Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is an artificial reservoir surrounded by ghats, temples, and chhatris. Built in the 14th century, it served as a water conservation tank. The serene lake attracts migratory birds and offers boat rides, creating a picturesque setting that adds to the charm of Jaisalmer’s cultural landscape.

Located in the Thar Desert and almost 30 km away from Pakistan border, The Golden City of India, Jaisalmer houses plenty of historical monuments at present. Explore Gadisar Lake on your Rajasthan trip for scenic tranquility.

Among the most striking man-made features of Jaisalmer is the Gadisar Lake. Built amidst the arid region of Rajasthan, this lake impersonates the beauty of an oasis.

Located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, visiting Gadisar Lake would be rated as one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer for watching the sunrise.

This manmade lake built around the 12th-13th century is now a popular spot with visitors. It is an ideal getaway for architecture lovers, culture enthusiasts, and peace seekers. For a relaxing experience in Jaisalmer, visit this place while you are entitled to soak in the mesmerizing view of the sun setting down in the evening.

Whether you like to spend some quiet time by yourself or have fun with your family and friends, Gadisar Lake has a handful of experiences to offer. You might want to begin with taking a tour around Gadisar Lake. 

Explore the beauty of the lake while you take a walk and watch some migratory birds flying around it. Moreover, you can visit the Desert Culture Centre and Museum for indulging into the historical aspects of Jaisalmer.

With intricately carved temples and Tilon ki Pol, the city welcomes you into the beautiful Gadisar Lake. It is situated close to Jaisalmer fort and temples. 

Mention below is a rundown of the perfect options for a blissful experience of Gadisar Lake.

How To Reach

Jaisalmer Railway Station is almost 2 km away from the Gadisar Lake. There are plenty of ways to reach Jaisalmer’s jewel, Gadisar Lake, from the railway station. The quickest way to get to the lake is by hailing a taxi or auto rickshaws.

Or, you can book an online cab and reach your destination. If you want to explore the local whereabouts of the city, you can also take a rickshaw from the railway station to Gadisar. The journey will take approximately 10 minutes. Also, the Jaisalmer Fort is situated very close to the lake. You can take a walk too.

Best Time To Visit

Winter is a really good time to visit if you want to avoid the scorching heat of the desert. Jaisalmer’s weather is mostly hot. Winters are cool and breezy while summers are hot and dry. Also, the lake experiences heaviest tourist traffic during winters.

Plan your trip early to save money on accommodation. You might have to pack a heavy jacket with you for chilly nights.

In the spring season, Jaisalmer starts getting warmer. The visit should be completely avoided during April to June as the temperature can easily exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The weather from July to September can be humid and sweaty. 

Other Essential Information

Location – Gadisar Lake is situated in the Postal Colony and is 2 km away from Jaisalmer Railway Station.

Timing – You can visit the lake any time during the day but boats are available from 8 am till 8 pm.

Price – The entry to the Gadisar Lake is free but it will cost you around INR 10-INR 100 for boating. Rowboat, paddleboat, and Shikara are the available boats.

Places to eat near Gadisar Lake –

Hotel Hayyat Jaisalmer – Head to Hotel Hayyat in Jaisalmer to taste multi-cuisine and rich Rajasthani food. The hotel includes a restaurant serving authentic local delicacies and a bar offering an enticing list of drinks. 

The hotel is situated near the Gadisar lake, you can easily visit and savour the view of the lake. 

Lake View Restaurant – Looking for a tranquil getaway? Head to the Lake View Restaurant. This place provides one of the best views of Jaisalmer. You can watch the hustle-bustle of the city.
The café excels in many delicacies and drinks. Also, this place is known for its state-of-the-art interior and world-class services. 

The Jaisal Treat – Craving for a cosy place? The Jaisal Treat is the place. You can explore the famous Indian Thali and adore the warm environment of the place. With a friendly staff, this place is perfect for every age group. 

Kabab Corner Restaurant – If you’re a fan of kebabs and shawarmas, then you should consider focusing your food search on Kabab Corner Restaurant.

This place is quite mentioned by tourists for better food quality and ambience. The restaurant caters both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. One of the most recommended dishes is Laal Maas (Red Meat).

The Spiced Bite – Located in the heart of Jaisalmer, The Spiced Bite is known for its delicious food. The place also houses traditional performances by local singers and instrumentalists. 

From international tourists to locals, this place stays crowded. Make sure you reach here accordingly. Also, the chef’s special, Corn Chiplate and Sabudana’s Tikki is quite delicious. You gotta taste it!

Interesting facts about Gadisar Lake –

1. Built around 12th-13th AD, Gadisar lake carries the culture and heritage of Jaisalmer. Back in the middle ages, there were no facilities of irrigation system to bring water to the arid regions of Rajasthan. That’s why the Gadisar Lake was constructed to supply water to the people of Jaisalmer. 

2. During the reign of Maharaja Rawal Jaisal, a water conservation reservoir was required to satisfy the water needs of the people. Later, it was reconstructed by Maharawal Garsi around 1367 AD. Now, it’s a major tourist attraction which sits like an oasis in the heart of a desert.

3. Currently, Gadisar Lake is surrounded by many temples, holy shrines, and Chattris. The lake’s interior areas have also been developed throughout these years. You can locate a desert cultural centre and a museum.

These places tell the history of Rajasthan’s princely states and consist artefacts of traditional Rajasthani culture. It exhibits local musical instruments, ancient coins and currency, traditional jewellery of the womenfolk, hunting gear, historical displays of rulers, artillery and armour used in the era of armies, and much more.

The place is well preserved by Jaisalmer tourism.

4. Gadisar Lake is one of the valuable assets of Rajasthan. It is situated close to the Jaisalmer Fort and Bharatpur bird sanctuary. You can get a scenic view of Jaisalmer fort from the lake. With the help of a guide, you can get a deep insight into the history of Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer fort. 

5. Also, you can get in touch with some flora and fauna too. You can spot migratory birds around the lake during winters as they fly and perch themselves on the bank.

Catfishes are also infused in the lake. Many tourists feed them bread crumbs and puffed rice. Gadisar is a complete blend of history and scenic beauty.