Located in southern Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake is a must-visit place. The second largest lake in Ahmedabad has a circular shape and a wide circumference. Various entertainment activities like toy trains, water rides, zoos, etc surround this 500-year-old artificial lake. TheLake brings people together in its Kankaria festival and is a centre of cultural activities. From the fantastic light show to quiet nature walks along the banks of the lake, Kankaria Lake has something for all its visitors.
History Of Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake was constructed in the 15th century by Qutb-ud-din Ahmad Shah II of Gujarat. The lake is an artificial lake built to address water scarcity and serve as a recreational spot for the royal family.
The Nagina Wadi’s botanical garden amidst the Lake has been reconstructed occasionally to add leisurely activities for the royals. In 2008, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation took up a project to transform the lake into a recreational hub. Besides the lake, several amusement parks and facilities were added to make it a top choice for locals and tourists.
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Kankaria Lake Architecture
Kankaria Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ahmedabad, covering 76 acres. It is built in a unique 34-sided polygon shape and has a length of 2.25 km. The name Kankaria was given to it due to limestones in the vicinity. The lake showcases intricate designs of the Mughal empire, showcasing carved stones.
The lake is unique due to an island in the middle. The island, known as Nagina Wadi, is a well-developed garden with a royal Mughal touch. The bridge connects the island to the bank and is a popular photography spot.
Interesting Facts About Kankaria Lake
Image Credit : The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
Here are some interesting facts which you must know before you visit Kankaria Lake:
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- The word Kankaria has a Gujarati origin, and it means pebble
- In 1974, Rueben David received the Padma Shri for his work at the Kankaria Zoo.
- The Lake received the protected status under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
- The Kankaria Lake Festival is held in the last week of December. It hosts several renowned artists, dance performances, cultural performances and laser shows.
- The Kankaria lake has been constructed with children as the main visitors. With a vision to make it the Kids Capital of Ahmedabad. The numerous rides, parks and amusement sections for kids are the reason for the family crowd here.
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Timings And Entry Fees
Image Credit: The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
The Kankaria Lake opens up at 4 AM to welcome the joggers. Morning walks and jogging can be done from 4 AM to 8 AM. The lake re-opens from 9 AM to 10 PM so tourists can enjoy the attractions. Here is a list of the entry fees applicable to individuals visiting Kankaria Lake:
Adults: INR 25
Children: INR 10
Senior citizens and children below the age of 3: Free
Educational trip: INR 1
Joggers: Free
Kankaria Lake Rides
Multiple rides and amusement for visitors of all ages surround Kankaria Lake. Here are the popular rides with their details you must know before visiting:
1. Toy Train
Image Credit: Bagichanomali for wikimedia commons
One of the most in-demand activities at Kankaria Lake is toy train rides, a favourite among all. The Lake has a circumference of 5 km, which makes it difficult for many people to explore on foot. You can take a trip to the lake and see the major attractions on this toy train ride within a few minutes. There are two trains: Atal Express and Swarnim Jayanti Express. The toy train was imported from London and was named Atal Express after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The train has a capacity of 150 passengers and runs around 20 minutes.
Cost per person: INR 50
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
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2. Balloon Ride
Image Credit: Bagichanomali for wikimedia commons
Also known as Balloon safari, this ride would be an enriching highlight of your trip. With a balloon attached to the ground by a cable to avoid accidents, the balloon ride gives a birds-eye view of the Lake and Ahmedabad overall. The balloon ride is spacious and holds up to 30 people. With a 15-minute trip at 120 metres, you would not feel enough to admire the beauty of the altitude. The best time to go on the ride is during the sunset hours to watch the sun go down and get the best photos.
Cost per person: INR 300
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
3. Kankaria Lake Safari
Image Credit: The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
Segways are a popular way to drive around the Kankaria lake and enjoy the views. Segways are two-wheeler electric vehicles which run on balancing. With an instructor, you would get hold of it within no time. You can also opt for desert safaris around the lake. Hop on a camel and tour the sand till the horizon’s end as the sunsets.
Cost per person: INR 100 (Segway); INR 200 (Camel ride)
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
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Kankaria Lake Attractions
A trip to Kankaria Lake will never let you have a dull moment. Filled with a variety of activities, you would want to experience each one of them. Here we have listed down some popular Kankaria Lake attractions:
1. Nagina Wadi
Image Credit: The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
Nagina Wadi is an island in the heart of Kankaria Lake, offering spectacular views. As you enter, you will see beautiful botanical gardens, a musical fountain, delicious food served at the food court and colourful laser shows. Witnessing the sunset as you are on the Nagina Wadi, feeling the lake’s breeze is a fantastic experience. You can also enjoy the laser show about the history and culture of Gujarat from 7 PM to 7:30 PM. You can walk through the garden pathways and explore the unique floral plants.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Entry fees: INR 10
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2. Kankaria Zoo
Image Credit: The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1950, Kankaria Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. With a large variety of over 450 wild animals under this zoo, you would get a view of the natural habitat of the wildlife. You would see many animals from lions, birds, and reptiles to aquatic animals. With a population of 2000 species of birds in the zoo, it is also a well-known bird-watching site.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6:15 PM
Entry fees: INR 20 for adults; INR 10 for children under the age of 12
3. Stone Mural Park
Image Credit: The British Library for Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 2008 as a part of the Lake development plan, Stone Mural Park showcases a variety of stone carvings. Each stone carving displays extracts from Indian mythology and culture. With stories of battles and the bravery of the heroes of Gujarat, the park highlights the skills of an Indian artisan. Each of the murals has been created traditionally by the locals. There are over 3000 stone carvings within this park, and a separate museum to house the artefacts and crafts from Gujarat’s ancient era.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Entry fees: INR 10
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Kankaria Lake is an intricate display of nature and society coming together in harmony. The remarkable efforts to transform the lake have given it a dynamic future that brings people together. If this guide about Kankaria Lake motivates you, here are some of the best packages for a trip to Ahmedabad. Explore the vibrancy of the culture and beauty of Gujarat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kankaria Lake
How much time should be dedicated to visit the Lake?
The Kankaria Lake of its attractions would require at least 5 to 6 hours. You can plan a half-day trip to get the most out of your trip.
When is Kankaria Lake closed?
Kankaria Lake remains closed on Monday. On all other days, it is open to tourists and locals.
Is Kankaria lake natural?
Kankaria Lake is an artificial lake of 34 sides. The lake is 500 years old and is a cultural heritage of Ahmedabad.
Why to visit Kankaria Lake?
Kankaria Lake has a variety of natural attractions and entertainment rides. There are many places around it as well which you can visit.
What is the best time to visit Kankaria Lake?
The best months to visit Kankaria Lake are from October to March. Also, the Kankaria festival takes place in the last week of December to welcome the new year.
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