historical and scenic charm due to the view it offers from its hilltop of Pune, Maharashtra, seen from a height of about 2,100 feet above sea level. The hill is among the most famous landmarks of Pune. There lie the Parvati Temple and a few other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Kartikeya. It is an ideal trekking spot with views of the temples, where tall foothills providing unusual paths over Pune beckon you up the hill.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 8 km
3. Saras Baug
Photo: Shankyrosh / Wikimedia Commons
This famous recreation area and garden in Pune, Maharashtra, lies near Swargate, within the core of the city. The Ganpati temple at Sarasbaug, which despite its young age has gained some kind of world-honoured stature, attracts both devotees and tourists. The garden has green lawns for walking and serene, watery areas, and it is an ideal spot for sitting or lying down. Builtin the Peshwa era, it has history and offers a serene atmosphere for those wanting to calm their senses away from the dynamic pace of the city.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 7 km
4. Shaniwar Wada
Photo: Samrudhi shelagaonkar / Wikimedia Commons
Shaniwar Wada, a historically significant fortification in Pune, Maharashtra, is a rich Maratha heritage. Built-in 1732, originally the fort was splendid, seven stories tall, but much of it was destroyed in a massive fire in 1828, leaving behind only the tall stone walls and the gate of massive proportions. The entrance called the Delhi Darwaza, still remains as a glorious remnant of former times. Most of all, it is famous for its elaborate architecture, vast gardens, and superb past. This historical fortification is a must-see for history lovers.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 10 km
5. Lal Mahal
Photo: ईशानी / Wikimedia Commons
The Lal Mahal is a historical cave linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located in Pune, Maharashtra, near Shaniwar Wada in the Kasba Peth area.The original structure was destroyed with time, but it was rebuilt in 1988 as a memorial by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The palace contains paintings, artefacts, and a huge statue of Jijabai. The display at Lal Mahal gives one a keen view of the history of the Maratha empire; hence, it’s a magnificent destination for all history lovers.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 9 km
6. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Photo: Siddheshnampurkar / Wikimedia Commons
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is one of the foremost popular temples within the Pune region, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located in Budhwar Peth. Founded more than 125 years ago by Dagduseth Halwai, a renowned sweet maker, it is one of the first iconic temples of Pune. The splendid idol of Lord Ganesha with gold and other fineries attracts many devotees, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, when a great celebration takes place. It is a temple besides serving as a social welfare centre for various charitable activities.
Distance From Katraj Lake: 11 km
Where To Stay
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For those interested in a stay near Katraj Lake, some options from budget hotels to luxurious ones can be found here. These include the Treebo Trend Royal Imperio Hotel (₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per night), which is very economically priced with neat and clean rooms offering modern amenities. Its distance from Katraj Lake is 4 km. Hotel HMR Royal InnA (₹3,500-5,000 per night) is a mid-range property well-known for its hospitality and cosy rooms. Hotel Rajmahal (₹1500-3000 per night) is a budget hotel providing comfortable stay options with other essential facilities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Kris Atomic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for dining options near Katraj Lake, there are several hotels and eminent dining places to eat in peace. Hotel Shivam is a major hub for local Maharashtrian cuisine; it is famous for its really good thalis and snacks. The best dishes here to try are Maharashtrian Thali (₹200-300) and Misal Pav (₹80-120). Cafe Durga is a lovely spot for enjoying its refreshing cold coffee and quick bites. The best dishes here to try are Cold Coffee (₹50-80) and Pav Bhaji (₹100-150). Lastly, Bhairavnath Misal is a place you should visit if you love spicy food, serving authentic misal pav.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
To give a general idea of the costs: in transportation, one can need to pay ₹100-500, depending on the mode of transport; in food, costs will vary from ₹200-700 per person (local eateries to fine dining); accommodation, budget to luxury-hotels can cost between ₹1,500-12,000 per night; Entry Fees: free for the lake and ₹40 for Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Other expenses may involve around ₹200-500 for boating, snacks, miscellaneous. One can reckon that a budget trip may cost around₹1,000-3,000 per person per day, while a luxurious lifestyle may go up to 10,000 or more.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry water, especially summer drinking water, as food stalls are available but bittersweet.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if visiting during the day.
- Be cautious at night because the area may not be well-lit after sunset, so it’s best to leave before it gets too dark.
- Use comfortable footwear while walking because the embedment is primarily for strolling around the lake.
- For birdwatching enthusiasts, visiting the lake earlier will make for a finer spectacle.
- In case of amour towards boating, assure yourself before going there that the facility is open.
- Avoid littering and use designated dustbins to help maintain cleanliness. The best times to visit are mornings and evenings, which offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
A place to keep yourself fit, a place to chill out, a place to do your work, a place for entertainment, Katraj Lake in Pune is one of the best places to go. It is the best possible retreat for nature lovers and families with its scenic beauty, serene environment, and attractions nearby. Plan a trip with TripXL for a hassle-free travel experience and explore the beauty of Katraj Lake firsthand.
Cover Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
