Rajasthan is primarily known for its magnificent forts and palaces. However, there are quiet a few lakes 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.
There are two type of lakes in Rajasthan, first one is Sweet Water type Lake and second is Saline Water type Lake .
Sweet Water Type Lake in Rajasthan :
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.
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.
Ana Sagar Lake : The gorgeous man-made Anasagar Lake is situated to the north of the city of Ajmer. It was made in 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni and was named after the then ruler Anaji Chauhan, who constructed the lake during 1135-1150 AD. Later, the Mughal emperor Jehangir contributed the Daulat Bagh Gardens and Shah Jahan built the 'Baradari', a marble pavilion to add to its tranquil beauty.
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.
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. A walk on the banks of the lake with the setting sun in the backdrop is a real treat for tourists.
Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar Lake of Jaisalmer, is not only a place worth seeing but is also the only source of water supply of the city. It was built as a reservoir to conserve rainwater in 1156. Maharwal Garsisingh rebuilt it in 1367 and thus, lake was named after him. There is an interesting legend attached to the place. A courtesan called Tilon proposed to the king that she wanted to build an arched gateway here for the beautification of the place. However, the ruler could not bring himself to relent to the idea, as he would have to pass under the gateway built by a prostitute every time he visits the tank, so he refused it curtly. Tilon was hurt but shrewd as she was, she was determined to get it done. She waited patiently for the right opportunity and when the king was away on some account, she got a palatial archway built and added a small temple of Lord Satyanarayan on its top so that the dismayed king was unable to severe it down. This gateway got her name and is known as Tilon Ki Pol and proudly stands intact to this day. There are number of small temples and cenotaphs that have sprung up along the banks of the lake with time and it is an ideal place to spot some of the most beautiful birds.
Saline Water Type Lakes in Rajasthan :
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 : Pachpadra Lake is situated near Pachpadra in Barmer district. The lake produces high quality salt. It contains sodium chloride upto a level of 98%. Besides these, the lake of Phalodi Tehsil in Jodhpur district, Deedwana lake of Nagaur district and Lunkaransar lake of Bikaner district are also famous.
