Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is a picturesque lake in the Kolhapur District of the state of Maharashtra in western India. It is believed to be linked directly to a well in Panhala Fort which Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have crossed.Now a days it is a famous spot for residents of Kolhapur to spend the weekends. In recent past, Kolhapur Municipal corporation has bult "Padpath Udyan" for a lakeside walk.This lake was constructed by Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur. It is surrounded by chowpati, other gardens and Pathways. Thinking for Rankala & Chowaptis remind us of Delicious Bhel-Puri , Ragda Patis & Various Mouth Watering Snacks like Roasted Corns etc. Rankala is also famous for Horse-Ride & Boating. Prior to 8th century this historical place was just a stone quarry. In the earthquake which took place sometime in 9th century some natural structural change took place in the quarry. Water started accumulating in this quarry due to opening of an underground source. This accumulated water is today's famous Rankala Lake. This historic lake has a Temple with very big " Nandi " As per Hindu mythology Lord Shiva uses " Nandi " for traveling.. It is believed that this idol of Nandi moves about a distance of a single Wheat grain towards the lake and back about a distance of Single Rice grain Daily. It is also said that when this Idol reaches the lake the whole world will be destroyed. Sandhya Math was built on the banks of this lake. Towards the northern side of this lake "Shalani Palace" and towards north-east "Padmaraje Garden" makes the scene of this lake enchanting. Recently for development of tourism, South-East bank of the lake has been developed into a Pathway, Park & Sit-outs.