If you are interested in going on quick peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city like Jaipur; then a visit to Chandlai Lake is the best option. Located just 2 hours drive away from ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, the lake is a great outdoor option to enjoy with family as a picnic spot in peace and tranquility. The lake is 10 feet deep and covers an area of 195 hectares, next to the Chandlai village; is a major destination for migratory birds as they traverse from their home to shelters to breed; making birdwatching an unforgettable spectacle.
The lake was originally a small pond built by a Jat chieftain ‘Chandla’, who also founded the Chandla village in the Tonk district of Rajasthan, in the year 970 AD; in the name of his daughter ‘Bhala’ and put an inscription about it. The Chandlai lake is known for its picturesque surrounding. As a birdwatchers’ paradise, its located just 30 kms away from Jaipur, near the village Chandlai. A photographer’s delight, Chandlai Lake is surrounded by dry forests and small hills.
Chandlai Lake allows visitors to view variety of birds in their natural habitat. As the birds are busy feeding, its best to not disturb them and watch them from a safe distance with binoculars and spotting scope. Chandlai Lake is a 140-year spot for watching birds, flora and fauna; created due to the construction of a dam in 1872. Although the lake was declared as a protected lake in 2015, under Rajasthan Lake (Development and Protection) Ordinance; it is yet to be fully developed as a tourist spot. It is the second lake after Jal Mahal in Jaipur to be covered under the act.
If developed as a tourist spot, there is a lot of scope for development of adventure and water sport activities for tourists; including fishing, horse riding, boating, bird watching, hiking, canoeing and bicycling. The migratory birds that are main attraction of the lake; eat a particular type of green algae that grows a lot on the Chandlai lake. Besides algae, the birds feed on different types of fish and other aquatic species found in the lake.
According to estimates during the migratory season, i.e., in winter between November to March; in excess of 1000 migratory and local bird species in thousands can be seen at the lake. The migratory birds come here from Africa, China, Central Europe, Central Asia, and various parts of the world. A variety of bird species besides Flamingos can be seen in large numbers at the lake, including the rare Pied Avocet, as well as Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common Redshank, Ruddy Shelduck, Black Winged Stilt, White Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover, Brown-capped Night Heron, Ruff, Pintail, Pochard, Common Teal, and Pallas’s Gull.
Other species of birds that can be seen in good numbers are Little Cormorant, Green Sandpiper, Common Moorhen, Purple Moorhen, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Spot-Billed Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Spotted Red Shank, Little Ringed Plover, Ruddy Shelduck, and more. Chandlai Lake with its blue-green shaded serene water body, soothing wave sounds, chirping of birds; is a nature lovers delight. Located 2 kms away from the Jaipur Tonk National Highway 12, the lake is just 10-minute drive away from Sitapura.
In order to reach the lake tourists’, need to take a right turn under the over bridge at Shivdaspura. Tourists can reach the lake by bike, cycle or car with a group of friends or with just family. Yet to flourish as a tourist spot, the approach to the lake is still not fully developed. In order to develop Chandlai Lake as a tourist spot, the government needs to restrict the inflow of polluted water into the lake; as well as ensure that flora and fauna around the lake are in abundance. There are no restaurants or resting place in and around the lake.
The best time to visit the Chandlai Lake is between November and early March, as the maximum number of migratory birds are seen during this time. It is recommended to visit the lake during morning and late afternoon for the best views of the lake and maximize birdwatching, as birds mostly rest during these times. The natural refreshing environment and soothing breeze of the lake, with a pleasing view of variety of bird species can refresh anyone.
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