The short answer
Dhamapur Lake: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want a calm, green half-day away from the sea. Go in the morning, with a car, and combine the lake with the temple on its bank. Boating is available but check what is running.
History and context
The story behind Dhamapur Lake
The lake was formed by an earth-fill dam dated to 1530, which different accounts attribute to the Vijayanagar rulers or to villagers working with a local chief named Nagesh Desai. Wikipedia records the lake at about 55 acres and the dam as irrigating about 500 acres.
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage gave it a World Heritage Irrigation Structure award in 2020. In 2018 the National Green Tribunal halted a concrete skywalk and banned diesel boats on the lake.
Useful facts
Dhamapur Lake facts at a glance
- Location
- Dhamapur village, about 18 km inland from Malvan
- Experience type
- Historic lake and temple
- Known for
- 16th-century earth dam, Bhagwati temple, anthill shrines
- Dated
- Dam from about 1530; ICID award 2020
- Visitor note
- Modest dress at the temple; boating availability varies
Why it matters
Why Dhamapur Lake is worth your time
Dhamapur lake is an earth-fill dam that is dated to about 1530, and is credited by various accounts to the Vijayanagar-era rulers or to villagers working under a local chief. Layers of laterite stone and branches were used in its construction. Canals link it to the Karli river and irrigate farmland, including two red rice varieties named Sorti and Walay.
In 2020 the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage listed it among World Heritage Irrigation Structures. It is also a battle ground for conservation: a plan for a concrete skywalk was halted by the National Green Tribunal in 2018 and diesel boats were banned, and local residents continue to seek formal protection for the lake from encroachment.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The lake and temple together
A Konkan-style temple on the bank gives context to the water.
- 02
The anthill shrines
Small shrines to the earth goddess Sateri sit beside the temple.
- 03
Birds and forest
The surrounding forest supports birds, including hornbills.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive inland, about 18 km according to one listing, and arrive in the morning when the light is clear and the lake is still. The Bhagwati temple stands on the bank, and small shrines to anthills flank it; locals worship these as forms of the earth goddess Sateri.
Walk along the water to see the hills that ring three sides, the old earthen dam and the canals that carry water to the rice fields below. The surrounding forest attracts birds, and hornbill photographs have been taken here. A small boat ride may be available, but check the current arrangements, because rules on boats have been contested.
There is little else in the immediate area, so take water and a snack, and combine it with the Bharadi Devi temple at Anganewadi on the same inland loop.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go in the morning and bring a car
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at the temple
- Carry water; facilities are limited
- Check whether boating is running
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Dhamapur village, inland from Malvan
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level lakeside walks and temple steps, with shade from trees. A car drop at the temple makes this one of the easier outings for older visitors.
- Tickets and access
- A travel listing reports free entry and a small fee for MTDC boating, but this is undated, so confirm locally. Dress modestly at the temple and remove footwear.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dhamapur Lake
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Mostly level lakeside walks and temple steps, with shade from trees. A car drop at the temple makes this one of the easier outings for older visitors.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How old is Dhamapur lake?
The dam is dated to about 1530, so the lake is nearly 500 years old.
Can I take a boat on the lake?
A listing reports MTDC boating, but boat rules have been contested, so check locally.
How far is it from Malvan?
One listing gives about 18 km; allow roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
