Ana Sagar Lake is a massive artificial lake built in the city of Ajmer, Rajasthan. The lake is named after Arnoraja or Anaji Chauhan; the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, who built it sometime between 1135 -1150 AD. The catchment area of the lake is spread over 13 kms or over 70 sq.kms, that were built with the help of local populace. The massive lake usually dries up during the hot summer months, but acts as a source of livelihood for locals. Open to visitors from morning 8.00 am to evening 8.00 pm, the lake is open 7 days a week. There is no entry fee but boat ride is charged as per cost.
Sight of the lake from the nearby temple is particularly enchanting, making it a photographer’s delight. The lake situated in the north-west side of Ajmer city is situated near to Ajmer Bus stand. It was created by building a dam across the river Luni or Luna Lavanavari river for meeting the requirement of domestic water supply. Nearly 30% of city’s population resides within the lakes catchment area.
Daulat Bagh Garden, Baradari and Circuit House
The massive lake was patronised by Mughal rulers. While Emperor Jahangir built the beautiful Daulat Bagh garden that virtually surrounds the lake; his son Emperor Shah Jahan built five marble pavilions or Baradari between the garden and the lake in 1637. Daulat Bagh garden with its numerous flowers and trees with sprawling lawns, and vast open spaces is a major tourist attraction. The lush green Daulat Bagh garden located at the south-east corner of Ana Sagar Lake and at the centre of Ajmer city, with its calm and cool breeze, is a perfect picnic spot and recreation area, ideal for jogging, spending evening time with family and friends. Khobra Behroon temple on the southern end of the lake is also worth visiting.
Another tourist attraction here is the historic building today called Circuit house. Built on a hill near the lake it was used as British Residency during British Rule. There is a quiet and peaceful island at centre of the lake accessible by water scooter/speedboat from the shore near Daulat Bagh garden. Recently as part of area beautification, a Chowpatty with food stalls and Jetty walkway have been added. One of the biggest lakes in Ajmer, with maximum depth of 4.4 mtr or 14 ft, it has a storage capacity of 4,750,000 cu.mtr or 6,210,000 cu.yd. Rajasthan High Court has banned any kind of construction in the catchment areas of the lake basins, to maintain the charismatic splendor of the lake.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati
The lake holds importance for Arya Samaj followers. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the creator of Arya Samaj movement had breathed his last at Bhinai Kothi near Ajmer. After his death his ashes were scattered at Ajmer in Rishi Udyan, which is located on the banks of Ana Sagar Lake. Rishi Udyan is much sought after by tourist as beautiful sunrise and sunset point. An Arya Samaj temple is located in Rishi Udyan, where an annual 3-day Aruasamaj Melā is held every year on Rishi Dayanand’s death anniversary in October. Organised by Paropkarini Sabha founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on 16 August 1880 in Meerut and registered in Ajmer on 27 February 1883, it also includes various activities like vedic seminars, yajna, veda memorisation competition, and Dhavajarohan or flag march.
Pollution
Ana Sagar Lake is facing high degree of pollution from various sources. Wastewater that accumulates from the catchment area pours into the lake through an open drainage system. The natural valley lines that once brought water into the lake, that have been converted into open drains are the main cause of concern. There are about 8 major/minor open drains that carry an estimated 13 mld. wastewater from surrounding areas into the lake.
Best Time & How to Reach
The best time to visit Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer is during October and March months. During this period the weather around the lake that is usually hot; remains fresh, and breezy with water level in the lake also high due to fresh inflows from monsoon rains, thus offering a beautiful panoramic view Tourist can reach Ana Sagar Lake from Sanganer Airport or Jaipur International Airport located about 135 km from Ajmer city. The nearest railhead is the Ajmer Railway Station, located 2 km away from the lake. All roads in the city pass through the lake. Tourist can user taxi, auto or rickshaw to reach the lake, or even walk to the lake as an adventure.
Other tourist attractions of Ajmer near the lake include the revered Khwaja Garib Nawaz Dargah, Puskar Lake, Barhmaji Temple, Durga Bagh, Nareli Jain Temple, Lake Foy Sagar, Soniji ki Nasiyan and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.
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