Dhamapur Lake, fifteen kilometres east of Malvan town, is a man-made tank built in 1530 by the local ruler Nagesh Desai. It sits at the foot of a wooded hill, ringed by Bhagavati temples and lotus beds, and is unusually picturesque for a working reservoir. The lake is recognised by the FAO as an Agricultural Heritage Site for its centuries of continuous use for irrigation and aquaculture.
The drive out is the best part of the visit — narrow lanes through cashew and mango groves and small Konkani villages. At the lake itself, allow an hour to walk the path along the eastern shore, visit the temples, and have a tea at one of the small stalls. Combine with a stop at the larger Sawantwadi town on the way back.