Jaisamand Lake

Jaisamand Lake also known by the name Dhebar Lake is Asia's second-largest artificial lake covering an area of 36 square miles (93 km2). It is situated within a beautiful setting in the south east of Udaipur city of Rajasthan state. Due to its picturesque setting, the lake and surrounding are very popular popular among locals and tourists alike. The Jaisamand lake is the abode of crocodiles, turtles and a variety of fish.

The statistics of the lake is length 14 km, width 9km and depth 102 feet. The lake has a circumference of 30 miles. Jaisamand Lake was built in 1685 by Maharana Jai Singh while making a marble dam across the river Gomti. The dam on this lake is worth mentioning due to its massive size. with 1202 feet length, 116 feet height and 70 feet width houses a Shiva temple at its center.

During the reign of Maharana Jain Singh, there was a great need for water for cultivation in Mewar's southeastern corner. The Maharana emulated his father by damming a small river, the Gomati, and building a massive embankment. It is said that, Maharana Jai Singh at the time of inaugration walked around the dam charitably distributing gold equal to his own weight after a Tuladaan ceremony.

The lake has a number of attractions within it's vicinity and the seven islands on the lake and the tribe of Bhil Minas inhabit these islands. Among these islands, the biggest island is 'Babaka Bhagra' and the second one is known as 'Piari'. The Jaisamand Island Resort is situated in one of the island.

Surrounding Jaisamand lake is the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Built in the year 1957, the sanctuary covers an area of 62 sq km. Jaisamand wildlife sanctuary has been converted into a game sanctuary. The ideal time to visit Jaisamand wildlife sanctuary is in between November and June. It was earlier used as a hunting reserve by the royalty. The sanctuary is the home to several migratory and rare birds as well as wildlife like panthers, deer, leopard, hyena, jungle cat, fox, wild boar etc.

Besides these, there is a stunning summer palace of Udaipur Queens with a courtyard which makes the perfect backdrop to Jaisamand Lake. At the lake, one can climb down the marble staircases that lead to the water and enjoy the magnificent views of this summer palace. Also from the courtyard of the palace, one can see the dazzling view of Jaisamand Lake. On the southern shore; there is a pavilion of 12 pillars which is also a must see at the Jaisamand Lake. The lake also offers boat ride on the calm water.