KOLHAPUR

Kolhapur is the erstwhile capital of a former principality and befitting, has some splendid palaces and royal homes. Its temples are considered amongst the most important in Maharashtra, for the city is considered as holy as Varanasi and is often called Dakshina Kasi. The arts, wrestling and leather footwear are its other attractions.

Places of interest in the Kolhapur region (all distances from Kolhapur) include

Panhala [15 Kms.]	Fort, Palaces and temples associated with Shivaji make Kolhapur's hill station a still more interesting holiday resort.
Sangli [50 kms.]	This capital of a former principality has a well-known temple and a line museum.
Sangameshwar [100 kms.]	Temple Town
Ratnagiri [125 kms.]	The main town of the southern Konkan is the gateway to the beaches of this coast. Ratnagiri itself has a fine beach, but is best known for luscious mangoes.
Sindhudurg [155 kms.]	An island fort within which are a temple Shivaji built and several relics of the warrior king. Malvan beach is nearby.
Ganpatipule [155 kms.]	An ancient pilgrim center that is being developed as a major beach resort.
Amboli [160 kms.]	A charming little hill station midst thick forests.
Koyna [170 kms.]	A dam-site picnic spot.
Vengurla [190 kms.]	Another inviting Konkan Beach
Pandharpur [200 Kms.]	The temple of Lord Vitthal is a famous shrine whose festival in July-August draws pilgrims from all over the state.
Solapur [225 kms.]	A formidable fort and its temple in the middle of a tank, attract attention in this textile town.

RANKALA LAKE KOLHAPUR

Rankala Lake is a picturesque lake situated in the heart of Kolhapur city of Maharashtra. This lake was constructed by Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur and is situated on the west side of the famous Mahalaxmi Temple has an elevation of 550 meters above sea level. The Rankala lake was earlier used for providing drinking water to Kolhapur City but is now confined mainly to irrigation and recreational use. The lake is a constant inspiration to cinema shooting, writers and artists. Kolhapur citizens have a great affinity with this lake. In the recent past, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has built "Padpath Udyan" for a lakeside walk. It is surrounded by Chowpati, other gardens and pathway. The area surrounding the lake has been converted into a garden where people sell Bhel-Puri, Ragda Patis and various mouth-watering snacks like roasted corns etc. Rankala is also famous for horse riding and boating. Prior to the 8th century this historical place has been 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 the opening of an underground source. This accumulated water is today’s famous Rankala Lake. There is a temple of Rank Bhairav at the center of the lake. The name Rankala to the lake is also derived from this god. There are two ghats of the lake, one Rajghat and other Marathghat. There is a Rankala tower on the Rajghat called Sandhya Math. In front of it is Shalini palace.