Rankala is a picturesque lake situated just 1.5 km from the famous Mahalakshmi Temple, in
Kolhapur District, in
Maharashtra. At the center of this wide and spacious lake lies the Rankabhairav Temple, hence the name.
Once, it remained as a mine of black stone. But due to the earthquakes during 800-900, the mine was transformed into big holes through which water from underground collected and the lake was thus formed.
On the west bank of the lake is the Shalini Palace Heritage Hotel and to the south-east lies the elegant Padmaraje Garden, a popular evening spot and a recreation centre. The lake is also bounded by Chaupati and other gardens.
