Gujarat, the western state of India, has diverse landscapes, from Kutch’s salt desert to Gir’s lush green forests. One of the many attractions of Gujarat is its beautiful lakes, which provide scenic views and serve as a vital water source for the people and wildlife. In this article, we will explore some of the best.

Introduction: Best Lakes in Gujarat 

Gujarat is known for its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine. But apart from these, it also has a vast network of lakes that are picturesque and serve as a source of irrigation and drinking water for the people of the state. The following are some of the best lakes in Gujarat that are worth visiting.

Hamirsar Lake

Located in the heart of Bhuj, Hamirsar Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Gujarat. Rao Khengarji I was built in the 18th century to provide water to the city. Temples and gardens surround the lake, and it’s a popular spot for bird watching. Visitors can stroll on the promenade, enjoy boating, and indulge in street food.

Narayan Sarovar

Narayan Sarovar is a sacred lake located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is believed to be one of the five holy lakes in India and holds great importance among Hindu pilgrims. Temples surround the lake, and visitors can witness a beautiful sunset over the lake. Narayan Sarovar is also home to various aquatic life, including fishes, turtles, and crocodiles.

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is an artificial lake in the heart of Ahmedabad. It was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-din Ahmad Shah to provide water to the city. The lake is surrounded by a garden, zoo, and amusement park, and it’s a popular spot for picnics and evening walks. Visitors can enjoy a toy train ride, boating, and water sports.

Thol Lake

Thol Lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise located near Ahmedabad. It is a shallow freshwater lake that attracts many migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and cranes, during winter. Grasslands surround the lake; visitors can take a nature walk, enjoy boating, and indulge in local delicacies.

Gopi Talav

Gopi Talav is a historic lake in the town of Gopnath in the Bhavnagar district. It was built in the 16th century by the queen of Gopnath, Rani Sajjansinhji, and was later renovated by the British. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and temples, and it’s a popular spot for camping and bird-watching.

Sursagar Lake

Sursagar Lake, also known as Chand Talav, is an artificial lake in Vadodara’s heart. It was built in the 18th century by the Maratha ruler, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, to provide water to the city.

Temples surround the lake; Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dangs district of Gujarat and is known for its dense forests, wildlife, and lakes. The sanctuary is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars. Visitors can take a jungle safari, trek, and camp in the sanctuary. The lake in the sanctuary is a popular spot for bird watching.

Dantiwada Lake

Dantiwada Lake is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat and is a popular spot for picnics and bird-watching. Hills and temples surround the lake, and visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy local delicacies.

Sardar Sarovar Dam

Sardar Sarovar Dam is a gravity dam on the Narmada River, located in the Navagam village of the Narmada district in Gujarat. It is one of the largest dams in the world and serves as a major source of water and electricity for the state. The dam also has a lake that provides a stunning view of the surrounding hills.

Haldighati Lake

Haldighati Lake is located in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat and is surrounded by hills and forests.

The lake is popular for picnics, camping, and bird watching. Visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy local delicacies.

Vastrapur Lake

Vastrapur Lake is located in the western part of Ahmedabad and is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnics. Gardens surround the lake, and visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy local street food.

Lakhota Lake

Lakhota Lake is located in Jamnagar and is surrounded by a palace and a museum. The lake is popular for picnics, boating, and bird watching. Visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the palace and museum while taking a boat ride.

Fatehsagar Lake

Fatehsagar Lake is located in Udaipur in Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills and palaces. The lake is a popular spot for boating, and visitors can enjoy the stunning sunset view over the lake.

Conclusion

Gujarat is not only known for its culture and food but also for its scenic beauty. The Best Lakes in Gujarat not only provide a source of water but also attract a large number of tourists. The above-listed lakes are some of the best in Gujarat and are worth visiting.