Jaisamand Lake Udaipur

Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. Located at a distance of 48 kms from the city of Udaipur, Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar. In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake while making a dam on the Gomti River. This lake covers an area of 36sq km, stretches to the length of 14 km and width of 9 km. The lake is deep to the maximum of 102 feet and has a circumference of 30 miles.

Jaisamand Lake was the largest artificial lake in Asia, till the time when Aswan Dam of Egypt was not constructed. The dam on this lake is worth mentioning due to its massive size. It is 1202 feet in length, 116 feet in height and width of 70 feet at the bottom. The kings of Mewar were religious by nature and this is conformed by the fact that this dam has a Shiva temple. Centrally located, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Moreover, a summer palace of Udaipur Queens makes the perfect backdrop to Jaisamand Lake. The lake also boasts of six interesting cenotaphs carved from marble on its embankment. On the northern shore of the lake, there is a stunning palace with a courtyard and on its southern shore; there is a pavilion of 12 pillars. From the courtyard of the palace, you can see the dazzling view of Jaisamand Lake.

In total, this lake comprises seven islands and one of the islands is still inhabited by the tribe of Bhil Minas. Out of all, the biggest island is known as 'Babaka Bhagra' and the second one is known as 'Piari'. The lake has graceful marble steps descending to the water, you can enjoy boat ride in the calm waters of Jaisamand Lake too. This lake offers a wonderful place to relax and lighten up. Another feature of Jaisamand Lake that makes it a nice place to visit is a sanctuary.

Jaisamand Lake is close to the sanctuary that serves habitat to various types of birds, panthers, leopards, deer, wild boars and crocodiles. Once, these woods used to form the hunting ground of the erstwhile rulers of Mewar. In 1957, Jaisamand Sanctuary was built to cover an area of 62sqkm. This sanctuary hails a large variety of resident and migratory birds and animals. In the present date, it has been converted into a game sanctuary.

History of Jaisamand Lake Udaipur
Built-in the 17th century, Jaisamand Lake also known as the Dhebar Lake, is the second-largest human-made Lake in India. The lake was constructed in 1685 AD under the reign of Maharana Jai Singh. The purpose of the lake was to build a marble dam across river Gomti. On the day of the inauguration of the dam, Maharana Jai Singh distributed gold worth his weight to the people of his kingdom. Before the construction of Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, Jaisamand Lake was the most prominent artificial lake on the globe until 1902.

Architecture of Jaisamand Lake Udaipur
Jaisamand Lake is spread over an area of 36 square miles (93 Km2). The Jaisamand Lake is 14Km in length, 9Km wide, and 102 feet deep. The circumference of the lake is of 30 miles. A colossal dam is constructed on the lake which is 1202 feet in length, 116 feet in height and 70 feet wide with a temple of Lord Shiva in the center. On the northern end of Lake are the two palaces of Rana Jai Singh. Set on the foothills, Hawa Mahal and Ruthi Rani ka Mahal are the summer palaces of Queens surrounded by Jaisamand Lake on all four sides. The courtyard of the Palace has a pavilion, built with 12 pillars.

This vast lake has three different islands. The tribes of Bhil Minas inhabit one of the islands in this lake. The other two large islands together are known as Baba ka Magra, and the smaller island is called ‘Piari.’ One of the islands is adorned with Jaisamand Island resort. Jaisamand Island resort is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotel resorts found in Asia. On the river embankment, you can witness two of the most stunning feature of Jaisamand Lake dam which are the six chatri or astonishing cenotaphs and a temple of Narmadeshwar Swaroop of Lord Shiva. A significant carved elephant figure is installed with its trunk turned upwards.

Around the lake, you will find a largely spread Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 62 sq. Km. Earlier used as a hunting reserve, this sanctuary was built in 1957. The sanctuary is established in Kathiawar Gir, dry form of deciduous forest. Animals and birds from around the world migrate to Jaisamand Lake to find a comfortable habitat.