Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is a historic freshwater lake located near the famous Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Formed in the 9th century after an earthquake transformed an ancient stone quarry into a natural reservoir, it spans a circumference of about 4.5 miles. The lake is named after the submerged Rankabhairav Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at its center. Today, it serves as a major tourist hub featuring scenic promenades, the historic Shalini Palace on its banks, boating, and vibrant local food stalls.