Imagine a tranquil lake in the middle of a desert, reflecting the golden hues of the sun and the sand. Imagine a lake that has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the glory and the struggle of a city, the faith and the culture of a people. Imagine a lake that offers you a glimpse into the past and a taste of the present. That lake is Gadisar Lake, a historical and cultural oasis in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
Gadisar Lake is not just a lake, but a living museum of Jaisalmer’s history and culture. The lake is surrounded by splendid monuments, temples, chhatris and shrines that reflect the art and architecture of Jaisalmer. The lake also hosts various festivals and events that celebrate the traditions and customs of Jaisalmer. The lake is a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience its charm and tranquility.
In this article, we will explore Gadisar Lake in detail and tell you why you should visit it on your next trip to Jaisalmer. We will cover the history, attractions, activities and travel information of Gadisar Lake and provide you with some tips and recommendations to make your visit memorable.
History of Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 12th century. The lake was built by Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, as a rainwater harvesting reservoir to provide water to his people. Rawal Jaisal was a Bhati Rajput ruler who established Jaisalmer as his capital in 1156 AD after he moved from Lodurva due to water scarcity.
The lake was named after Rawal Jaisal as Jaisalasar Lake or Jasalsar Lake. The lake was strategically located near the fort of Jaisalmer and served as a defence mechanism against enemy attacks. The lake also became a cultural centre for Jaisalmer as many temples, chhatris and shrines were built around it by various rulers and nobles.
The most notable renovation of the lake was done by Gadsi Singh Bhati, a descendant of Rawal Jaisal, in 1367 AD. Gadsi Singh was a benevolent ruler who wanted to improve the water supply and aesthetics of the lake. He enlarged the lake by constructing an embankment around it and beautified it by adding several monuments and gateways.
The most prominent gateway is the Tilon Ki Pol or Tilon’s Gate, which was built by Tilon, a famous courtesan of Jaisalmer. Tilon wanted to dedicate a temple to Lord Vishnu at the bank of the lake but was opposed by Maharawal Garsi Singh who did not want her name associated with the lake. Tilon cleverly built the gate first and then installed an idol of Lord Vishnu on top of it. The gate is still standing today and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The lake was also used for religious ceremonies and rituals by the people of Jaisalmer. The lake was considered sacred as it was believed to be blessed by Lord Shiva himself. The lake also witnessed many royal processions and celebrations such as Gangaur Festival, Teej and Jal Mahotsav.
You may also like to read: Jaisalmer and Jodhpur Must Dos
The lake continued to serve as the main water source for Jaisalmer until 1965 when Indira Gandhi Canal was constructed to bring water from the Himalayas. The lake is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is a protected monument.
Attractions of Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a treasure trove of attractions that showcase the heritage and culture of Jaisalmer. The lake is surrounded by magnificent monuments, temples, chhatris and shrines that reflect the art and architecture of Jaisalmer. Some of the most notable attractions are:
Tilon Ki Pol: The main entrance to the lake, built by Tilon, a courtesan of Jaisalmer, in the 14th century. The gate is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures and has an idol of Lord Vishnu on top of it.
Krishna Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located near Tilon Ki Pol. The temple was built by the Oswal Jain community in the 15th century and has a marble idol of Lord Krishna inside it.
Shiva Temple: A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the embankment of the lake. The temple was built by Maharawal Akhai Singh in the 18th century and has a lingam or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva inside it.
Chhatris: The dome-shaped pavilions or cenotaphs that are built in memory of the royal and noble families of Jaisalmer. The chhatris are located along the bank of the lake and have intricate carvings and paintings on them. Some of the most famous chhatris are Maharawal Moolraj II Ki Chhatri, Maharawal Jawahir Singh Ki Chhatri and Maharawal Lunakaran Ki Chhatri.
Shrines: The small shrines or temples that are dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The shrines are located around the lake and have idols or images of the deities inside them. Some of the most popular shrines are Girdhari Ji Ka Mandir, Rishabhdev Ji Ka Mandir, Shitala Mata Ka Mandir and Peer Baba Ka Mandir.
Activities at Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is not only a historical and cultural attraction but also a recreational and leisure destination. The lake offers various activities for visitors to enjoy and experience its beauty and serenity. Some of the activities are:
Boating:
One of the most popular activities at Gadisar Lake is boating. You can choose from different types of boats such as row boats, paddle boats and shikara rides. Boating is a great way to explore the lake and admire its surroundings. You can also spot some aquatic life such as fish, turtles and crocodiles in the lake.
Walking:
Another enjoyable activity at Gadisar Lake is walking. You can take a stroll along the embankment of the lake and witness its attractions. Walking is a relaxing and refreshing way to soak in the atmosphere and ambiance of the lake.
Birdwatching:
If you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, you will love birdwatching at Gadisar Lake. The lake attracts many migratory birds from different parts of the world during winter season. You can spot some exotic birds such as pelicans, flamingos, cranes, ducks, geese and more at the lake. You can also visit the nearby Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for more birdwatching opportunities.
Photography:
If you are a photography lover or a hobbyist, you will find Gadisar Lake as a perfect spot for photography. The lake offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, as well as the golden reflections of the monuments and temples on its surface. You can capture some amazing shots of the lake and its attractions with your camera.
You may also like to read: Exploring Jaisalmer with Desert Safari under 6500 INR
If you want to visit Gadisar Lake, here are some tips and recommendations for you:
The best time to visit Gadisar Lake is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. You can also witness some festivals and events during this time such as Gangaur Festival in March or April, Teej Festival in July or August and Jal Mahotsav in January or February.
The timings for visiting Gadisar Lake are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. The entry fee for visiting Gadisar Lake is free but you have to pay for boating if you want to do it. The boating cost varies depending on the type of boat you choose. Row boats cost INR 10 per person, paddle boats cost INR 50 per person and shikara rides cost INR 100 per person.
The best way to reach Gadisar Lake is by hiring a taxi, auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw from Jaisalmer city. You can also walk to the lake from Jaisalmer Fort as it is only 1.5 km away. The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station and the nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport.
If you want to stay near Gadisar Lake, you can choose from various hotels, resorts, guesthouses and hostels that are available in Jaisalmer. Some of the top hotels near Gadisar Lake are Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, Hotel Lal Garh Fort And Palace, Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli and Jaisalmer Hostel Crowd.
Gadisar Lake is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to explore the history, culture and beauty of Jaisalmer. It is a place where you can experience the past and the present, the tradition and the modernity, the desert and the oasis.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Jaisalmer and visit Gadisar Lake today!
