Jodhpur, located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, is one of the most popular cities in the country for tourists. People from all around the world visit this unique city for its stunning architecture and pieces of history as well as for its popularity among shoppers. The Balsamand Lake Jodhpur stands out as one of the most well-known spots in the city. The lake is a beautiful place to enjoy some quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and offers fun activities such as paddle boating and rowing. This is a must-visit for all nature as well as history lovers.
About Balsamand Lake Jodhpur
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The lake’s utility as a reservoir was utilized till the end of the 18th century, after which the lake was abandoned due to a lack of attention given to it and therefore ceased to exist as the source of water it used to be. However, in the 19th century, a historic decision led to the revival of the lake. Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Marwar saw the lake as the perfect place and therefore decided to build a garden around the lake. He also built a majestic palace on the banks of the lake, which served as the summer residence of the royal family. Tourists flock to the lake to enjoy its calm waters by paddle boats, row boats or simply just lounging on the lakeside with loved ones.
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Places To See Near The Lake
The Balsamand Lake is a mesmerizing lake that was initially constructed as a water reservoir. A Gurjara-Pratihara ruler by the name of Balak Rao Parihar is believed to be the maker of the lake in the 1200s. Here are some places that you can visit:
1. Mehrangarh Fort
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The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in the country and easily one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler from Marwar, the fort is a giant structure built right above the Thar desert. It boasts of beautiful history, a magnanimous structure that is visible from all across the city, and stunning structures within its construction, including the Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Although the property belongs to the king of Jodhpur, tourists flock to the Mehrangarh Fort to explore its intricate bylanes and observe the beauty of displays of Mughal artefacts, including musical instruments, weapons, and costumes.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace
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The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a beautiful three-part property at a stone’s throw distance from the Balsamand Lake. The palace was built in fourteen years and was finally inaugurated in 1943. Currently, the Umaid Bhawan Palace has been divided into three parts. One section of the palace still operates as the royal family’s residence; one part is handled privately by the Taj chain of hotels and resorts as a luxury property, and the final part is a museum. The museum, which is open for public access, features displays of luxury cars owned by the Maharajas and many such fancy artefacts for the viewing pleasure of the tourists.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: 30 INR for Indian Nationals, 100 INR for Foreign Nationals
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jodhpur
3. Sheesh Mahal
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Sheesh Mahal, Hindi for ‘Fort of Mirrors’, is one of the many attractions inside the Mehrangarh Fort. It used to be the bed chamber of the erstwhile kind of Jodhpur, Maharaja Ajit Singh. The property is completely covered in glass and offers stunning views to visitors. The place also features glass pictures of religious figures and deities such as Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva Parvati, and Lord Krishna. What makes the place even more beautiful is that the glass-covered interiors are also multi-colour in many places, making it a sight for locals and tourists alike.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach The Lake
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Balsamand Lake is easily accessible by all means. Jodhpur is well-connected by all major means of transport, including flights, trains, and state buses. Here is how you can reach the lake:
By Air: Jodhpur is a well-connected city with flights from all major cities in the country, including Delhi and Mumbai. The airport has many local travel options, including private cabs that can be hired to reach Balsamand Lake.
By Road: Jodhpur is also well mapped out regarding its road connections. It can be accessed from all nearby cities of significance with ease, including state capitals and smaller towns as well. The lake can then be reached through the use of navigation.
By Train: Jodhpur has an excellent railway station that sees trains from all across the country. On reaching the station, many local transport options can be hailed to reach Balsamand Lake.
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Best Timing & Price To Visit The Lake
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The best time to visit the Balsamand Lake is during monsoons. The reasons beyond this are three-fold. Not only is the lake filled to the brim and therefore extremely beautiful, but the weather is also extremely pleasant and provides a much-needed respite from the heat. In addition, the beautiful flora around the lake and in the garden are also in full bloom during monsoons, making it the perfect time to visit. The entry fees for Balsamand Lake are placed at a nominal price of 50 for locals and 100 for foreigners. The lake is open every week between 8 am and 5.30 pm.
Further Read: Best Palaces In Rajasthan
As a first-time visitor, having information about the place of interest is paramount. Now that you have been apprised of everything there is to know about Balsamand Lake Jodhpur, take this opportunity to visit Jodhpur. Book your trip to Rajasthan and experience royalty at its finest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamand Lake Jodhpur
What is Balsamand Lake?
Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake located around 5 kilometers from the main city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. It was built in the 12th century by Balak Rao Parihar, and its primary purpose was to supply water to the city and nearby areas.
What are the main attractions at Balsamand Lake?
The lake itself is the main attraction, offering serene views of its beautiful banks and a peaceful environment for visitors to unwind among nature. Surrounding the lake are lush green gardens, which are perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. The Balsamand Palace, a beautiful heritage hotel that used to be the summer residence of the royal house, is also located nearby and offers a glimpse into the royal history of the region.
Can I explore the Balsamand Lake in a boat?
Absolutely! Boating facilities are available at Balsamand Lake. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating on the lake, which is a popular activity, especially during the cooler months from October to March. They can also choose to rent rowboats and explore the lake at their own leisurely pace.
What is the best time to visit Balsamand Lake?
The best time to visit Balsamand Lake is from October to March, during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Summers in Jodhpur can be extremely hot, so it's advisable to avoid visiting during this time. In addition, monsoons are also a good time to visit the Balsamand Lake.
Is Balsamand Lake suitable for a day trip from Jodhpur?
Yes, Balsamand Lake is perfect for a day trip from Jodhpur. It's located just a short drive away from the city center, making it easily accessible for a half-day or full-day excursion. Visitors can visit the lake, garden, and palace all in a day’s trip, making it an ideal getaway from the city.
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