Mahabaleshwar – the land blessed with natural vistas, pleasant climatic conditions, historical edifices, and above all, the burst of berries. This quaint little hill station tucked away in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges has all the right ingredients to offer you a memorable holiday. Watch a sunrise or sunset at the many vantage points, enjoy a basket picnic at Lingmala Waterfalls, offer your prayers at the Mahabaleshwar Temple or simply relax at one of the hotels in Mahabaleshwar – the choice is yours. Or how about visiting some of the popular lakes in Mahabaleshwar?
As a hill town gifted with natural abundance, Mahabaleshwar boasts of some of the most scenic lakes in the region. These are the best places to go boating, spend some moments with your special one or enjoy an evening with your friends and family. Want to know more about these Mahabaleshwar lakes? Here you go.
1. Venna Lake
Venna Lake | #1 of 2 Lakes in Mahabaleshwar
Counted among the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar, the Venna Lake is an ideal spot to spend an evening with your family or friends. This manmade lake was built in 1842 by Appa Saheb aka Shri Appasaheb Maharaj who was the ruler of Satara. One of the unique features of the Venna Lake, which is spread over an area of 28 acres, is that it is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. It is located a short distance from ST Bus Stand and Mahabaleshwar Market, so you can even take a walk from the town to the lake in the evenings.
While here, you can enjoy a session of boating on the placid waters of the lake. Row boats and paddle boats are available on rent at the boating club and you can choose one based on your preferences. The area around the lake is also a hub for people, especially kids, who want to enjoy horse riding and fun fair games. The eateries and restaurants dotting the place will keep your hunger pangs at bay while you enjoy a fun-filled evening with your dear ones. No wonder, the Venna Lake is counted among the best lakes in Mahabaleshwar.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Boating Charges:
Row Boat – ₹ 500 for 1 hour; ₹ 250 for 30 minutes (Max 7 persons)
Paddle Boat – ₹ 440 for 1 hour (Max 6 persons)
Nearby Attractions:
- Wilson Point (5 km)
- Mumbai Point (5 km)
- Mahabaleshwar Temple (4 km)
- Chinaman’s Waterfalls (5 km)
- Wax Museum (4 km)
- Mahabaleshwar Market (3 km)
2. Tapola Lake aka Shivsagar Lake
Tapola Lake aka Shivsagar Lake | #2 of 2 Lakes in Mahabaleshwar
A short drive from Mahabaleshwar will take you to Tapola, a rustic hamlet that has earned the moniker of the Mini Kashmir of the West. One of the key attractions here is the Shivsagar Lake or the Tapola Lake, another one of the must-visit lakes in Mahabaleshwar. This waterbody spreads over 90 km and serves as the reservoir of the Koyna Dam.
The lake and the surrounding areas are best known for water sports, including boating, water scooter rides, swimming, and kayaking, among others. The region is also a favorite among camping enthusiasts and there are many agencies that offer overnight camping at lakeside tents. In fact, backwater and agro camping is one of the top things to do in Mahabaleshwar for a great holiday. You can even choose to spend a night at one of the many resorts dotting the hamlet.
- Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 25 km (approx.)
- Boat Club Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Boating Charges:
₹ 750 per person for 45 minutes
₹ 1400 per person for 90 minutes - Watersports Charges: Vary based on the service provider
Best River Camps in Tapola:
- Kinara Agro Tourism and River Camp
- Nisarga Agro Tourism
- River View Agro Tourism
- Palvi Agro Tourism and River Camp
- Koyna Agro Tourism
Overnight Camping Charges: Starting from ₹ 1200 (approx.) per head
Nearby Attractions:
- Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (1 km)
- Kas Pathar (50 km)
- Pratapgard Fort (50 km)
After a fun-filled day at these Mahabaleshwar lakes, make sure that you relax over great food and some mouthwatering strawberry delights. Why wait? Head over to one of the best restaurants in Mahabaleshwar and tickle your taste buds.
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