Katraj Lake is a scenic and well-maintained urban lake located in the southern part of Pune. Situated near the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Katraj Zoo), this man-made lake is a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors. Surrounded by the Sahyadri hills, it offers a peaceful atmosphere with gardens, walking paths, and boating facilities, making it ideal for family outings and morning/evening walks.
Quick Overview — Katraj Lake Pune
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra – 411046 |
| Also Known As | Katraj Lake / Katraj Reservoir |
| Type | Man-made Freshwater Lake |
| Timings | Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Boating Fee | ₹50 – ₹150 (Pedal / Row Boats) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Nearest Landmark | Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Katraj Zoo) |
Location of Katraj Lake
Katraj Lake is located in the Katraj area, about 12–15 km from Pune city centre. It lies adjacent to the famous Katraj Snake Park and Zoo. The lake spans a decent area with a paved walking track, gardens, and open spaces. A prominent feature is the large statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the middle of the lake. The surrounding Sahyadri hills provide a beautiful backdrop, especially during the monsoon when the area turns lush green.
Directions to Katraj Lake
Katraj Lake is easily accessible and well-connected.
- From Pune Railway Station: Approximately 12–15 km (30–45 minutes).
- From Swargate Bus Stand: 8–10 km.
- From Katraj Chowk: Very close — just 1–2 km.
- From Pune Airport: Around 18–20 km.
The lake is located right next to the Pune-Bengaluru Highway (NH48). You can reach by bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi, or Ola/Uber. Ample parking is available near the zoo and lake entrance.
Timings and Activities
Katraj Lake has split timings for safety and maintenance:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Main Activities:
- Walking and jogging on the perimeter track
- Pedal boating on the lake
- Photography with the Shivaji Maharaj statue and hills in the background
- Picnicking in the garden area
- Visiting the nearby Katraj Zoo and Snake Park
- Enjoying the musical fountain (seasonal/evening)
Nearby Places
Katraj Lake’s location makes it easy to combine with other attractions:
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Katraj Zoo) — One of Pune’s best zoos (adjacent)
- Katraj Snake Park — Popular snake park with various species
- Pune-Bengaluru Highway Viewpoints — Scenic stops along the highway
- Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana — Nearby educational institute
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary — For longer day trips (farther)
FAQs — Katraj Lake Pune
Q1. What are the timings of Katraj Lake?
A: The lake is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening.
Q2. Is there an entry fee for Katraj Lake?
A: No entry fee for the lake and walking track. Boating has separate charges.
Q3. How far is Katraj Lake from Pune city centre?
A: Approximately 12–15 km from the main city. It takes 30–45 minutes by road.
Q4. When is the best time to visit Katraj Lake?
A: October to March offers pleasant weather. Evenings are lively with families and good lighting.
Q5. What activities are available at Katraj Lake?
A: Boating, walking/jogging, photography, picnicking, and visiting the nearby zoo and snake park.
Overall, Katraj Lake is a refreshing green space in Pune that combines natural beauty with family-friendly facilities. Whether you want a peaceful morning walk, a fun boating session, or a relaxing evening with views of the hills, it is an excellent spot for all age groups. It is best visited along with the Katraj Zoo for a complete outing.
