Gadsisar Sagar Lake is situated to the south of the city of Jaisalmer. Gadisar Lake is a rain-water lake of Jaisalmer, is located amidst calm and cool surroundings. This lake is surrounded by numerous temples and holy shrines. The water of this lake is crystal clear. Some water sports such as boating can be done in this lake. It holds the water supply of the entire city. Numerous migratory birds can be seen flocking around the lake. On top of the yellow sandstone gate, there is a famous Krishna temple built.
The Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer lies in natural splendor and is indeed a natural attraction worth a visit. The artificial reservoir of Gadisar was built to serve as a source of water, which is home to a wide variety of fishes and water bodies. The local inhabitants of this place often use the water of the lake for various purposes. To protect the beauty and cleanliness of the lake the tourism department of Jaisalmer is taking some serious measures.
The Gadisar Lake has a number of beautifully carved Temples, shrines, Chatteris, and ghats surrounding the lake. This lake becomes more attractive during the winter season as the lake attracts a large number of migratory birds.
History of Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake was built as a reservoir in around 12th-13th AD by the then ruler Raja Rawal Jaisal. He belonged to one of the bluest among the royal blood of Rajasthan and was the first king of the state and city of Jaisalmer. It can be easily assumed that the lake was dug up to make up for the aridity of the region.
Because of a specific gradient of the land there, the area where the lake stands automatically was able to gather and retain some rainwater, whatever little it was there. In time, the lake became the life-saving source of water in Jaisalmer Tourism, acting as a reservoir and water conservation system. It was successful in fighting the water scarcity to a great extent. For this reason, many people believe it was a natural oasis in the middle of Indian Thar desert, but it is very much a manmade one.
The pristine lake got its name from its renovator Maharawal Gadsi Singh who revamped the whole area in 1400 AD. It is said that the additional chhatris and a couple of shrines were his addition to the simple body of water. The lake was later named after him and got called Gadsisar Lake or Gadisar Lake.
Entry Timings and Fees of Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Sagar Lake is open to visitors from 8 am to 7 pm. There is no entry fee to visit the lake; however, visitors can hire a boat and take a ride on the lake for a fee of INR 100 for a 2-seater pedal boat, INR 200 for a 4-seater pedal boat and INR 300 for a 6-seater row boat.
Best Time to Visit Gadsisar Lake
The best time to visit Gadsisar Sagar Lake is in the pleasant and cool weather from the month of October to March. The summers in Jaisalmer can be scorching, with temperatures soaring to over 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoon season, from July to September, is also not the best time to visit since the roads can become flooded and inaccessible.
How to Reach Gadsisar Sagar Lake
Jaisalmer is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road.
By Air: If you’re travelling by air, the nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport, located about 20 km from the lake. The lake is accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport. You should be able to reach Gadsisar Sagar Lake within 30 minutes.
By Railways: If you choose to travel via train, the closest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station, located about 8 km from the lake. From the station, you can opt for the best cab rentals in Jaisalmer or an auto-rickshaw for a 10-15 minute ride to Gadsisar Sagar Lake.
By Road: Jaisalmer is well-connected to other parts of Rajasthan and India by road. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Jaisalmer City and reach Gadsisar Sagar Lake in about 10 minutes.
