Venna Lake not only happens to be one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Mahabaleshwar, but it also happens to serve a lot of other purposes as well. It is the main source of water for the nearby township. It is considered to be one of the most loved attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The place is jam-packed with lush greenery and scenic picturesque beauty. Shri Appasahed Maharaj who was once the ruler of Satara and happens to be a descendant of the famous Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, built the Lake.
Venna Lake is constructed artificially over an area of 28 acres. The periphery of the lake is about 7-8 km long. The lake was built in the initial days to provide the nearby township with a source of water and cater to their day-to-day needs. This lake is not only famous among tourists but it is also famous among pilgrims. About one-third of the lake is meant for pilgrimage.
The lake offers amazing boating facilities and horse rides to the tourists. Venna Lake has a lot to offer to nature lovers as well. The lake is surrounded by lush green Chhatrapati Pratapsinh gardens. If you want to spend your evening in a peaceful setting of the adjacent Chhatrapati Pratapsinh garden, you can come to this place and take part in a number of activities as well as relish the local food in more than a few nearby food joints.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar is Pune International Airport. The airport is situated at a distance of 76 Km from the lake. You can easily hire a cab to take you to the Venna Lake after landing at the airport.
- By Bus: The nearest bus stand to the Venna Lake is the ST bus stand of Mahabaleshwar. The bus stand is just about 2 km from the lake. All major nearby cities have direct bus service to this place. After reaching the bus stand, you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw for the last mile travel.
- By Road: Venna Lake has well-connected roads to all the major cities of Maharashtra. Most of the Mumbaikars head out on a road trip to Mahabaleshwar and then visit the lake, which is just at a distance of 2 km from the main market. You will fall in love with the curvy hilly roads and picturesque beauty all around.
The best time to visit Venna Lake is in between the month of March and June. The weather remains pleasant during this period. However, it becomes difficult for tourists to come over here after June. Mahabaleshwar receives very heavy rainfall from the month of July to the month of September and tourism completely comes to a hold.
If you want to make the most of the Venna Lake come here with your family members in the month of May and relish in all the activities present at the lake. Countless tourists long to go for boating in Venna Lake and it is possible only in between May and June.