Lakes of Rajasthan :

Rajasthan has a royal history which is reflected from every nook and corner of this state. The culture of Rajasthan is very vibrant and colorful. With many lakes in the city Udaipur maintains a pleasant weather throughout the year.

There are several lakes in Rajasthan which also describe the rich culture of the state. The lakes are Ana Sagar Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Nakki Lake, Kaylana Lake, Lake Fateh Sagar, Gadsisar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, and many others.

Ana Sagar Lake :

Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake situated in the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan state in India. It was built by Arnoraja (alias Ana), the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1135 -1150 AD and is named after him. The catchments were built with the help of local populace. The lake is spread over 13 Kilometers. The Baradari or pavilions were built by Shahjahan in 1637 and Daulat Bagh Gardens by Jehangir. There is a Circuit house on a hill near the lake that used to be British Residency. There is an island in the center of the lake which is accessible by boat.

Kaylana Lake :

Kaylana Lake is located in Jodhpur. It is an artificial lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872. The lake spreads over an area of 84 km2. In ancient times this region had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur - Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana Lake.

The lake is situated between igneous rock land formations. It receives its water from Hati Nehar (translation: elephant canal), which is further connected to the Indra Gandhi canal.

Rajasmand Lake :

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.

Gadsisar Lake :

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.

Pushkar Lake :

Legends have it that the Pushkar Lake was created by Lord Brahma by merging the waters of four holy places of Hindus in India - Badrinath, Jagannath, Rameshwaram and Dwarka. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats and there is a floating chattris in the centre. The Pushkar lake is worth visiting during the final night of the famous Pushkar fair when the thousands of glittering oil lamps are left into the water.

Sambhar Lake :

Distinct from sweet water lakes of Rajasthan, this is a saline water lake in the state of Rajasthan. Infact, this is the largest saline water lake in entire India and a major source of salt production in India. The lake stretches in length for 22.5 km and its width varies from 3 to 11 km. The lake is fed by several freshwater streams.

Pachprada Lake :

This is yet another salt water lake in the district of Barmer. The lake produces high quality salt.

 Lake Pichola :

This is perhaps the most important and the most beautiful lake in Rajasthan. Situated in the Lake city of Rajasthan, Udaipur, the Lake Pichola exudes a virginal beauty for its spectator. Two of the most important attractions of Udaipur are located in and around the lake. The lake is overlooked by the grandiose City Palace complex while the beautiful Lake Palace occupies an island right in the middle of the lake. Tourists can have the pleasure of enjoying a boat ride in the Lake Pichola early in the morning or in the evening when the rising and setting sun spreads a bewitching charm on the lake and surrounding areas. The 2¼ miles long and 1¼ mile wide lake was started in the 14th century, however, it was completed in the 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh.

Fateh Sagar Lake :

This is the second most important lake among the three lakes in the city of Udaipur. Dug up in the year 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, the lake was destroyed by flood waters. Later, it was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh. The lake is linked to the Lake Pichola in the south by a canal via Swaroop Sagar Lake and Rang Sagar Lake. Though the lake water was originally meant for the irrigation purpose, today it fulfills the need for drinking water as well. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride in the lake with the views of towering hills on three sides. The lake has three prominent islands occupied by a public park, solar observatory and a jet fountain.

Rajasmand Lake :

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. 

Jaismand lake :

Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. In fact, it used to be the largest artificial lake in Asia until Aswan Dam in Egypt was not constructed. Located at a distance of 48 kilometres from the city of Udaipur, it is also known as Dhebar. In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake during the construction of a dam on the Gomti River. Jaisamand Lake covers an area of 36 square kilometres, it stretches to a length of 14 kilometres and width of 9 kilometres. The massive dam was constructed on this lake also houses a centrally located Shiva temple. The summer palace of the queen of Udaipur forms a perfect backdrop to the Lake.

Nakki Lake :

Nakki Lake in Mount Abu named as Love Lake of Mount Abu, it is also a largest manmade lake at the height of 11,000 meters in India. It is also a sacred lake for the Garacia tribe of Rajasthan and at the time of their festival in Shukla paksha which falls in April month it is the place of worship and remembrance of their ancestors. People consecrate their nails in the lake on this festival. It is the reason for naming of this lake as 'Nakki'.