Surwal Lake is an attractive natural water body lying at an approximate distance of 8 km from the centre of Sawai Madhopur and 10 km from Ankur Resort. It is inside Ranthambore National Park, known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The lake has nice surroundings, and one can feel relaxed standing beside it. This is one of the most popular spots in Ranthambore, and you cannot miss visiting this place with your family and friends. The best time to visit this lake is winter, when migratory birds flock to this area, and you can experience a unique world around it. Several hotels and resorts surround the lake area, and you can find enough space to live in based on your requirements and lifestyle.

Flora And Fauna Are In Abundance Around Surwal Lake

Wildlife in Ranthambore National Park

Image Credit:कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा for Wikimedia Commons

Located behind a picturesque background, Surwal Lake is a place of calm ambience along with a jungle safari that you will enjoy here. This lake is also an ideal location to capture pictures and watch birds as they play around here. You can view a variety of birds down over the water body. The view of this seasonal lake, with its flora and fauna, calm waters and greenery, makes it an ideal destination to experience an unforgettable journey.

The lake is the centre of attraction for environmentalists and bird watchers, as more migratory birds are drawn to this place in winter. Birds like pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills, and various ducks can be seen around the lake. The lake also hosts other wildlife, such as deer, jackals, and small mammals, making it the best family trip. Surwal Lake is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, barely 10 km away from the main town of Ranthambore. Situated within the purview of Ranthambore National Park, this artificial lake is famous as one of the best wildlife reserves in India. The hilly plains and dense forests surround the lake. Therefore, it is an important spot for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Must Read: Places To Visit In Ranthambore

Best Activities To Do Near Surwal Lake

Jeep Safari in Ranthambore National Park

Image Credit: Abhishek Kashyap for Wikimedia Commons

If you want to enjoy an eco-friendly trip and experience the charming water of the lake, this is the place for you. You can walk around the lake or indulge in bird-watching activity, as the lake is home to migratory and endemic bird species. Photography of both wildlife and landscapes will definitely be of interest to photographers and tourists coming to this place. The calm ambience makes it an ideal place to picnic along the lakeside with your family and loved ones. You can also go boating to enjoy the peaceful aura of the lake surroundings.

Activities to Do: Jeep Safari at about Rs 2000 Seat
Time: 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 2 PM to 5:30 PM

Tourist Attractions Around Surwal Lake

There are a multitude of popular tourist attractions near Surwal Lake that are worth exploring. Some of the most popular attractions near Surwal Lake are mentioned below:

1. Ranthambore National Park

Tigers at Ranthambore National Park

Image Credit: Keshav995 for Wikimedia Commons

This is one of India’s most popular wildlife parks in the heart of Sawai Madhopur District in Rajasthan. The nature and wildlife reserve sprawls over approximately 1,334 square kilometres. Famous for its population of tigers, it indeed is a favourite place to catch a glimpse of elusive species in their original habitat. The dense forests and bigger grasslands attract many tourists towards this park. On your wildlife safari, you can even expect to spot leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and several deer here. The historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is inside the park and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

Location: About 20 km from Surwal Lake
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ranthambore 

2. Ranthambore Fort and Khandar Fort

Locals exploring Ranthambore Fort, Surwal Lake

Image Credit: Abhinavmnnit for Wikimedia Commons

Ranthambore Fort is a historical place built during the 10th century and has amazing views of geographical features around you. It is home to several temples, pavilions, entrances, and whatnot, and the fort overlooks the vast national park. An attempt to understand its ancient architecture and its historic past is quite mesmerising. On the other hand, located around 40 km from Ranthambore, this route will take you to another fort on a hill that is less famous but equally attractive, with stunning views of the countryside. The site is of great strategic importance and is properly defended by hard terrain, which is a popular destination for those who love adventurers. If you are visiting the Ranthambore Fort, you must certainly visit the Khandar Fort as well.

Location: About 20 km from Surwal Lake
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM

3. Trinetra Ganesha Temple

The view of Trinetra Ganesha Temple, Surwal Lake

Image Source: Facebook

One of the most spiritual journeys will take you to this unique temple, Trinetra Ganesha temple. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is located within the Ranthambore Fort and is the oldest of its kind in the surrounding area. It is the only temple in which Lord Ganesha is shown to have three eyes. Thousands of devotees throng this temple, particularly during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, to offer prayers and worship lord Ganesha. The temple draws not only local crowds but also people from all parts of the country, especially Maharashtra, Delhi, and other states.

Location: About 21 km from Surwal Lake
Timings: From 6 AM to 9 PM

Suggested Read: Khaba Fort

4. Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History

Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History building, Surwal Lake

Image Credit: Piyushgoyal3593 for Wikimedia Commons

Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History is a well-known tiger site in Ranthambore. It is the fourth of its kind in India and joins others in Bhubaneswar, Mysore and Bhopal. This museum sits in Rajasthan, sprawling over a land area of 7.2 acres. Having started operations in 2014, this museum operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, with its aim being to educate tourists and visitors about natural resources within the state of Rajasthan using interesting exhibits and interactive educational programmes. The prominent galleries inside the museum will draw your attention as they highlight the wildlife inside the forest. If you are travelling
with your family and children, you must visit this place.

Location: About 10 km from Surwal Lake
Timings: From 9 AM to 6 PM

5. Jogi Mahal

Outside view of Jogi Mahal in Ranthambore, Surwal Lake

Image Source: Facebook

Jogi Mahal is a very charming place. With a banyan tree nearby, the place is perfect for a nature walk and offers visitors superb bird-watching and photography opportunities. If you love to be within the forest and enjoy wildlife, such as tigers, monkeys, deer and others, this is the ideal location for you. The lush greenery will leave you with no words to call this place – a natural paradise. It is a pretty rest house in the national park, beside the Padam Talao – one of the largest lakes. The area around Mahal has a big banyan tree, considered the largest in India. The lake view lets you see wildlife otherwise rare anywhere else in the park.

Location: About 18 km from Surwal Lake
Timings: From 10 AM to 6 PM

Suggested Read: Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

How To Reach To Surwal Lake

Image Source: Pexels

Surwal Lake is well-connected and can be easily reached. The nearest town is Sawai Madhopur, directly connected by rail and road to major cities, including Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. This lake can be visited from the Sawai Madhopur Railway station, which is 10 km away from the lake. Visitors can hire a taxi from the railway station, while a local transportation network is also available from the same place. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located about 180 km from Ranthambore. From Jaipur, you can hire a taxi or take a train to Sawai Madhopur, which is an easy way to get to the lake.

Available Transport: Buses, Train and Flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other big cities

Best Season to Visit: October to March

Further Read: Desert National Park

Surwal Lake, located at one end of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, provides peace and serenity, plentifully in the lap of nature. The lake and its surrounding areas provide the perfect hideaway for a birdwatcher, photographer, or anyone looking to spend some time in seclusion. Your visit to Surwal Lake, learning about the rich history and varied wildlife of the Ranthambore area, will truly be an unforgettable and refreshing experience for you and your family members. So don’t delay your trip to Surwal Lake. Book your trip to Rajasthan now!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Cover Image Credit: Vijay Singh for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Surwal Lake

What is the best time to visit Surwal Lake?

One can visit the Surwal Lake during the winter season between November and March to catch a glance of the migratory birds and also enjoy the nice weather conditions.

Is there any entrance fee for visiting Surwal Lake?

No, there is no entry fee for the visit to Surwal Lake. However, if you visit the nearby Ranthambore National Park, there should be fees for safari tours.

Can I go boating in Surwal Lake?

Yes, boating is permitted in Surwal Lake. It is an excellent way to relax in the peaceful and quiet waters and become closer to the natural beauty of the lake.

Are there some good accommodation options near Surwal Lake?

Although there is no accommodation at the lake itself, one can find suitable accommodation requirements in Sawai Madhopur, as well as in the greater Ranthambore area, of all types, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels.

Whether Surwal Lake is accessible throughout the year?

Surwal Lake is a seasonal lake, and there is a fluctuation in its water level. It is accessible most of the time during the monsoons and the winter season, in which it reaches its fullness and life.

People Also Read:

Category: Places To Visit, Rajasthan

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month