Venna Lake: A Scenic Man-Made Lake in Mahabaleshwar

Venna Lake is a beautiful man-made lake in Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station in Maharashtra. The lake was constructed in 1942 by Shri Appa Saheb Maharaj, who was the ruler of Satara at that time. The lake was built to provide water to the nearby areas of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is spread over an area of 28 acres and has a depth of 10 feet. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a serene and picturesque view. Visit during Mahabaleshwar sightseeing By cab

Venna Lake Location/ Timing and Entry Fees

The lake is located about 2 km from the Mahabaleshwar bus stand and market. It is easily accessible by road from Pune (120 km) and Mumbai (260 km). The nearest railway station is Satara (60 km) and the nearest airport is Pune (120 km).

The lake is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the lake. However, visitors have to pay for boating and other activities at the lake. The charges are as follows:

• Row Boat: Rs. 500 for 1 hour (max 6 persons) or Rs. 250 for 30 minutes (max 7 persons)
• Pedal Boat: Rs. 440 for 1 hour (max 6 persons)
• Horse Riding: Rs. 150 for 1 round

How to Reach Venna Lake

There are various modes of transport available to reach Venna Lake from different parts of Maharashtra and India. Some of the options are:

• By Bus: There are regular state-run and private buses that connect Mahabaleshwar with Pune, Mumbai and other nearby cities. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 depending on the type of bus and the distance.
• By Car: One can also drive to Mahabaleshwar by car via NH 48 or NH 66. The road journey takes about 3 to 4 hours from Pune and about 5 to 6 hours from Mumbai. The toll charges are around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 for a round trip.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Satara, which is well-connected with major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. From Satara, one can take a bus or a taxi to Mahabaleshwar, which takes about an hour and costs around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.
• By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune, which has domestic flights from various cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. From Pune airport, one can take a bus or a taxi to Mahabaleshwar, which takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000.

Things to Do/Must See Venna Lake

Venna Lake is not only a place of relaxation but also a place of fun and adventure. There are many things to do and see in and around the lake complex, such as:

• Boating: Enjoy boating on the calm waters of the lake and admire the scenic views of the hills and the valley. You can choose from row boats and pedal boats according to your preference and capacity.
• Eating: Relish the taste of a wide range of delicious street food like bhelpuri, pav bhaji, corn tikkis and hot maggi at the lake side stalls. You can also have fresh fruits like strawberries, mulberries and carrots that are grown in Mahabaleshwar.
• Horse Riding: Experience the thrill of horse riding around the lake and feel the breeze on your face. You can also take pictures with the horses and feed them.
• Shopping: Buy some souvenirs and handicrafts from the local vendors near the lake. You can find items like leather goods, wooden toys, honey, jams, chikki and more.
• Visiting Nearby Attractions: Explore some of the nearby attractions that are within walking distance from the lake, such as:
  • Pratapgad Fort: A historical fort where Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan in a famous battle.

Significance of Venna Lake

Venna Lake is one of the most popular and visited tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Maharashtra. The lake has a historical and cultural significance, as it was constructed by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, who was the Raja (King) of Satara in 1842. The lake was built to provide water to the nearby areas of Mahabaleshwar.

The lake is also a place of recreation and adventure, as it offers various activities like boating, horse riding, shopping and eating. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a serene and picturesque view. The lake is spread over an area of 28 acres and has a depth of 10 feet. The lake is named after the Venna River, which is one of the tributaries of the Krishna River.

The lake is a place of relaxation and enjoyment for tourists and locals alike. The lake attracts visitors throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season when the water level rises and the surroundings become more green and beautiful.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Venna Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and charm of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is a perfect place for relaxation, recreation and adventure that will leave you mesmerized. Whether you are a nature lover, a thrill seeker or a foodie, you will find something to enjoy at this scenic lake.