If you are looking for a place to relax, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of nature in Ahmedabad, then Kankaria Lake is the perfect destination for you. Kankaria Lake is one of the largest and most popular lakes in India, and a must-visit attraction in Gujarat’s largest city. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kankaria Lake, its history, its attractions, its activities, and its festivals. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at Kankaria Lake.
History of Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II as a part of his royal palace complex. The lake was originally known as Qutub Hoj or Hauj-e-Qutub. It was used for bathing, washing, and irrigation purposes by the royal family and the nobles. The lake was also a venue for cultural and recreational events such as musical concerts, poetry recitals, dance performances, and fireworks displays. The lake has a circular shape with a diameter of about 1.25 km and a depth of about 4 m. It has an island in the center called Nagina Wadi, which means “jewel island”. The island was connected to the shore by a causeway that was later replaced by a bridge. The lake underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries by different rulers and governments. In 2008, the lake was transformed into a modern waterfront with various attractions and activities for visitors.
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How to Reach Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake is located in the south-eastern part of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat state. It is about 5 km from Ahmedabad Railway Station, 8 km from Ahmedabad Airport, and 3 km from Maninagar Railway Station. You can reach Kankaria Lake by various modes of transport depending on your convenience and budget. Here are some of the options:
Bus: You can take a bus from any part of the city to Kankaria Lake Bus Stop, which is near the main entrance of the lakefront. The bus fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 depending on the distance.
Auto-rickshaw: You can hire an auto-rickshaw from any part of the city to Kankaria Lake, which is a faster and more comfortable option than bus. The auto-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the distance and traffic.
Taxi: You can book a taxi from any part of the city to Kankaria Lake, which is the most convenient and luxurious option but also the most expensive one. The taxi fare is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 depending on the distance and traffic.
Metro: You can take a metro train from any part of the city to Apparel Park Metro Station, which is about 2 km from Kankaria Lake. The metro fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 depending on the distance. From Apparel Park Metro Station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or walk to Kankaria Lake.
Timings and Entry Fee of Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake is open for visitors from Monday to Sunday, except on Mondays when it is closed for maintenance. The timings of the lake are as follows:
Lakefront: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Attractions: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Activities: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The entry fee of the lake is as follows:
Lakefront: Rs. 25 per person for adults, Rs. 10 per person for children (below 12 years), and free for senior citizens (above 60 years) and differently-abled persons.
Attractions: Rs. 10 to Rs. 100 per person depending on the attraction.
Activities: Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 per person depending on the activity.
Attractions and Activities at Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the highlights of the lakefront that you should not miss:
Nagina Wadi
Nagina Wadi is the island in the center of Kankaria Lake that resembles a jewel. It is connected to the shore by a bridge that offers a scenic view of the lake and the city skyline. Nagina Wadi has a garden, a fountain, a musical fountain, a food court, and a laser show. The laser show is held every evening from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM and showcases the history and culture of Gujarat through colorful lights and sounds. The entry fee for Nagina Wadi is Rs. 10 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Balloon Ride
Balloon Ride is one of the most thrilling and adventurous activities at Kankaria Lake. It is a tethered balloon that takes you up to a height of 120 m above the ground and gives you a panoramic view of the lake and the city. The balloon ride can accommodate up to 30 people at a time and lasts for about 10 minutes. The charge for the balloon ride is Rs. 300 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Toy Train Ride
Toy Train Ride is one of the most fun and relaxing activities at Kankaria Lake. It is a miniature train that runs along the perimeter of the lake and covers a distance of about 4.5 km. The toy train ride can accommodate up to 150 people at a time and lasts for about 25 minutes. The charge for the toy train ride is Rs. 50 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Kankaria Zoo
Kankaria Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in India, established in 1951. It is home to more than 450 animals of over 70 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Some of the attractions of the zoo are Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles, flamingos, pelicans, etc. The zoo also has an aquarium, a reptile house, a nocturnal house, and a butterfly park. The entry fee for the zoo is Rs. 20 per person for adults, Rs. 10 per person for children (below 12 years), and free for senior citizens (above 60 years) and differently-abled persons. The timings of the zoo are from 9:00 AM to 6:15 PM.
Stone Mural Park
Stone Mural Park is one of the most unique and artistic attractions at Kankaria Lake. It is a park that displays stone murals depicting various aspects of Gujarat’s history, culture, heritage, legends, etc. The park has more than 3,000 stone carvings made by local artisans using traditional techniques. The park also has a museum that showcases various artifacts related to Gujarat’s art and craft. The entry fee for the park is Rs. 10 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Amusement Park
Amusement Park is one of the most exciting and entertaining attractions at Kankaria Lake. It is a park that has various rides and games for visitors of all ages and preferences. Some of the rides and games are roller coaster, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bumper cars, haunted house, mirror maze, etc. The amusement park also has a food court that serves a variety of snacks and beverages. The charge for the amusement park is Rs. 100 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Bal Vatika
Bal Vatika is one of the most delightful and educational attractions at Kankaria Lake. It is a children’s park that has a playground, a library, a museum, a planetarium, and a toy house. The park also organizes various activities and events for children such as puppet shows, magic shows, storytelling sessions, etc. The entry fee for Bal Vatika is Rs. 10 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Kids City
Kids City is one of the most innovative and interactive attractions at Kankaria Lake. It is a miniature city that gives children an opportunity to learn about various professions and roles in society such as doctor, engineer, lawyer, teacher, banker, etc. The city has various buildings and facilities such as hospital, school, bank, court, fire station, etc. The city also has a currency system and a governance system that teach children about economics and politics. The charge for Kids City is Rs. 100 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Butterfly Park
Butterfly Park is one of the most beautiful and serene attractions at Kankaria Lake. It is a park that has a dome-shaped enclosure that houses more than 50 species of butterflies from different parts of India and the world. The park also has a garden that has various plants and flowers that attract butterflies. The park also has an interpretation center that provides information about the life cycle and behavior of butterflies. The entry fee for Butterfly Park is Rs. 10 per person and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Segway Safari
Segway Safari is one of the mostfun and adventurous activities at Kankaria Lake. It is an activity that allows you to ride a segway, which is a two-wheeled electric vehicle that balances itself automatically. You can ride a segway along the lakefront and enjoy the scenic view of the lake and its surroundings. You can also learn how to operate a segway from trained instructors. The charge for Segway Safari is Rs. 100 per person for 15 minutes and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Desert Safari
Desert Safari is one of the most unique and exotic activities at Kankaria Lake. It is an activity that gives you a taste of the desert life in Gujarat. You can ride a camel or a jeep across a sandy terrain that resembles the Rann of Kutch. You can also enjoy cultural performances such as folk music, dance, puppetry, etc. by local artists. You can also savor traditional cuisine such as khichdi, kadhi, rotla, etc. at the desert camp. The charge for Desert Safari is Rs. 200 per person for an hour and the timings are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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Kankaria Carnival
Kankaria Carnival is an annual festival that celebrates the culture and heritage of Ahmedabad and Gujarat at Kankaria Lake. It is held in the last week of December every year since 2008. The carnival features various events and activities such as cultural shows, musical concerts, dance performances, fireworks displays, laser shows, etc. by local and national artists. The carnival also showcases various stalls and exhibitions that display handicrafts, art, cuisine, etc. of Gujarat. The carnival attracts millions of visitors from across the country and abroad every year. The dates for the next Kankaria Carnival are from December 25 to December 31, 2023. Some of the highlights of the carnival are:
Opening Ceremony: A grand opening ceremony that marks the beginning of the carnival with a parade of floats, bands, dancers, etc. along the lakefront.
Cultural Shows: Various cultural shows that showcase the diversity and richness of Gujarat’s culture such as garba, dandiya, bhavai, raas, etc.
Musical Concerts: Various musical concerts that feature the talent and melody of Gujarat’s music such as folk, classical, fusion, etc.
Dance Performances: Various dance performances that display the grace and energy of Gujarat’s dance such as bhangra, giddha, lavani, etc.
Fireworks Displays: Spectacular fireworks displays that light up the sky and the lake with dazzling colors and shapes.
Laser Shows: Stunning laser shows that project the history and glory of Gujarat on the water screen at Nagina Wadi.
Conclusion
Kankaria Lake is a place where you can experience the best of Ahmedabad and Gujarat in one place. It is a place where you can enjoy nature, culture, adventure, entertainment, and education at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kankaria Lake today and discover its charm and beauty for yourself.
