Rajasthan Tourism – Mesmerising Lakes

Rajasthan has its share of greenery and is, in fact, a major tourism hub in the country. It is not until you visit here that you understand the beauty this place emotes.For those who think it to be a dry land are in for a surprise as it has many lakes that make the state quite picturesque.Though most of the lakes of Rajasthan are artificial, it is still the life source for the people living here and also adds to the beauty of the region. The Balsamand Lake previously served as a water reservoir for the town of Mandore. Built by Balak Rao Parihar this lake is surrounded by a garden that houses peacocks and jackals. The Balsamand Lake Palace overlooks the lake, and used to be the summer palace of the Jodhpur kings. Today this palace is a heritage hotel.Photo Courtesy: Native Planet The Fateh Sagar Lake which was built by Maharana Fateh Singh is an artificial lake. It is pear-shaped and is considered as the pride of Udaipur. The calm blue waters and the beautiful surroundings make the place picturesque. Tourists come here to enjoy the view of the lake and to lose themselves in its serenity.Photo Courtesy: ManeeshSoni The Kaylana Lake is an amazing artificial lake constructed by Pratap Singh, and was an important source of drinking water in Jodhpur. Today, this lake is surrounded by natural vegetation and is visited by migratory birds in the winter season. Bird watchers come here to see a variety of birds and to observe avian behaviour.Photo Courtesy: Lavpatel2008 The Foy Sagar Lake was built as a drought relief project. The lake provided water to the city of Ajmer and was built by British architect Mr. Foy. The beauty of this lake will leave you completely mesmerized and it is major picnic hub.Photo Courtesy: Sargamjain The Man Sagar Lake is very famous for the Jal Mahal that is situated here. The Aravalli ranges overlooks this amazing lake, and the view of it is like a picture drawn on a canvas. The lake houses nearly 150 species of birds and is a hub for bird watchers who come here to see them. Tourists come here to enjoy the soothing effect of the lake and also explore the Jal Mahal that stands here.Photo Courtesy: Dhaval Momaya The Maota Lake is another major tourist spot in Rajasthan with both Amer Fort and Amber Fort overlooking it. It is an ideal place for explorers who can roam these forts and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake from there. You can also head here with your family for a small yet enjoyable picnic.Photo Courtesy: Hari Singh The Nakki Lake located in Mount Abu is at an elevation of 1200 mt. The lake has a beautiful backdrop of the hills in the region. What attracts tourists here is the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi called Gandhi Ghat. It is believed that a part of the ashes of Gandhiji were immersed in this lake.Photo Courtesy: CorrectKnowledge The Pichola Lake in Rajasthan is an artificial lake, which was built to provide drinking water and irrigation water to the city of Udaipur. The lake has four islands namely Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas. Many species of birds like tufted ducks, coots, egrets, terns, cormorants and kingfishers can be seen here. It is a perfect getaway for travellers.Photo Courtesy: Trinidade The Pushkar Lake which is also referred to as Tirtha Raj is considered a holy lake as it is believed to have been created by one of the petals of the lotus flower of Lord Brahma who used it to kill a demon, Vajra Nabh. The lake is visited by devotees round the year. There is a belief here that those who take a dip in its water attains salvation.Photo Courtesy: Francisco Anzola The Sambar Salt Lake which is a bowl-shaped lake is famous for being Indias largest inland salt lake. The lake is a major salt production unit in Rajasthan. Tourists coming here can see how salt is manufactured.Photo Courtesy: Nawanshu91