Everything you wanted to know about Gadisar Lake. Along with the numerous hill stations, beaches, and forests of India which are available at plenty, India boasts of its beautiful desert state, Rajasthan. Located on the equally rough and enchanting Thar Desert, Rajasthan attracts tourists from all over the world.
With a colourful culture dating back to hundreds of centuries, a trip to Rajasthan is bound to revitalize your soul and boost your spirit up.
Jaisalmer, one of the most popular and famous cities of Rajasthan, is known for its golden palaces and forts. Along with the famous Jaisalmer Fort, the Gadisar Lake is a different yet mesmerizing place to visit, which will impress you with its picturesque beauty.
History and Architecture of Gadisar Lake
The famous Gadisar Lake was built by the first king of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal in the 1400 CE. It was solely built to serve as the only water source for the city of Jaisalmer. Located within 1.4 km from the Jaisalmer Railway Station, the Gadisar Lake today is one of the most important yet signature tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
It has numerous watchtowers and cenotaphs build around the man-made lake, from the shimmering yellow sandstones. There are multiple small islands located on the lake that is home to some birds like ducks.
Also read 9 Popular tourist attractions to visit in Jaisalmer at night
Gadisar Lake Entry Fee
Due to the immense popularity of the picture-perfect lake, thousands of tourists visit the lake to enjoy its scenic beauty. The entry to the lake is absolutely free for all travellers, be it local or foreigner.
Gadisar Lake Timings
Gadisar Lake is open for all 24 hours. You can enjoy your visit from 8 AM in the morning to 8 PM in the night. The sunset view from the lake is mesmerizing you must not miss the chance of witnessing the cenotaphs reflecting the gold rays during sunset.
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Boating at Gadisar Lake and Boating Charges
Boating is an absolute must thing to do if you are in Gadisar Lake. The boats take you on a ride on the sizzling water of the lake and gift you with memories that last forever. You can witness the small islands on the lake and watch the cenotaphs closely.
If you are opting for a two-seater pedal boat ride, then the charge is Rs 100 per person, and if you choose a four-seater boat, then you have to pay Rs 200 per person as a fee. If you want a ride on the six sitter rowing boat, then the charge is Rs 300 per person on the Gadisar Lake.
Related read 26 Must visit tourist attractions in Jaisalmer
Places to Visit Near Gadisar Lake
Jaisalmer Fort
Built by the founder of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificent piece of architecture with its 800 years old history. The fort is an example of the very few living forts, where about 4000 people still live inside its walls.
The fort is built with bright yellow sandstones that not only gives it a royal appearance but also makes it glow like gold when the sun rays fall on it. The fort is about 1,500 feet in length and 750 feet in its width and perfectly complements the bright desert it is built upon. House to multiple Jain and Vishnu temples, the Jaisalmer Fort is house to numerous sculptures and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Also read Jaisalmer Fort history, entry fee, timings, nearby attractions and more
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh literally translates to “big garden” and is a garden built on top of a hill. History says, when Jai Singh II created a dam in Jaisalmer, the place nearby turned green, and after his death, his son Lunkaran constructed a cenotaph, also known as chhatri in the local language on the nearby garden.
Afterwards, many king’s, queen’s and princes’ cenotaphs were build in this place, and this became a popular tourist site.
Must read Bada Bagh Complete Guide – Timings, Entry Fee, History and more
Patwon Ki Haveli
Built by the rich and famous merchant Patwon, the Patwon Ki Haveli was the first Haveli to be built in Jaisalmer. The merchant wanted separate Havelis for his five sons and ordered the construction of a complex of Havelis.
It took the craftsmen 50 years to complete the work. It is completely carved from yellow sandstone except for the entrance which is brown.
The Patwon Ki Haveli is famous for its beautiful stone carvings and little miniature balconies that offer a beautiful view of Jaisalmer.
A must read Patwon Ki Haveli Entry Fee, Timings, History and more
Mandir Palace
Mandir Palace was a residence for the ancient Rajasthani Kings for more than two centuries. Different portions of the Mandir Palace were built by different rulers of Jaisalmer. The unique construction is known commonly as the “Badal Vilas” is the second tallest structure of the city and offers a unique view of the city.
The palace is recently converted into a heritage hotel that perfectly offers the blending of medieval history along with the various modern amenities that are present in any modern hotel.
If you want to experience a royal treatment and be a part of history by living in the palaces as the great Rajput rulers did then you must visit the Mandir Palace.
How to Reach Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rajasthan and is well connected with the rest of the city along with the major cities of the country.
By Air
Jaisalmer Airport is located 17 kilometres southeast of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. The airport operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Air Force base. It is connected to the major cities of the country like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. You can rent a private cab or taxi to visit Jaisalmer from the airport.
By Rail
Railways being the most convenient yet popular mode of transport are well connected to many cities in the country. It is very near to the popular local tourist spots like Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort.
By Road
If you are planning to explore the state of Rajasthan along with Jaisalmer, then this is the perfect mode of transport for you. There are numerous buses, local and deluxe, that runs between the cities of Mount Abu, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc. You can board a rickshaw to explore the city of Jaisalmer from the bus terminal.
Time Required to Visit Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake though is a very popular and must-visit place in Jaisalmer, it is very compact and needs only about 1-2 hours to explore. If you want to experience the boat ride, it might take an hour more.
Rajasthan, in itself, is a colourful state located in the mighty Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is one of the most beautiful cities of this state that not only attracts people to explore it but is of numerous historical importances.
Gadisar Lake is an immensely beautiful scenic place for sightseeing that is bound to impress your wanderlust and boost you with energy.