India

The Lake Amar Sagar

The Lake Amar Sagar is situated 7 km to the west of the town of Jaisalmer. During a tour in the golden city on your trip to India, visit monuments that make the great beauty of this lake. Discover among others the Amar Singh Palace with a typical Rajput architecture.

History

Amar Sagar Lake is one of the oldest water points in the city of Jaisalmer. It has long served as an oasis in the heart of this desert region. Indeed, the lake was once the main reservoir of Jaisalmer, supplying the whole city with water. The lake complex also has the greatest testimony of Rajput architecture which is none other than the palace of Amar Singh. This grand palace was erected in the seventeenth century by Maharawal Akhai Singh as a tribute to his predecessors.

Discover the lake Amar Sagar

The great beauty of this lake is undoubtedly the abundance of small temples and sanctuaries surrounding it. In the morning, the rays of the sun illuminate the whole complex, a panorama all the enchanting with the view of citadel in the background. At sunset, the couples arrive slowly in order to enjoy the ¬boat trips on Amar Sagar Lake. According to the legend, a rich courtesan named Tila got constructed the gate Tila ki Pol on the road leading towards the lake. Being jealous, the princesses of the palace wanted destruction of the stucture, but Tila intelligently transformed the upper part of the door into a temple dedicated to Krishna. Due to the reasons of conservation, the interior is closed for the public. To the north of Amar Sagar Lake, you will find a Jain Temple dedicated to Adinatha. Other temples and pavilions are visible on the shore closest to the road. You can also see a well that supplies water to the inhabitants of the village during the periods of drought. To the right of the gate of Tila is a small museum called as "Folklore Museum". This institution owes its foundation to Tila and later taken care of by his son in the management of the site. While leaving the museum, you will see a private courtyard where the resident’s dishes are dried in the sun. This is a common scene in the homes established near Amar Sagar Lake.

The Amar Singh Palace Complex

What marks first when we have a glimpse of the palace, are its large pavilions, with stairs overlooking the lake, on each side. The entire haveli looks like a model of apartments spread over 5 floors and decorated by numerous paintings. The palace complex, with that of lake, includes various ponds and wells with Chattris. And since Amar Singh was a great disciple of Shiva, he built a temple in his honor.

How to get there?

The city of Jaisalmer is connected to all the other cities of Rajasthan by bus. You can enjoy the services of several private bus operators.

Another alternative is to take a train till Jaipur to reach Jaisalmer station. The available rail networks also connect the city with Delhi and other major destinations of India. You can also board the luxury tourist train called Palace On Wheels, which serves all major tourist cities of Rajasthan including Jaisalmer. After you arrived in Jaisalmer, you have a choice between renting a taxi or sharing a car - rickshaw to reach Lake Amar Sagar located near the fort of the city.

Schedules and rates

The complex is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, including public holidays. Tourists can take a boat trip and enjoy a pedal boat on the lake from 8am to 9pm. The boat ride costs between Rs 50 and 100 for half an hour.