Jaisamand Lake - A Vast Man-Made Wonder in Udaipur

Udaipur, RajasthanLAKEMost Loved Places

Visit India's second-largest artificial lake, known for its massive marble dam, seven islands, boat rides, and the adjacent Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary.

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LAKE

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Most Loved Places

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Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, is a remarkable man-made reservoir located about 50 kilometers from Udaipur. Constructed in the 17th century, it was the largest artificial lake in the world at the time of its creation and remains the second largest in India. The lake's most prominent feature is its massive dam, which is adorned with six intricately carved marble cenotaphs and a central temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sheer scale of the water body is impressive, spanning an area of around 87 square kilometers when full. Visitors typically experience the lake by taking a boat ride, which offers a unique perspective of its size and the surrounding Aravalli hills. The lake contains seven islands of various sizes, with the larger ones inhabited by the Bhil Minas tribal community. A boat trip often includes a stop at one of these islands. The atmosphere is generally calm and far removed from the city's activity, providing a peaceful natural escape. Overlooking the lake is the Jaisamand Island Resort and the Hawa Mahal, a former winter palace of the Maharanas of Mewar.

Why This Place is Special

• Being India's second-largest artificial lake
• The massive Dhebar Dam made of marble
• Scenic boat rides across the vast expanse of water
• Seven islands, some inhabited by the Bhil Minas tribe
• The adjacent Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various fauna
• Six decorative marble cenotaphs (chhatris) on the dam
• The historic Ruthi Rani Ka Mahal overlooking the lake

Ideal For

Nature loversPhotographersFamiliesCouplesHistory enthusiastsGroups

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food stalls
• Seating areas
• Boating services
• Information center

Visitor Tips

• Visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full post-monsoon.
• Go for a boat ride in the late afternoon to enjoy the softer light and cooler temperatures.
• Carry your own drinking water and snacks as options at the lake are limited and basic.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the dam and surrounding areas easily.
• Bargain for private boat rides, but the shared motorboat has a fixed price per person.
• If you plan to visit the wildlife sanctuary, arrive early as it has separate timings and entry fees.
• Be respectful towards the local tribal community on the islands; ask before taking photographs of people.
• The road to the lake from Udaipur can be winding, so allow for adequate travel time (around 1.5 hours).

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not litter in or around the lake
• Swimming is not permitted
• Follow safety instructions provided by boat operators
• Feeding animals in the adjacent sanctuary is prohibited

Safety Information

• Always wear a life jacket during the boat ride; ensure the operator provides one.
• Be careful near the edges of the dam and on the steps leading to the water.
• The area can be quite isolated, so it's advisable to finish your visit and leave before it gets dark.
• Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, by carrying sufficient water.
• Watch out for monkeys near the food stalls on the dam.
• Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded boating areas.
• Cell phone network can be patchy in the area, so inform someone of your travel plans.

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Location & Address

Jaisamand Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313702, Near Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for boating and exploring. The water levels are high after the monsoon, offering the most scenic views. The monsoon season itself (July to September) is also beautiful, with lush green surroundings, but travel can be affected by rain. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot and best avoided.
Peak Crowd: November-January, weekends, and national holidays, due to pleasant weather and peak tourist season in Rajasthan.
Moderate Crowd: February-March, September-October, during weekdays.
Low Crowd: April-July, due to the extreme summer heat and the onset of monsoon.

How to Reach

Air

Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur is the nearest airport, located about 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi which takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach the lake.

Train

Udaipur City Railway Station is the closest major railhead, around 50 km from the lake. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Taxis and private cars are available for hire from the station.

Road

The lake is well-connected by road from Udaipur via NH48 and state highways. Hiring a private car or taxi is the most popular and convenient option. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Regular state buses from Udaipur to southern Rajasthan districts pass near the area, but this is less common for tourists.

Local Transport

There is no local transport system at the lake itself. Your transport to the lake, typically a hired taxi, will usually wait for you to complete your visit. There are no auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs readily available for return journeys from the lake.