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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 built "Padpath Udyan" for a lakeside walk. This lake was constructed by Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur. 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 & 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 north side of this lake there is "Shalani Palace" and towards north-east "Padmaraje Garden" makes the scene of this lake enchanting. Recently for development of tourism, South-East bank the lake has been developed into a Pathway, Park & Sit-outs.
