The Balsammand Lake in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is a popular picnic spot, encircled by hills. It is an artificial lake built in 1159 AD. Balsammand Lake is approximately 7 kms from the main city, on the Jodhpur - Mandore road. This lake is approximately one kilometer long, fifty meters wide and fifteen meters deep. Next to the lake stands the Balsammand Palace, an artistic eight-pillared palace with three entrance gates. Maharaja Sur Singh got the palace constructed in 1936, as a summer pavilion.
All around the lake are lush green gardens. You can also take a walk through the trees, the rose beds and around pools covered with lilies. Also in the garden are the groves of mango, guava, papaya, plum, banana, pomegranate and other fruits. An artificial cascading waterfall brings water from the reservoir to the gardens. The embankments of the lake, in front of the palace, have domed structure that offers fabulous views of the lake. One will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of fruit bats in the trees.
Approximately 2 km from the city and on the way to the lake, is the Maha Mandir. A hundred pillared temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A walled town is built around the temple. The lake is a must-see picnic spot, enchanting tourists with the cool breeze blowing through the lush greenery around the lake. The peaceful surroundings of Balsammand Lake will leave you at peace with yourself.
Jodhpur Tourism Popularly known as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur has a bluish landscape and is noted for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Jodhpur and is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Encircled with seven strong gates, Mehrangarh Fort showcases an antique collection of paintings, armours, palanquins, treasure, turbans and folk musical instruments. Jaswant Thada is another delight in Jodhpur. This white-marbled marvel is a memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, built by his son in 1899. Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers and is also a notable architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Another epitome of inspiring architecture is Umaid Bhavan Palace, which has now turned into a five-star hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels and Resorts. Balsamand Lake and Kaylana Lake are amongst the most relaxing spots of the city, bestowed with awe-inspiring views and serenity. Gangaur Festival is an important festival of Udaipur, which is celebrated by women for a blissful marital life.
If you want to know more about Jodhpur, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Jodhpur travel guide.