Lakes and Rivers in Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan is primarily known for its magnificent forts and palaces.
However, there are quiet a few lakes and rivers that quietly make their presence
felt among the tourists because of their pristine beauty, opportunity for water
sports and also for useful purpose. While some of the lakes are a gift of nature
to Rajasthan, others have been carved out in the earth's surface by the efforts
of man.
Lakes in Rajasthan
Ana Sagar Lake | Jaisamand Lake | Fateh
Sagar Lake | Gadissar Lake |
Nakki Lake | Pichola Lake | Pushkar
Lake | Rajsamand Lake
| Sambhar Lake |
Siliseth Lake
Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer
This artificial lake was created by damming the river Luni.On its bank are the fine
parks, the Dault Bagh and Subhash Bagh, with a series of marble pavilions that were
erected in 1637 by Emperor Shah Jahan.
There is an island in the center of the lake which is accessible by boats or water
scooter. Boats and water scooters could be hired from the east side of the Dault
Bagh. It is a famous place for evening stroll.
The temple of Khobra Behroon on the south bank of Ana Sagar offers a panoramic view
of the lake and Dault Bagh. The temple’s name is derived from the word khobra, which
means `mischievous’, and according to tradition a newly wed couple must pay their
respects to the temple or else – married life can be full of unforeseen complications!
Visiting Hourse : 1000 - 1630 (Saturday-Thursday).
Jaisamand Lake, Udaipur
Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar, is located 52km south east of Udaipur.The
lake, built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685, is the second biggest artificial lake
of the world covering an area of 36sq km, was formed by a marble dam built across
the Gomati River in the late 17th century.
It is large reservoir lake, in the southeastern Aravalli Range, south-central Rajasthan
state, northwestern India. The northern end of the lake has a palace with a courtyard
while its southern end has a pavilion of 12 pillars. The summer palaces of the Queens
of Udaipur surround Jaisamand Lake on all sides and it is a popular spot for outings
and picnics. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia covering an area of 36sqkm.
Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur
Fateh Sager Lake is one of the most romantic vicinity for young lovers, it is situated
in the north of Lake Nicholas. It is the most peaceful and relaxing place to spend
leisures for much of the travellers and Udaipur localities.
This beautiful Fateh Sager Lake bestows with infinite beauty of the Aravali hills
at the backdrop of serene lake body. It was originally build by Maharana Jai Singh
in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh,
As lot of destruction was caused, due to the heavy rains.
Whereas, today Fateh Sager Lake is the most preferable site for endless wanderers,
the mornings and evenings are very much refreshing around the lake, and in the middle
of lake, you can see a grand Nehru park, which is a popular garden island, showcase
an image of boat shaped cafe.
Nehru Garden Timings: 0800 to 1900 hrs. in Summers and 0800 to 1900 hrs. in Winters.
Gadissar Lake, Jaisalmer
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular
avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
In the dry region of Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake has its own importance. The lake was
once a major source of water supply in the city of Jaisalmer and as such it is not
surprising to find numerous shrines and temples around it. A yellow sandstone gateway
that leads to the lake was constructed by a prostitute, Tilon, despite disapproval
from the Maharaja.
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
Nakki is a small lake with small islets that can be reached by a boat. The location
of the lake, the rich surroundings and amazing landscape views is a regular crowd
puller.
Ragunath Temple, a popular one in the district, lies nearby the lake. Some people,
Hindu devotes, take it as a sacred lake, as a reference has been made about it in
the popular legends.
Pichola Lake, Udaipur
Beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharaja Udai Singh II after he founded the
city. He built a masonry dam, known as the Badipol, and the lake is now 4km long
and 3 km wide. Nevertheless, it remains fairly shallow and can actually dry up -
in severe droughts it's possible to walk to Jagniwas and Jagmandir island.
A handful of crocodiles are believed to inhabit the more remote parts of the lake,
near the inhabited sections of the shore. The City Palace extends for a long stretch
along the east bank.
Pushkar Lake, Pushkar
The picturesque Pushkar Lake is an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. It
has a mythological significance associated with it.
According to the myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place
to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice), in the meanwhile, a lotus fell from his
hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places - one of them being Pushkar
where Lord Brahma performed his yagna.
This holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrims and taking a ritual dip in the lake is
a common sight. It is considered to be a very important pilgrimage centre and devout
Hindus should visit it at least once in their lifetime.
Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik
Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake and pray to Lord Brahma
to preserve the universe.
Rajsamand Lake, Rajsamand
Not very far away from Udaipur, on the way to Kumbhalgarh lies a place called Rajasmand.
The place is known for its scenic Rajasmand Lake which was built by Rana Raj Singh
in the year 1660 AD.
On the sides of the lake, beautiful toranas and chattris enhance the overall charm.
A walk on the banks of the lake with the setting sun in the backdrop is a real treat
for tourists.
Sambhar Lake, Jaipur
Sambhar lake is situated at a distance of 65 km from Jaipur on Phulera rail-route.
This is the largest lake of saline water in India. The lake is a major source for
salt production. The lake is divided by a 5-km long dam made of stone,190 sq km
in extent at full capacity
According to one, reference in some 2,500 years ago the epic Mahabharata, Raja Yayati,
emperor of Bharatvarsh (India) and a descendant of Lord Brahma the Creator, married
Devyani, daughter of Shukracharya (the guru of demons) who lived by the lake. A
large population living in and around the lake depends upon the lake resources for
sustenance.
Siliseth Lake, Alwar
Located 13 kms from the city of Alwar, the enchanting Siliserh Lake was built in
1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his Queen Shila . The lake was built by constructing
an earthen dam between two hills to store the water of a small tributary of river
Ruparel.
The lake is picturesquely set amidst the forested slopes of Aravalli Hills. The
lake attracts a lot of migratory birds adding colour and music to the scene. But
for the hustle of the whispering woods and chirping birds, the place promises total
calm and is ideal for a trek.
Rivers in Rajasthan
Banas River
Banas River is the only river that has its entire course in Rajasthan. It originates
in Khamnor hills of Rajsamand district and flows past Bhilwara, Tonk and Sawaimadhopur
districts. It finally joins Chambal river near Khandhar (Sawaimadhopur district).
It's main tributaries are Berach, Kothari, and Khari.
Chambal River
Chambal River,the old mythological name of this largest river is Charmawati. It
originates from Manpur near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. It enters Rajasthan near Begun
(in Chittorgarh district) and flows past Kota, Sawaimadhopur and Dholpur districts
over a length of 376 kms. Chambal finally enters UP and meets Yamuna river. The
main tributaries of Chambal are Kali Sindh, Banas and Parbati.
Gambhir River
Gambhir River originates in the hills near Karauli village in Sawai Madhopur District.
It flows from south to north up to Kanjoli village (Toda Bhim), then towards northeast
up to village Mertha of Roopbas Block, before entering Uttar Pradesh. The river
again enters Rajasthan near Catchapaura village in Dholpur District and forms the
boundary between UP and Rajasthan. It then enters Mainpuri District in UP to finally
joins River Yamuna.
Luni River
It originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli Range, near Ajmer and end in
Little Rann of Kutch (Gujarat). The Luni flows through the Marwar region to empty
into the Rann of Kutch
Mahi River
Mahi River originates in Amoru in Madhya Pradesh and flows past Dungarpur and Banswara
districts. Som " Jakham, its main tributaries. Mahi River Basin is located in South-Eastern
Rajasthan Mahi River Basin extends over parts of Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur
and Udaipur Districts.
Parbati River
Parbati River originates from the northern slopes of Vindhan range in Madhya Pradesh
and enters Rajasthan in Kota district where it meets Chambal. Parbati River Basin
is located in eastern Rajasthan, It lies between the Gambhir Basin in the west and
the Chambal Basin in the east. Its northern edge borders the Yamuna River Basin
in Uttar Pradesh.