Name: Udaipur
Rating: 3.9

Jaisamand Lake, Udaipur Overview

Spanning across an area of about 100 sq.km., Jaisamand Lake is the second largest artificial lake in the country after Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar. It is surrounded by the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a variety of rare animals and migratory birds. The summer palaces of Queens of Udaipur also form a beautiful backdrop. Situated in seamlessly beautiful surroundings, it is a place to rejoice. On its marble dam, there are six cenotaphs and a temple dedicated to Shiva at the centre. The temple is proof that the people of Mewar were conscious of their worship rituals. Locals know it by the name of Dhebar Lake as well.

The lake was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17th century, to be more precise in 1685, while he was building a dam across the Gomti river. The 'Ocean of Victory', as its name suggests, was inaugurated on June 2, 1691. It has three islands which are inhabited by the tribe of Bhil Minas. The two bigger islands are called Baba ka Magra and the small island is known as Piari. To its north, the lake has a palace with a courtyard and a pavilion of 12 pillars to its south. There is also a massive bund at the height of over 1200ft on the lake. The Jaisamand lake is clean, beautiful and a nature lover's real paradise. Away from the turmoil of the city, this place of utmost peace is a must visit.

Activities at Jaisamand Lake

Two grand palaces exist on the top of nearby hillocks which provide exquisite views of the Jaisamand Lake. While admiring the beauty of the place, one can also take boat rides and paddle. Equipment for various water sports is also available. Sunset Point, the newest addition to the area, is an exciting attraction for photography enthusiasts.

History of Jaisamand Lake

Maharana Jai Singh took on himself the building of Dhebar Lake or the Jaisamand Lake in 1685. Covering the area of 36 sq miles, it remained Asia's biggest man-made lake until the Britishers formed Aswan Dam in Egypt during 1902. The scarcity of water during Jai Singh's reign resulted in the construction of this artificial lake. Following his father's footsteps who had built Rajsamand Lake, the Maharana decided to create a massive embankment over the Gomti River. The dam is 36.6 metres. He named it after himself and called it the 'Ocean of Victory' or Jaisamand. Jai Singh distributed gold same as of his weight during the inaugural ceremony of the dam which took place on 2nd June 1691.

Architecture of Jaisamand Lake

The Jaisamand Lake comprises of three islands which are inhabited by the tribes of Bhil Minas. The two of the bigger islands are known as Baba ka Magra, and the smaller island is named as Piari. The lake is 9 miles (14 km) in breadth, 30 miles (48 km) in circumference, 102 feet (31 m) in depth and has marble staircases leading into the water.
The marble dam has six exquisite cenotaphs with a Shiva temple built in the centre. The Shiva temple and the Chattris add grace to the beauty of this lake. On the northern end of the lake is a palace while the southern has a huge pavilion with 12 pillars. The hills on the south have presented a mind-blowing view from the palace. These palaces were constructed for the Queens. Encircled by a wonderful environment this lake is a place of natural heaven. From the remaining 11 islands on the lake, some provide a home to migratory birds and other animals. They form a nearby wildlife sanctuary.

Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 160 sq.km, the sanctuary was introduced in 1957. It is yet another spot where you can spend some time exploring the different species of animals and birds in the laps of mother nature. It has wild boar, panther, four-horned antelope, deer, mongoose and various types of migratory birds. Dry Deciduous forest forms the sanctuary. The resort nearby offers an adventurous trek to the sanctuary and brings you closer to it flora and fauna.

Entry Fees- Indians INR 10/-, Foreigners INR 80/-, Camera INR 200/-

Tips For Visiting Jaisamand Lake

1. Best time to visit is during sunset.
2. Don't skip the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary while you are here.
3. The palace located on the hilltop near the lake is opened and closed occasionally by the forest department. You need to enquire beforehand if you plan to visit the palace.

How To Reach Jaisamand Lake

It is located at a distance of 50 km from the central city of Udaipur and takes around an hour to reach. Hence, local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and tongas can be hired from any part of the town to reach the Jaisamand Lake. Moreover, regular buses operate from district headquarters of Udaipur to Jaisamand.