ANA SAGAR LAKEThe gorgeous man-made Anasagar Lake is situated to the north of the city of Ajmer. It was made in 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni and was named after the then ruler Anaji Chauhan, who constructed the lake during 1135-1150 AD. Later, the Mughal emperor Jehangir contributed the Daulat Bagh Gardens and Shah Jahan built the 'Baradari', a marble pavilion to add to its tranquil beauty.
FATEH SAGAR LAKE
The pretty Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur is located to the north of Lake Pichola was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh as a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir. Surrounded by holls on three sides and Pratap Memorial on the fourth, it presents captivating scenery. Maharana Fateh Singh reconstructed the dam that had been destroyed due to heavy rains and thus, the lake was named after him. It now serves as a second major source of drinking water of the city. Drive along the east bank as you take in the scenic beauty of the lakeside. The boat ride to any of the three islands of the lake is as much enjoyable. The largest of them is a lovely garden known as Nehru Park after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru. It has a boat shaped café, which is a delight for the tourists. The second island has an installation of high-resolution solar observatory. It is considered a prime site for obtaining good solar images. The smallest island to the west supports a jet fountain. Lake Fateh Sagar is connected to Lake Pichhola through a canal having gates. Shaped like a pear, the lake has scant vegetation surrounding it.
GADSISAR LAKE
Gadsisar Lake of Jaisalmer, is not only a place worth seeing but is also the only source of water supply of the city. It was built as a reservoir to conserve rainwater in 1156. Maharwal Garsisingh rebuilt it in 1367 and thus, lake was named after him. There is an interesting legend attached to the place. A courtesan called Tilon proposed to the king that she wanted to build an arched gateway here for the beautification of the place. However, the ruler could not bring himself to relent to the idea, as he would have to pass under the gateway built by a prostitute every time he visits the tank, so he refused it curtly. Tilon was hurt but shrewd as she was, she was determined to get it done. She waited patiently for the right opportunity and when the king was away on some account, she got a palatial archway built and added a small temple of Lord Satyanarayan on its top so that the dismayed king was unable to severe it down. This gateway got her name and is known as Tilon Ki Pol and proudly stands intact to this day. There are number of small temples and cenotaphs that have sprung up along the banks of the lake with time and it is an ideal place to spot some of the most beautiful birds.>
KAILANA LAKE
11 kms from Jaisalmer, Lake Kailana Lake is very pretty with its placid waters and scenic surroundings. An artificial lake, it serves as an idyllic picnic spot with its fabulous sunsets and rare tranquility and peacefulness.
LAKE PICHOLA
Maharaja Udai Singh did not underestimate the panoramic beauty of Lake Pichola surrounded by beautiful hills when he chose to widen it. Later Maharaja Jagjit Singh conceptualized the two beautiful island palaces in the middle of the lake, now, known as Jag Niwas (the much-renowned Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir that adds to the shimmering beauty of the lake. Lake Pichola has a masonry dam known as the Badipol and is 4 km long and 3 km wide. However, it is not very deep and during severe droughts, one can even walk up to the island palaces from the shore. The City Palace adorns the east bank of the lake while it is surrounded by a plethora of marble temples, mansions and palaces and a number of bathing ghats. The boat ride in the blue waters of the lake, especially, in the backdrop of setting sun is absolutely not worth missing.SARDAR SAMAND LAKE
Developed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, the resplendently beautiful Sardar Samand Lake is 60 km from Jodhpur. The drive to the lake is as interesting as the lake itself. Black Bucks, Neelgais and Chinkaras constitute the wildlife of the region and can be often spotted during the drive. The smiling folks of the Bishnoi villages are a pleasure to see. Bishnois are known for their passion to conserve the plant and animal life alike. The tranquility and quiet serenity of the place not only beckons the tourists but also a large variety of migratory birds that form a delightful plumage to watch. The chic art-deco summer palace of Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Sardar Samand Lake Resort, which once served as the hunting lodge of the Jodhpur loyalty, stands proudly on its banks. The sprawling grounds and gardens of the resort offer enchanting walks and breathtaking views of the grandiose shimmering waters of the lake.
