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Located in Maharashtra, Kolhapur is a city that has immense historical and natural wealth and has also been gifted with brilliant lakes worth a visit. Located within the Western Ghats, lakes in Kolhapur not only beautify the city but are also crucial to the ecology and recreational facilities. From the crowded lakes, which are a hit with the locals, to the calm and peaceful lakes, each has something special about it. These lakes are full of lush greenery, historical landmarks, and wildlife, ideal for boating, birdwatching, and picnicking. From peaceful retreats to exciting getaways, Kolhapur’s lakes have it all.
Discover 10 Must-Visit Lakes In And Around Kolhapur
This listing covers each beautiful lake in Kolhapur and near it, along with its location, attractions, and the best months to visit for your perfect lakeside experience.
1. Rankala Lake
Photo: Akki5 / Wikimedia Commons
Rankala Lake is one of the most popular lakes that Kolhapur is known for and has historical and mythological importance. Due to an underground connection with the Panchganga River, it was originally a stone quarry that filled up with water over the years. The area features a park around the beautiful water body with jogging tracks and a few local eateries serving you Misal Pav. The Shalini Palace, which overlooks the lake, is a major draw. You can also boat, ride horses or walk on the promenade. The Sandhyamath Temple nearby also contributes to its cultural significance, along with the Rank Bhairav Temple.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Kalamba Lake
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalamba Lake is a century-old artificial lake constructed to cater to Kolhapur’s water supply requirements. Covering 63 acres, this freshwater reservoir is also a birdwatching hot spot, particularly in winter. Herons, egrets, kingfishers and other migratory birds pass through here, making it a fantastic setting for nature photography. A serene landscape surrounds the lake, making it the perfect place for morning walks and picnics. Kalamba, unlike Rankala, is not as commercialised, and so it is a more rounded experience. The nearby Kalamba Mahadev Temple is a more ancient shrine that draws devotees. Boating and similar activities are restricted because of its significance as a water source, but you can still appreciate the calm beauty of this historic reservoir.
Best Time To Visit: June to February
3. Kotitirtha Talav
Photo: S.M.M.Musabbir Uddin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Kolhapur, Kotitirth Talav, or Kotitirth Lake, is a sacred waterbody that has had intrinsic connections to religion and spirituality for generations due to its links to worship rituals and temple traditions. Several ancient temples, most notably the famous Mahalakshmi Temple, are located around the lake, further solidifying its spiritual significance. Pilgrims traditionally take a ritualistic swim into the lake for cleansing. The lake architecture and nearby surroundings reflect the old Marathi heritage, with stone steps leading into the water and old remnants. The lake is also a major water source for some temples nearby, forming a part of Kolhapur’s religious ecosystem.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. New Palace Lake
Photo: Thelastnomad / Wikimedia Commons
Situated inside the colossal New Palace compound, this lake contributes to Kolhapur’s royal legacy. Built-in the 19th century during the era of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the New Palace Lake mirrors the Indo-Saracenic architectural prowess of the palace. Numerous migratory birds inhabit the lake, which serves as a respite for birdwatching enthusiasts. Around the lake, gardens and greenery make the site scenic and serene. It looks splendid as it shimmers in the waters at dusk. Visitors to the palace museum can quietly stroll along the lake and enjoy both cultural history and nature with one visit.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
5. Panchaganga
Photo: Shvet Mishra / Wikimedia Commons
The Panchaganga Lake is among the holiest rivers of Kolhapur, steeped in local mythology. The river also gets its name from the five tributaries Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati, which together form it in the Sahyadri Hills. Two revered temples, Jyotiba Temple and Narsobawadi, are located along the banks of this river, so it is a place for pilgrimage. The river is also a lifeline for Kolhapur’s farmlands. This river indirectly flows into the well-known Rankala Lake, making it a part of the city’s ecosystem.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Shiv Parvati Lake
Photo: Mahendra5806 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Less explored, but one of the most scenic places near Tarle village is Shiv Parvati Lake. Nestled away from the bustle of the city, this lakes in Kolhapur is surrounded by thick greenery and offers a mellow escape for nature lovers. There are also a few devotees who come to visit the lake regularly, as there is a small temple of Lord Shiva here. Its clean waters and green surroundings invite picnics and meditation. The sunrises and sunsets over the lake are a thing of beauty, which makes it a little-known photographer’s paradise. Adding to its ecological merit is the biodiversity in the surrounding area, which is home to native birds and fish.
Best Time To Visit: September to February
7. Kaneri Lake
Photo: Dharmadhyaksha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kaneri Lake, a quiet waterbody located behind the Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, is tucked away in the lush greenery. This is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, meditators, and trekkers looking for a serene escape from the pace of the city. Unlike Rankala, Kaneri is quiet with nature and perfect for meditation or birdwatching. The area is home to many native and migratory birds, and early-morning visitors can spot herons, kingfishers and egrets near the banks of the lake. You can walk around the lake on small trails, soaking in the tranquil surroundings, with the distant Western Ghats as a picturesque backdrop.
Location: Near Siddhagiri Museum, 20 km from Kolhapur
Best Time To Visit: October to February
8. Shinganapur Lake
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shinganapur Lake is not only a water body but is also spiritually and mythologically important to the locals. The lake is located next to the revered Shinganapur Shiva Temple and is said to be formed from mystical origins, making it sacred for many who visit. On special occasions like Mahashivaratri, devotees take ritualistic baths in its waters before proceeding towards the temple. Ancient rock-cut caves and little shrines dot the lake’s surroundings, lending an almost mystical air to it. Different from most commercial lakes, Shinganapur is an unvarnished slice of natural beauty, with the temple and trees reflecting in its placid waters.
Location: Near Shinganapur, 25 km from Kolhapur
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Gaganbawda Lake
Photo: Rituvinay / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in the mist-covered hills of Gaganbawda, this lake is nature’s lover’s paradise, and in the monsoon season, when the scenery is a green carpet of beauty. Thick forests, waterfalls, and hidden trails surround the lake, making it a great spot for adventurous travellers and photographers. A historical fort dating back centuries, the Gagangad Fort is an interesting add-on to the visit. Gaganbawda Lake is an unspoilt lake in the Kolhapur area that evokes a sense of mystique and serenity, with thick fog often blanketing the surface of the water in the early hours of the morning.
Location: Gaganbawda, 55 km from Kolhapur
Best Time To Visit: July to December
10. Shivaji Talav
Photo: Santoshiwtn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shivaji Talav is a less popular but very historical lake close to Kolhapur, which gives you a place away from the city crowds. This lake is situated near Panhala Fort and is said to have been used as a source of water during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The lake region is surrounded by lush green vegetation, which is a perfect choice for nature lovers and history followers. Shivaji Talav might be less known as a more unspoilt, rustic lake compared to the Rankala or Kambala lakes, with fewer crowds and calm surroundings. Catch a glimpse of the reflection of the surrounding hills when the sun is setting and rising.
Location: Near Panhala Fort, 20 km from Kolhapur
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Every lake in Kolhapur has cultural landmarks, ecological ecosystems, and scenic retreats that evoke a sense of history, whereas others have a beauty of their own. From nature enthusiasts and adventurous spirits to those who simply seek a tranquil retreat, these lakes ensure a revitalising experience. The lakes are full, and the scenery is lush during the monsoon and winter months. So, plan your trip with TripXL, and don’t miss out on these hidden jewels and natural beauty.
Cover Photo: Radomianin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
