Udaipur >> Excursions >> Jaisamand Lake

Distance from Udaipur: 48 Kms

Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar. The lake was built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685, utilizing the waters of Gomti River. It is the second biggest artificial lake of the world, after Aswan dam in Egypt, covering an area of 36 sq.km. Nine miles in breadth, 102 feet deep and having a circumference of 30 miles, the lake has a marble staircase that leads into the water.

The summer palaces of the Queens of Udaipur surround Jaisamand Lake on all sides. There are seven islands on this lake inhabited by the tribe of Bhil Minas. Two bigger islands are known as Babaka Magara and a smaller is called Piari. The northern end of the lake has a palace with a courtyard while its southern end has a pavilion with 12 pillars. A drive from Udaipur to Jaisamand provides an enchanting view of tall trees on both sides of the winding road. On the embankment, there are six beautiful chattaris built at intervals and a temple of Narmadeshwar Mahadeo. In front of each of these chhatris, stands a beautifully carved elephant on a pedestal, with its trunk turned upwads.

The Jaisamand Sanctuary built in 1957 lies just beside the artificial Jaisamand Lake and has an rea of 62 sq.km. The lake welcomes a wide variety of resident and migratory birds and is also home to the cynning crocodiles. The surrounding forest is infested with leopard, cheetal (spotted deer), chinkara (Indian gazelle) and wild boar. A tourist bunglow a forest rest house and a hotel provide accommodation to the enthusiastic wildlife watchers.

The Jaisamand Railway station is about 8 kms from the lake. The tourists can even enjoy the beauty of the lake by motorboats. On the top of the two nearby hillocks are the two old palaces constructed by Maharana Jai Singh, which provide an excellent view of the lake.