Gadisar Lake also called Gadaria Lake is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. The nearly 1000-year-old artificial lake was built by the founder of the city of Jaisalmer, King Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. The lake was later rebuilt by Maharwal Gadsi Singh in 1367 AD, after whom the lake was renamed Gadisar Lake. It is said that many chhatris and shrines around the lake were built by Gadsi Singh.
The lake is located in the southern part of the city of Jaisalmer, about 1.5 km from the massive Jaisalmer Fort built by Rawal Jaisal. At that time the lake was replenished by rainwater, which was the only source of water for Jaisalmer city. The lake was used to supply water to the residents inside the fort through a system of canals as well as the entire city, and nearby villages; but now the lake’s water is no longer used for drinking. Presently, the water in the Gadisar Lake is replenished throughout the year by the Indira Gandhi Canal, to ensure the lake never dries.
Contrary to popular beliefs, the lake is not an oasis but a massive water conservation tank built to harvest rainwater. The lake was dug up to make up for water scarcity due to the aridity of the region. Once connected to 9 other smaller lakes around the city, Gadisar Lake was also called Jaisalasar Lake, after the founder King Rawal Jaisal earlier. After the Air Force station was built in the vicinity of the lake, the natural flow of rainwater to Gadisar and nine other ponds stopped. Also, haphazard construction activity has resulted in the lake steadily shrinking in size. The lake is surrounded by the Thar desert and is a major tourist attraction in the city of Jaisalmer attracting many tourists. The lake shore is adorned with many chhatris or cenotaphs of past rulers and with intricately carved shrines dedicated to Hindu Gods and goddesses.
A popular picnic spot ideal to spend a relaxing time in the evening with family and friends, owing to its cool and scenic surroundings, the lake provides a great vantage point for a spectacular view of the Jaisalmer Fort, especially during sunrise and sunset when it is bathed in the glorious hues of the golden sun. The entrance to the lake is marked by a beautifully carved yellow stone archway known as Tilon-ki-Pol. The archway was built and installed by a royal courtesan of a ruler of Jaisalmer, around the last few years of the 19th century. In 1908, a statue of Lord Vishnu was installed at the gate, giving the entire structure, the status of a Krishna temple, and saving it from the demolition order of the then Maharawal of Jaisalmer. There are also several ghats built around the lake, that facilitate tourists’ approach to the lake.
Surrounded by numerous trees, this manmade lake is an ideal getaway for all those architecture lovers, and culture enthusiasts who wish to get acquainted with history. Gadisar Lake except for summer when it is scorching hot is a birdwatchers’ paradise with hundreds of pigeons and ducks flying around the lake. It is a great place to watch migratory birds, especially during the winter season, when the lake works as an extension of the Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Besides the Jaisalmer fort and temples surrounding the lake, tourists can visit the Desert Culture Centre and Museum to know more about the historical aspects of Jaisalmer.
Tourists can also take a quick stroll around the lake around the lake’s embankment and feed the catfish in the lake, mostly tourists feed them biscuits or puffed rice. All this makes the lake a photographer’s delight, as it provides many breathtaking moments to be clicked by the camera. There is a military base on the opposite side of the lake. So, tourists need to be careful while clicking pictures at certain locations. Open to the public 24 hrs a day, boating on the lake is allowed from 8 am in the morning to 8 pm in the evening. Charges for boating on the lake are; row boats at INR 10, paddle boats at INR 50, and the Shikara at INR 100. The Biggest boating attraction is a visit to the chhatris built on tiny islands on the lake.
The best time to visit Gadisar lake is from October to March. Gadisar Lake is located 2 km away from the Jaisalmer railway station and can be easily reached by rickshaws and auto-rickshaws. A lake is a must-visit place and ideal for spending a couple of hours, alongside the Jaisalmer fort, which is within walking distance. Tourists can also shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs from the small roadside shops set up along the approach road to the lake. Tourists can also visit other popular attractions like the Folklore Museum, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Manak Chowk Market, Sam Sand Dunes, Jain Temples, Tazia Tower, Nathmal ki Haveli, and Patwon ki Haveli. Well connected by road, rail, and air with all major cities of India, Jaisalmer has many hotels, lodges, and resort in the city where tourist can stay.
