Rankala Lake Diaries : Street Food, Heritage & Serene Views

Rankala Lake Diaries - Kolhapur

I , along with my family, went to visit Rankala Lake in Kolhapur. Kolhapur is a very beautiful city, and one of its most charming places in Ranakala Lake. It is also known as Rankala Chowpatty of Kolhapur and is popular tourist attraction.

The lake has a rich historical background, and there is an interesting story about how this large lake came into existence. It is quite vast, and in the evenings, it becomes a favorite spot for strolling and recreation.

Surrounding the lake, you'll find a Chowpatty and a park, and right behind it stands the famous Shalini Palace, one of the prestigious hotels in Maharashtra.

This Chowpatty brings back memories with its variety of tasty street food like bhelpuri, ragda patties, and many other delicious snacks.

The lake so scenic - almost like a location from a movie set - and many people enjoy walking along its banks. The Nandi idol located here is one of the largest and oldest in the region. There's also a dedicated swimming area called Aambai, adding to the lake's uniqueness.

Rankala is an important spot for film shooting as well. I personally loved this place a lot. If you ever visit Kolhapur, make sure to explore this beautiful and serene destination!

Explore Places in Kolhapur

• Mahalaxmi Temple

Natraj Mandir Satara : Where Art Meets Spirituality

 

On our visit to Satara, one spiritual spot that stood out was the Natraj Mandir, also known as Uttara Chidambaram Temple. Nestled along the NH-4 highway, this beautiful temple is a northern replica of the famous chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva his Natraj form - the cosmic dancer - the temple exudes peace, devotion, and architectural brilliance. Built in 1985, it has since become a major religious attraction in the region. The intricate carvings and layout are the masterpiece of renowned sculptor M.S. Ganapathi Sthapthi.

When we visited, the temple was open between 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 3.PM to 8.30 PM - although these hours extend during festivals. What made the experience even more enriching was the cultural ambiance - the temple frequently hosts classical dance programs, attracting artists from across India. The serene environment, rhythmic temple bells, and the graceful idol of Natraj left us spiritually uplifted.

This is truly beautifully and peaceful. I've been there - you should definitely visit too!

For More Explore

Iskon Temple

Lord Ram Mandir

A Rainy Day Adventure to Kelvli Waterfall with friends

It had been quite a few days since we made any travel plans, so all of us friends decided that it's time to go somewhere. Since it was the rainy season, we thought it would be the perfect time to visit a waterfall. I had already visited Thoseghar and Ekiv before, but I had never been to Kelvali, so we decided to go there.

The best time to visit Kelvali Waterfall is during the monsoon. It is located around 30 km from satara. You can also visit it in  winter, as the climate there is amazing during that time too - the area is covered with fog in the mornings, which looks magical.

The Kelvali Waterfall is huge, and the water flows with such force that it's not safe to go near it, so tourists are always very cautious. We clicked lots of photos and videos, and had a great time. We had lunch at a restaurant nearby and  returned home by evening.

Overall, it's a really wonderful place to visit for nature lovers. Just make sure to be careful while you're there. Apart from that, it's a perfect spot for enjoyment. 

I've been there - you should definitely visit too!

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#KelvliWaterfall #SataraDiaries #WaterfallLOvers #MonsoonVibes #Naturelspires #RainySeasonFeels

Make sure to explore more beautiful waterfalls like this!

1. Ekiv Waterfall
2. Thoseghar Waterfall

Experiencing the Spiritual Vibes of Ghatai Devi Yatra

                                Spiritual Vibes of Ghatai Devi Yatra

My Family and I had visited Ghatai Devi Temple because the temple fair(yatra) was taking place at that time. The Ghatai Devi Temple is located in the scenic forested area of Ghatvan in Kaas Plateau, about 25 kilometers from Satara city. The temple houses a large self-manifested (svayambhu) idol of Goddess Ghatai, made from natural stone.

This temple is a place o deep faith for thousands of devotees. Goddess Ghatai Devi is known to respond to heartfelt prayers and fulfill wishes. During the annual fair, devotees from eight nearby villages participate, and a grand palkhi (palanquin procession) is organized, which is considered a major attraction.

The temple is beautiful with a spacious sanctum, an attractive hall, and a tall spire. Right next to the main temple is another elegant temple dedicated to Vaghjai Mata. The fair here was truly wonderful, and we had a joyful and fulfilling experience.

Here are some tourist places near Ghatai Devi Temple

Kas Plateau

Thoseghar Waterfall

Sajjangad Fort

A Day Trip to Vajrai Waterfall : Beauty Beyond Words

I recently visited Bhambvali Vajrai Waterfall, which is known as the tallest waterfall in India. We had planned a day trip to this mesmerizing destination located in Satara, about 32 kilometers for the city. The waterfall and its surroundings are incredibly scenic and beautiful. Just 5 kilometers away lies the famous Kaas Plateau, adding even more charm to the region.

The weather during our visit was extremely pleasant and refreshing - the kind that makes you fall in love with nature instantly. The peaceful atmosphere of Vajrai was truly a blissful escapes from the noise of city life.

What stood out the most was the untouched natural beauty of the place. There were no guides, no signboards, and no commercial setups, allowing us to experience the raw and serene environment. Vajrai is a perennial waterfall, meaning it flows throughout the year. To witness this majestic sight, we traveled from Satara via Kaas Road and continued towards Bhambvali village. From there, the journey to the waterfall was on foot.

The trek through the dense forest was adventurous - sunlight barely reached the ground due to the thick canopy of trees. For tourist safety, the forest department has provided a trail with steps, railing, and a tower gallery, which made the path manageable.

However, one must be cautious while visiting. It's recommended to go only between 8 AM and 5 PM, and avoid the place during heavy rain. It's important not to litter - please avoid throwing plastic bags or water bottles. Also, stay alert for wild animals like snakes, tigers, and even insects or leeches.

Nearby tourist attractions I recommend :

1. Kaas Plateau
2. Thoseghar Waterfall
3. Urmodi Dam
4. Sajjangad Fort 

So I visited this place - you too must visit it somebody!

Goa Travel – A Blend of Nature, Culture, and Fun

Travel means visiting new places and experiencing their unique charm. One of my unforgettable travel experiences was in Goa! Located on the west coast of India, this destination is a beautiful blend of sea, sun, and vibrant festivals.

Goa’s blue seas and golden sands are truly mesmerizing. At Calangute and Baga beaches, I witnessed breathtaking sunsets, and adventurous activities like parasailing added an extra thrill to my trip.

For history lovers, Goa offers impressive Portuguese-era forts and churches. Visiting Aguada Fort and the Basilica of Bom Jesus allowed me to connect with its rich past.

Goa’s cuisine is also special. Dishes like fish curry, Goan prawn curry, and the local feni made my travel experience even more memorable.

When night falls, Goa’s nightlife comes alive! I enjoyed the parties on Tito’s Lane and the bustling local markets, which added to the excitement of my visit.

My trip to Goa gave me new experiences and fresh energy. You too should definitely visit this natural paradise and enjoy everything it has to offer!

Exploring Chalkewadi : Nature, Windmills, & Peace in Satara

 Exploring Chalkewadi : Nature, Windmills, & Peace in Satara

Chalkewadi is a scenic village in Satara known for its lush greenery and cool, refreshing breeze. It features large windmills and beautiful natural landscapes perfect for nature lovers. I visited here with my family. There is a lot of greenery and hills all around, and the breeze here is simply amazing. I came here to experience this unique environment. There are huge windmills here, and it's a very scenic spot for tourists to visit and enjoy the natural beauty. Chalkewadi is one of the natural places in Satara, along with Kaas Plateau and Thoseghar Waterfall. If you want to connect with nature and experience this wonderful environment, you can enjoy the strong winds of Chalkewadi. The Ajinkyatara road is very close from here, so while visiting Chalkewadi, you can also explore the peaceful surroundings and lose yourself in the refreshing breeze. Map to reach Chalkewadi is available.

If you want to visit other natural spots nearby, there are beautiful places waiting for you.

Kass Plateau

Thoseghar Waterfall

Manas Hotel, Satara: Your Gateway to Comfort and Adventure

                                       Manas Hotel, Satara

The Manas Restro in satara is an excellent accommodation choice, offering outstanding service, delicious food, and comfortable lodging for travelers. It's perfect for families and friends who want to stay together, and one special thing about it is that the food is incredibly tasty. I also visited with my friends and the main thing I loved was the cleanliness of the rooms, which are available 24/7. They also serve international cuisine, making it a great choice for travelers. Conveniently located in the city center, it's ideal for visiting nearby tourist attractions like Sajjangad, Kass Plateau, and Thoseghar Waterfall. You can celebrate birthdays, have getogether, and enjoy the comfortable rooms and relaxing environment. The hotel also offer outdoor seating and home delivery, making my visit truly memorable. If you're visiting Satara from another city and want a well-organized, comfortable stay Manas Restro is the perfect option. To experience it yourself, don't forget to visit.