Things To Do at Gadisar Lake
Tillon ki Pol or Gate of Tillon
The first thing you see when you visit the Gadisar Lake is the gate of Tillon that welcomes you to the beautiful surroundings of the lake. It is an archway artistically carved on rich yellow sandstone and forms a majestic looming entrance to Lake Gadisar. It was built and installed by a royal courtesan of the then ruler of Jaisalmer, in around the last few years of the 19th century. Much later, in 1908, a statue of Lord Vishnu was installed at the gate to declare it as Krishna temple and save it from the demolition of the then Maharawal. Tillon ka Pol has stood the test of time and speaks of the enriched artistic heritage of Jaisalmer till date.
Boat Riding
There are boat rides available at various rates, depending on the vehicle you choose. They will take you around the lake, and you can enjoy the real tranquillity the lake has to offer in solitude or with your near ones only, far from the crowd at the bank. Do not try to peek down from the boat or sit with your legs out - it is obvious to say that would be dangerous.
Feeding the Fish
The lake is infused with scuffling shoals of catfish which often gather near the bank in a cluster if they feel a human presence in the hope of food. Feeding the fish sitting on the bank above, with small dry food like biscuit pieces or puffed rice is an everyday activity that people indulge in when they visit.
Picturesque Views
The lake itself offers a brilliant view to save in the mind's memory or your camera's. The beautiful lake offers a peaceful and serene surrounding to spend an hour or so. Otherwise, you can take a walk around the lake along its banks on the promenade and take snapshots of it from different angles. The mornings are said to be better for pictures, especially the sunrise.
The calmness of the lake will soothe your soul if you are the quiet type of traveller who loves to observe and explore. The lake region is dotted with chhatris or raised platforms in the middle of the lake which was probably used by the kings or other royalties to enjoy the lake in seclusion. There are other shrines along the embankment and ghats with steps at occasional intervals.
Enrapturing View of Jaisalmer Fort
A distant view of Jaisalmer Fort can be seen from here - it looks mesmerising with the first rays of the sun hitting its peak creating a mystical game of lights and shadows. Capture the frame to keep it as a souvenir for your Jaisalmer trip. Carry a high-quality wide angle lens to capture the whole lake and its surroundings in its complete beauty.
Bird Watching
If you visit during winter, migratory birds from the nearby Bharatpur bird sanctuary often fly to the lake and perch themselves on the banks or in the platforms in the middle of the lake. Their exotic beauty takes a visitor in awe, and if you are lucky enough, you might even see one fish for prey. Carry binoculars so that you do not miss such an opportunity.
History of Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake was built as a reservoir in around 12th-13th AD by the then ruler Raja Rawal Jaisal. He belonged to one of the bluest among the royal blood of Rajasthan and was the first king of the state and city of Jaisalmer. It can be easily assumed that the lake was dug up to make up for the aridity of the region.
Because of a specific gradient of the land there, the area where the lake stands automatically was able to gather and retain some rainwater, whatever little it was there. In time, the lake became the life-saving source of water in Jaisalmer, acting as a reservoir and water conservation system. It was successful in fighting the water scarcity to a great extent. For this reason, many people believe it was a natural oasis in the middle of Indian Thar desert, but it is very much a manmade one.
The pristine lake got its name from its renovator Maharawal Gadsi Singh who revamped the whole area in 1400 AD. It is said that the additional chhatris and a couple of shrines were his addition to the simple body of water. The lake was later named after him and got called Gadsisar Lake or Gadisar Lake.
Best time to visit Gadisar Lake
Since Gadisar Lake is in the desert region, it is apparently quite hot in the summers. As the winter season rolls in, the heat fades and also sees the migratory birds flocking the site. So, November to early March is an excellent time to visit.
How to Reach Gadisar Lake
Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are available in the city of Jaisalmer if you are staying anywhere nearby. They will drop you at the lake - all you need to do is mention the name. Jaisalmer Fort being close by within walking distance, a visit to the lake is combined with a visit to this grand fort. If you are coming from far, hire a cab or car to reach. Gadisar Lake is only 2 kilometres away from the Jaisalmer railway station.
Top Tourist Places in Jaisalmer
Desert Safari
Gadisar Lake
Jain Temples
Tazia Tower and Badal Palace
Kuldhara Village
Havelis
All Tourist Places in Jaisalmer
Tips
1. There is a military base at the opposite side of the lake. So, be careful while clicking pictures as they are susceptible about the security.2. You can shop for some Rajasthani souvenirs from the small roadside shops set up near the lake.
Photos of Gadisar Lake
Comments on Gadisar Lake
Post Your Comment
