Nakki Lake, Mount Abu | Timings, History, Boating

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu Overview

Situated in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, locally known as the Nakki Jheel is a paradise for nature lovers. Flanked by amazing natural wonders, this lake is truly a gem of Mount Abu. It is the first man-made lake in India with a depth of around 11,000 metres and a width of a quarter of a mile. Located in the centre of the hill station, the fascinating lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. As you sail through the serene waters of Nakki Lake, it is exciting to see the life of Mount Abu unfolding in front of you. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography fiends.

In the Nakki Lake, which is associated with many legends, Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed on 12 February 1948 and Gandhi Ghat was constructed nearby. The attraction is also considered as the love lake of Mount Abu since the clean blue waters with verdant surroundings give a romantic feel. It is also said to be the sacred lake for the proud Garacia Tribe. The nearby natural wonders that are visible from Nakki Lake increases its charm. There is the famous Toad Rock on a hill nearby which looks like a toad about to jump in the lake. By the side of Nakki Lake is a path leading to Sunset Point.

Legend of Nakki Jheel

The first man-made lake of India, Nakki Lake has several legends related to it. As per the first legend, the lake was built by Gods to protect themselves from their enemy, Bashkali demon. The second legend is based on the love story of the sage Rakshiya Balam. There was a king who ordered that whoever dug a lake with his nails overnight, would marry his daughter. Rakshiya Balam, who liked the king's daughter, completed the task and dug the lake with his nails. Thus, the name is Nakki Lake since Nakh means nails. It was also said that Rakshiya Balam and his lover were the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Parvati. However, the sage was betrayed and was not allowed to marry his lover even after he completed the impossible act.

Boating at Nakki Lake

A visit to Mount Abu is incomplete without boating in the pristine waters of Nakki Lake. As you sail through, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of majestic hills, nature and strangely shaped rocks surrounding the lake. There are two types of boats available, the pedal boats and the Shikharas. The refreshing boating experience lasts for thirty minutes in which you take a tour of the entire Nakki Lake.
Cost: The costs range between INR 50 to 100 per person.

Best Time to Visit

The Nakki Lake can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to explore it is during monsoons and winters. The temperature lingers around 30 degrees Celsius in monsoons, and it does not fall below 12 degrees Celsius in winters. The lush greenery enhances the beauty of the lake in the monsoons. Summers are comparatively hot in Mount Abu as the mercury soars up to 39 degrees Celcius. Therefore, it is better to avoid visiting between March-June. You should prefer exploring the scenic lake from July to January.

When it comes to the best time of the day, it is better to visit Nakki Lake the morning as the place tends to get too crowded in the evening.

How To Reach Nakki Lake

The Nakki Lake is located on Ganesh Road, near the main market in Mount Abu. It can be easily reached through a cab or a taxi. You can hire an autorickshaw also.