Gujarat has its share of lakes, many of them man made by local rulers and some of them naturally occurring water bodies. If you visit Gujarat then you may like to include one of the top ten lakes in Gujarat in your itinerary. Let’s have a go.
Narayan Sarovar
- Location: Narayan Sarovar is located near the village of Narayan Sarovar in Kutch.
- How to Reach: You can reach Narayan Sarovar by road from Bhuj, which is the nearest major city.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but religious festivals draw more visitors.
- Timing: The temples around the lake may have specific opening and closing times.
Located in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch near the Kori Creek, Narayan Sarovar is a place of pilgrimage with the ancient temple of Koteshwar only 4 km away of Pampa, Pushkar, Bindu and Mansarovar, finding mention in the Bhagavata Purana. It is believed that the holy waters of the Saraswati River flowed into this lake in ancient times. A fair is held during the month of Chaitra and in the month of Kartik and religious rites are held on the banks of the lake. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here during the two fairs.
While the temple of Koteshwar is included in the pilgrimage circuit, the temple of Laxminarayan and Trikamray are of no less importance. Vagheli Mahakunvar, wife of Rao Deshalji I of Kutch was not happy with the priests of Dwarka and decided to build a temple here in 1734. There are seven temples in all surrounded by a strong wall. In summer the temperatures can be unbearable but it is in winter that the Narayan Sarovar comes alive as lakhs of migratory birds make it a home and that makes it worth a visit.
Nal Sarovar
- Location: Nal Sarovar is a seasonal wetland bird sanctuary located in the Ahmedabad district.
- How to Reach: It’s accessible by road from Ahmedabad, which is approximately 64 km away.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to March) is the best time for birdwatching.
- Timing: Typically, sunrise to sunset; early morning and late afternoon are ideal for birdwatching.
Another lake famous as a bird sanctuary is the Nal Sarovar located near Sanand village about 64 km to the west of Ahmedabad. It is part of the Bird Sanctuary covering about 120 sq. km. Like Narayan Sarovar, this lake comes alive in winter as 210 species of migratory birds congregate here. The birds include greater flamingoes, pelicans, brahminy ducks, herons, bitterns and crakes among others. The best time to visit Nal Sarovar is between November and January when it is cool.
Damodar Kund
- Location: Damodar Kund is situated in Girnar near Junagadh.
- How to Reach: Junagadh is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but it’s often visited during pilgrimages to Junagadh.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
Yet another sacred lake, the Damodar Kund, is found in the foothills of Girnar near Junagadh in Gujarat. Pilgrims bathe in the waters here and immerse ashes of the departed because it is believed that they gain Moksha. It is believed that the waters of the lake can dissolve bones. It is not large as lakes go, only 257 ft x 50 ft and 5 feet deep but it is a place of pilgrimage nonetheless. Not far away is the Damodar Hari Temple where, it is said, the grandson of Lord Krishna, Vajranabh installed the idols. You visit the Gir to have a dekko at the Lions so a visit to the Damodar Kund is a part of the tour.
Hamirsar Lake
- Location: Located in the heart of Bhuj, Kutch.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within Bhuj town.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round for relaxation.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
Hamirsar is a man-made lake located in the heart of Bhuj in Kutch. Built about 450 years ago by Rao Khengarji I in honour of Rao Hamir, the founder of Bhuj and the Jadeja dynasty, the lake was fed by tunnels and canals that connected to three rivers and the tank met the needs of water of the people of Bhuj in those days. As such it has been an old custom to hold a religious ceremony after the rains when the lake fills with water. The lake covers an area of 28 acres and there is a garden in the middle known as Rajendra Park, making it an idyllic picnic spot. Visit the ancient palace in Bhuj and stop by this lake for a breather.
Sursagar Lake
- Location: Situated in Vadodara, in the central part of the city.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within Vadodara city.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; often used for evening walks and cultural events.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
Like Bhuj boasting of Hamirsar, Baroda or Vadodara as it is known, is proud of the Sur Sagar Lake, also known as the Chand Talao. It is in the heart of the city and has an embankment surrounding it. Citizens and tourists enjoy a peaceful evening here by its banks.
Gopi Talav
- Location: A historic lake in Surat.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within the city of Surat.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially for enjoying the garden.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
Surat in South Gujarat has its Gopi Talav, a man-made lake built in 1510 by Malik Gopi, a rich merchant and governor the city during the reign of the Mughals. Apart from the Gopi Talav, the city has Gopipura, an area he developed. The lake received a face lift in 2012 and it is a popular recreational spot.
Thol Lake
- Location: Thol Lake is located near Mehsana, about 25 km from Gandhinagar.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from both Mehsana and Gandhinagar.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter (November to February) for birdwatching.
- Timing: Typically, sunrise to sunset; early morning and late afternoon are best for birdwatching.
Located in Kalol in Mehsana district you will find the Thol Lake, a bird sanctuary with about 150 species of birds. Mainly serving the purpose of irrigation, it has now developed as a sanctuary and it is home to Sarus cranes and flamingoes. It was first built as a tank during the reign of the Gaekwads in 1912 for irrigation and today it has a length of 5.62 km with a storage capacity of 84 million cubic metres of water covering 699 hectares. It is just 25 km from Ahmedabad and a popular picnic spot for the locals.
Armabada Lake
- Location: A small lake in Jamnagar.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within Jamnagar city.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round for picnics and relaxation.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
The lake at Armabada village would have remained unknown were it not for the discovery of jellyfish. Located near Jamnagar, this lake is gaining in popularity because it is the only lake to have jellyfish in it. Unlike jellyfish in the sea, the jellyfish here swim upside down.
Chandola Lake
- Location: An artificial lake in Ahmedabad.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within Ahmedabad city.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially for boating and evening visits.
- Timing: Typically, sunrise to sunset; the amusement park has its own schedule.
Located in the Narol-Dani Limda area of Ahmedabad, the Chandola Lake covers about 1200 hectares and it is home to a few local birds and receives migratory birds in winter. It was built by the wife of Tajn Khan Nari Ali, a Mughal ruler of the city. It is said Mahatma Gandhi stopped at this lake during his Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram. Largely neglected but with ambitious plans for its development in the offing, it does not have the attraction of Kankaria Lake.
Kankaria Lake
- Location: One of the largest lakes in Ahmedabad.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible within Ahmedabad city.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; the amusement park and zoo make it a family destination.
- Timing: Typically, sunrise to sunset; the amusement park and zoo have specific opening and closing times.
Located in Maninagar area of Ahmedabad, the Kankaria Lake was built by Sultan Qutbuddin in the 15th century and it was known as Hauz-e-Qutb. The lake is circular and it has a small island reached by a causeway. Known as Naginawadi it is now well developed as an entertainment and recreation spot. The Lake received a face lift and it is now a popular spot for the locals who throng here in the evenings and on the weekends. The Kankaria Zoo sits to one side and Balvatika neighbours it.
Ten Talav
- Location: A group of interconnected artificial lakes in Dabhoi, Vadodara.
- How to Reach: Accessible within Vadodara city.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round for enjoying the peaceful environment.
- Timing: No specific timing restrictions.
Ten Talav is an octagonal tank that is splendidly constructed. It is replete with embankments and stone steps. The structure symbolizes the love between Hiradhar Shilpi, who was Dabhoi Fort’s architect, and a woman named Ten. Hiradhar was said to be in love with Ten. During the construction of Dabhoi Fort, he secretly constructed the Ten Talav for the sake of his lover. He was found guilty of misappropriation and he was immediately sentenced to death. He was buried alive in Dabhoi’s fort walls.