Radhanagari Dam is one of the oldest dams in India built on the river Bhogawati in Radhanagari near Kolhapur. The water is used for irrigation, harnessing hydro-power, and for the consumption in several adjoining villages. It offers panoramic views hence attract a lot of tourists.

Districts/Region

Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India.

History

The dam was designated in 1907 and actual construction began in the year 1909. Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur funded the construction of the dam. He spent over Rs. 14 lakhs till 1918 to irrigate the land by using stored water. The dam is located at a picturesque location, with incredible panoramic surroundings of thick verdant forestwhere many bird’s species are inhabited. It is situated in the western hilly areas of Kolhapur. 

Geography

Radhanagari Dam supports a large variety of Flora and Fauna. It is accompanied by verdant forest and it inhabits wide variety of wildlife and a naturally evolved ecosystem. It encompassesapprox. 11,000 hectares of forest covered hills and standing 42.68 meterstall, Radhanagari is a century-old dam. 

Weather/Climate

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius.
April and May are the hottest months when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm. 

Things to do

Kolhapur market is known for shopping special local items like the famous Kolhapuri chappals (sandals), Kolhapuri Saaj (jewellery with unique designs), saris and jaggery. The dam is a very calm and silent place. Tourers gather here in large masses each year to witness the glorious bird species which assemble around the dam.

Nearest tourist places

• Rankala Lake: The distance from the Radhanagari dam to Rankala Lake is just about 51.1 KM. One of the best places to relax with friends and family is the beautiful Rankala Lake that is often referred to as Rankala Chowpatty of Kolhapur because of its striking similarities with Mumbai Chowpatty; food vendors selling tasty snacks, a beautiful walkable pathway, gardens, horse riding and boating facilities, etc. One can spend a beautiful time in the evening at this glorious place.
• Shalini Palace: The Shalini Palace is located near Rankala Lake and about 50.2 KM from the Radhanagari dam. One of the majesticestablishments in Kolhapur is the Shalini Palace on the banks of the panoramic Rankala Lake. The heritage structure is named after Princess Shrimant Shalini Raje who was a daughter of Chhatrapati Shahaji. The Palace is a must visit place for its architectural excellence.
• Panhala Fort: Total driving distance from Radhanagari dam to Panhala Fort is 71.5 KM. The whole Panhala village has been formed on this fort. It is one of the hill stations of Kolhapur situated at an altitude of 940 mtrs. The fort was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1659 and it has some historic importance as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had a great escape from the trap of Siddi Johar.
• Gaganbawada: Gaganbawada is a town situated in the district of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. It is located 40.3 KM by road from the Radhanagari dam. It is a popular hill station located in this region. The hilly town is undeveloped and is mostly famous for Gagangad Fort, Karul Ghat and Bhuibavda Ghat situated in this region. The town also has several temples, Lakshmapur Dam and Pandav caves; and owing to its panoramic scenery it has been a part of many Hindi movies.

Special food speciality and hotel

Kolhapur is famous for its Misal, Bhel, Nonveg specially tambda and Pandra Rassa (Red Gravy and White gravy respectively). The restaurants in Kolhapur that serve a variety of food. 

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Various hotels and resorts are available in Radhanagari. 
The nearest hospital is at 25 KM on Gargoti road. 
The nearest post office is at 4.6 KM.
The nearest police station is 3.8 KM.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

There are no such visiting rules, but the best time to visit the Radhanagari dam is post monsoon as it becomes lush green and grows in Beauty.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi and Marathi.