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On western side of Mahalakshmi temple, the Rankala Lake, is a
popular evening spot and recreation centre.
 This lake was
constructed by late Maharajah, Shri Shahu Chhatrapati. The
Lake is surrounded by Chaupati and other gardens. In the
backdrop stands majestic Shalini Palace. Shalini Palace is the
only star-rated Palace Hotel in Maharashtra. Chaupati also
brings memories of Chatak daar Bhel-Puri and Ragda-Patties and
variety of food snacks. In past, Kolhapur was famous as a
centre for Film Industry. Many Marathi movies, Hindi movies
have been shot in studios in Kolhapur. ShantKiran Studio on
Rankala Lake was shot in numerous movies. This studio was
owned by V. Shantaram (V stands Vanakudre), gift to Indian
Film industry. Today, those days in history is being
remembered as golden past.
Witness of historical events during 750-850 AD Formerly, this
was an extensive mine of black stone. During 800-900 AD, there
were earthquakes,
 which transformed the mine. There across big
holes through which water from under ground collect. Located
at a distance of half a kilometer from the Mahalakshmi Temple
is a huge lake called "RANKALA LAKE". This is the oldest of
all, it is thought and was given more importance in the past
as a big temple of Nandi and a fine resort called 'Sandhya
Math' have been built. 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.To the northern end of the lake is the
Shalini Palace. To the southeast is Padmaraje garden. This
lake is picturesque and it's a pleasure to go for a walk along
this lake. At two spots one can reach the water, at Rajghat
and Maratha ghat. There is a tower on the Rajghat. In front of
this tower are the Shalini Palace and Ambai swimming tank. The
spot is famous for movie shootings. The 'Sandhya Math' in the
lake is mostly under water during the rainy reason
Rankala is also famous for Horse-Ride & Boating. Recently for
development of tourism, South-East bank of the lake has been
developed into a Pathway, Park & Sit-outs.
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Other Attractions:
Mahalami Temple
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Jotiba
||
Tryamboli (Temblai)
||
Kashi Vishveshwar
||
Bahubali
||
Katyani Devi
||
Khidrapur
||
Kaneri
Math
||
Shankaracharya
Cloister (Math)
||
Panhala
||
Vishalgad
||Shalini
Palace
|| New Palace ||
Bhavani Mandap
||
Town Hall
||
Rankala
||
Narsinhwadi
||
Kotiteertha
||
Panchganga
Ghat
|| Dajipur Sanctuary
|| Shivaji University |
