12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan, despite its arid landscape, surprises with stunning lakes that offer respite and beauty. Pichola Lake (Udaipur), with its island palaces like the Lake Palace, is a must-see. Nearby, Fateh Sagar Lake provides scenic views and islands like Nehru Park. Jaisamand Lake, India’s second-largest artificial lake, boasts islands inhabited by local tribes.
Sacred Pushkar Lake is surrounded by ghats and temples, holding immense religious significance. Ana Sagar Lake (Ajmer) offers boating amidst gardens. In Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, the only high-altitude artificial lake, is a popular spot.
Sambhar Lake, India’s largest inland salt lake, attracts migratory birds. Jaipur’s Man Sagar Lake is famous for the Jal Mahal palace. Kaylana Lake (Jodhpur) and Gadsisar Lake (Jaisalmer) offer serene escapes. Udaipur’s Udai Sagar Lake and Alwar’s SiliSérh Lake add to the state’s aquatic charm. These lakes, both natural and artificial, are integral to Rajasthan’s landscape and culture.

Lake Pichola (Udaipur)
Lake Pichola, one of Udaipur’s most famous lakes, was built in 1362 AD by Pichhu Banjara during Maharana Lakha’s reign. It was later expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II, who also founded Udaipur. The lake is surrounded by majestic palaces, temples, and ghats, making it a major tourist attraction.
Two iconic islands are situated on the lake:
- Jag Mandir – A beautiful palace known for its stunning architecture.
- Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) – Now a luxury hotel, offering breathtaking lake views.
The City Palace complex overlooks Lake Pichola, adding to its charm. Tourists enjoy boat rides, especially during sunset, which offers mesmerizing views of the lake and its surroundings. The lake is connected to Fateh Sagar Lake via a canal.
Lake Pichola is not just a scenic attraction but a symbol of Udaipur’s royal heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Mansagar Lake (Jaipur)
Mansagar Lake, located in Jaipur, is an artificial lake built in the 17th century by Raja Man Singh I. It was created by constructing a dam across the Dharbawati River to store water for the city.
The lake is most famous for the Jal Mahal, a stunning five-story palace, which appears to float on its waters. The palace was used as a royal summer retreat but remains mostly submerged, with only the top floor visible.
Mansagar Lake is a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic views of the Aravalli hills. It is also a haven for migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons, making it a favorite spot for bird watchers.
The lake was once heavily polluted but has undergone significant restoration efforts, improving its water quality and surroundings. Today, it remains an important landmark in Jaipur, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
Rajsamand Lake (Rajsamand)
Rajsamand Lake, located in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, is a historic artificial lake built in 1660 by Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Spread over 7.7 km in length and 2.7 km in width, it is one of Rajasthan’s largest lakes. The lake was constructed to provide irrigation and drinking water to nearby villages.
One of its most striking features is the marble embankment, adorned with carved chhatris (cenotaphs), steps, and torans (arches). The Raj Prashasti inscriptions, engraved on 27 marble slabs, are the longest stone inscriptions in India, detailing Mewar’s history.
The lake offers breathtaking sunset views, reflecting the changing colors of the sky. It also attracts migratory birds, making it a scenic spot for nature lovers. Rajsamand Lake played a strategic role during World War II, serving as an airstrip. Today, it remains a peaceful retreat, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Sambhar Lake (Sambhar)
Sambhar Lake, located in the Sambhar town of Rajasthan, is India’s largest inland saltwater lake. Spread over 230 sq. km, it lies about 80 km from Jaipur and plays a crucial role in salt production, contributing nearly 9% of India’s salt output.
The lake is a Ramsar Wetland Site, attracting thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and avocets. It serves as a winter breeding ground for flamingos, similar to the Rann of Kutch.
Sambhar Lake has great historical and mythological significance. According to legend, it was gifted by Lord Shiva to Goddess Shakambhari, whose temple stands nearby. The ancient salt-making tradition here dates back to the Mahabharata era.
Tourists visit the lake for its serene beauty, birdwatching, and salt dunes. It has also been a backdrop for Bollywood movies. The Sambhar Heritage Walk and salt train ride are popular attractions for visitors.
Pushkar Lake (Pushkar)
Pushkar Lake, located in the holy town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, is one of the most sacred lakes in India. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was formed when Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, dropped a lotus flower. Surrounding the lake are 52 ghats, where devotees take a holy dip, believing it cleanses sins and brings salvation.
The lake is especially significant during the Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually in October-November, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The Brahma Temple, one of the world’s few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, is located near the lake.
Pushkar Lake is home to hundreds of small temples, including Varaha, Savitri, and Rangji Temples. It also attracts migratory birds, adding to its serene beauty. A visit to this lake offers a blend of spirituality, history, and scenic charm, making it a must-visit destination in Rajasthan.
Jaisamand Lake (Udaipur)
Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, is India’s second-largest artificial lake and is located 48 km from Udaipur. It was built in 1685 by Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar during the construction of a dam on the Gomati River. The lake spans 87 sq. km with a length of 14 km and a width of 9 km.
The lake has seven islands, the largest being Baba ka Magra and Piari. On its marble embankment, there are chhatris (cenotaphs) and a palace, which was once a summer retreat for the royal family.
Jaisamand Lake is part of the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, home to leopards, deer, crocodiles, and migratory birds. Boating in the tranquil waters offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli hills.
This serene lake is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts visiting Udaipur.
Nakki Lake (Mount Abu)
Nakki Lake in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, is a beautiful and serene lake, surrounded by the lush Aravalli Hills. It is the only artificial lake in India at a height of 1,200 meters above sea level. According to legends, the lake was dug by gods using their nails (“nakh”), giving it its unique name.
The lake is famous for boating, scenic sunset views, and nearby attractions like Toad Rock, Sunset Point, and Raghunath Temple. Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here, and Gandhi Ghat was built in his honor 12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan.
Nakki Lake is also linked to the love story of a king’s daughter and a local warrior, where the warrior dug the lake overnight to win the princess’s hand.
Surrounded by hills and lush greenery, it is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. The lake plays a key role in the Mount Abu tourism experience, attracting visitors year-round.
Balsamand Lake (Jodhpur)
Balsamand Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located 5 km from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Built in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar, it was originally constructed as a water reservoir to provide drinking water to the people of Jodhpur.
Surrounded by lush greenery, mango, papaya, and pomegranate orchards, Balsamand Lake is a serene retreat. The lake is 1 km long, 50 meters wide, and 15 meters deep, offering a picturesque setting 12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan.
Next to the lake stands the Balsamand Lake Palace, a stunning red sandstone summer palace built by the Maharajas of Jodhpur. The palace is now a heritage hotel, providing a royal experience to visitors.
The lake is home to peacocks, jackals, and migratory birds, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers. With its tranquil ambiance, gardens, and historic charm, Balsamand Lake is a must-visit for tourists exploring Jodhpur.
Ana Sagar Lake (Ajmer)
Ana Sagar Lake is a historic artificial lake in Ajmer, Rajasthan, built in the 12th century by Anaji Chauhan, grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan. The lake spans about 13 square kilometers, offering a serene retreat with breathtaking views.
Surrounded by the Daulat Bagh Gardens, which were later developed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the lake provides a perfect spot for relaxation and picnics. Shah Jahan further beautified the lake by constructing five marble baradaris (pavilions) along its banks.
The boating facilities and sunset views make Ana Sagar Lake a popular tourist attraction. It also plays a crucial role in Ajmer’s water supply. Nearby, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Taragarh Fort add to its historical charm.
The lake offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and is best visited during winters when the weather is pleasant and the water level is high.
Fateh Sagar Lake (Udaipur)
Fateh Sagar Lake, located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is an artificial lake built in 1687 by Maharana Jai Singh. However, it was later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1888 after floods damaged the original dam. Named in his honor, Fateh Sagar Lake is the second largest of Udaipur’s four lakes and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists 12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan.
The lake is surrounded by hills and offers picturesque views, especially at sunset. A drive along Moti Magri Road provides a stunning panoramic view of the lake. Boating is a must-do activity here, with options ranging from motorboats to paddleboats. The lake also has three islands. The largest, Nehru Park, is a lush garden with a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo. The second island features a public park with water-jet fountains, while the third houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory, a prominent astronomical site in Asia.
Fateh Sagar Lake is not just a scenic spot but also an important source of drinking water for Udaipur. Its serene environment and various attractions, including nearby temples like Moti Magri Temple, make it a significant destination in the “City of Lakes.”
Gadsisar Lake (Jaisalmer)
Gadsisar Lake, located about 1.5 km from Jaisalmer Fort, is a historically significant artificial lake built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh around 1367 AD. Originally constructed as a water conservation reservoir to address the arid region’s water scarcity, it once served as the primary water source for the entire city of Jaisalmer.
The lake’s significance extends beyond its utilitarian purpose. Over time, it evolved into a social and religious hub, surrounded by numerous temples, shrines, and intricately carved ghats. The Tilon Ki Pol, a magnificent yellow sandstone gate at the entrance, is a notable architectural marvel with a fascinating story behind its construction by a royal courtesan 12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan.
Gadsisar Lake also attracts a variety of migratory birds, especially during winter, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Today, while it no longer serves as the city’s main water source (thanks to the Indira Gandhi Canal), it remains a popular tourist destination, offering serene boat rides and picturesque views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Its historical and architectural importance, coupled with its tranquil ambiance, makes it a must-visit location in Jaisalmer.
Kaylana Lake (Jodhpur)
Located 8 kilometers west of Jodhpur, Kaylana Lake is an artificial lake built in 1872 by Pratap Singh, serving as a vital water source for the city. Spanning 84 square kilometers, this serene lake is surrounded by hills and rock formations, offering a tranquil escape.
Kaylana Lake attracts visitors with its peaceful ambiance and recreational activities. Nature walks around the lake provide a refreshing experience, while birdwatching enthusiasts can spot various species, especially migratory birds during winter. Boating is a popular way to explore the lake and enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets. For adventure seekers, trekking trails lead to the nearby Shiv Mandir. Picnicking by the lake is ideal for families, and photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning natural shots.
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Reaching the lake is convenient with autos, rickshaws, and buses available from Jodhpur. Kaylana Lake offers a serene retreat and a chance to connect with nature amidst the arid landscape of 12 Best Lakes in Rajasthan.