Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland saltwater lake, located in Rajasthan, near Jaipur and Ajmer. It is a place where horizons stretch to infinity, where water and sky merge in a shimmer of gauzy blue. It is a place where legends abound, where history is written in salt, where wildlife thrives, where culture flourishes. It is a place that will captivate you with its charm and allure.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable destination in Rajasthan, Sambhar Lake is the perfect choice for you. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the lake and its attractions. Read on!
Flamingos: The Feathered Stars of Sambhar Lake
One of the main attractions of Sambhar Lake is the presence of thousands of flamingos that flock to the lake every year. These tall, dainty birds with their ballerina tutus are attracted by the delicious spirulina algae that flourish in the saline water. They come in two varieties: greater and lesser flamingos, which differ in size, color and bill shape. The greater flamingos are larger, paler and have black-tipped bills, while the lesser flamingos are smaller, brighter and have red-tipped bills.
The best time to see the flamingos at Sambhar Lake is between November and March, when they arrive in large numbers from their breeding grounds in Central Asia. You can spot them in the western section of the lake or on Devyani island, where they congregate in huge flocks. They are a sight to behold, as they feed, preen, flap and chatter in unison.
Boating: A Fun Way to Explore the Lake
Another popular activity at Sambhar Lake is boating, which allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and its surroundings, as well as get closer to the wildlife. You can choose from different types of boats at the lake, such as paddle boats, motor boats or row boats. You can rent them at Salt Lake City or Shakambhari Resort for a nominal fee.
Boating at Sambhar Lake is a fun way to explore the lake and its features, such as its size, shape, salinity, water sources and division by a dam. You can also see various birds and animals that live near or on the lake, such as ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes, deer, antelopes and jackals.
You may also like to check out: Sambhar: Just 80 km From Jaipur Lies The Most Stunning Alternative To The Rann Of Kutch
Photography: A Creative Way to Capture the Beauty of the Lake
Sambhar Lake is a photographer’s paradise, as it offers endless opportunities to capture the stunning beauty of the lake and its wildlife. Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, you will find something to inspire you at the lake. You can indulge in various types of photography at the lake, such as landscape photography, wildlife photography, portrait photography, night photography and more.
Sambhar Lake is a place where you can unleash your creativity and skills, as you experiment with different angles, perspectives, compositions and techniques. You can also create your own stories and themes, as you capture the essence and mood of the lake and its inhabitants.
Salt Production: A Fascinating Way to Learn about the Lake’s Economy
Sambhar Lake is not only a natural wonder, but also an economic asset. It is one of the oldest and largest sources of salt in India, dating back to over a thousand years. It is also a major employer and revenue generator for the region. Salt production is an integral part of the lake’s identity and culture.
Salt production at Sambhar Lake works in a simple and efficient way. Water from the western section of the lake is pumped to the eastern section through sluice gates when it reaches optimal salinity. Then it is evaporated in reservoirs, canals and pans using solar energy. Then it is harvested, processed and packed by workers using machines and tools.
Temple: A Spiritual Way to Connect with the Lake’s History
Sambhar Lake is not only a scenic and adventurous destination, but also a spiritual and historical one. It has a rich and ancient history that is linked to its patron goddess Shakambhari Devi. She is believed to have bestowed the lake upon the people of the area some 2,500 years ago. She is also revered as a warrior goddess who protects her devotees from enemies.
The temple dedicated to Shakambhari Devi is located under a rocky outcrop jutting into the lake. It is a small white marble temple that has a sanctum sanctorum with an idol of Shakambhari Devi holding various weapons and vegetables. It also has a courtyard with a sacred pond and a shrine of Lord Shiva.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Sambhar Lake is from October to March, according to the sources I found. This is because:
1. The weather is pleasant and comfortable, with moderate temperatures and low humidity.
2. The lake attracts a lot of migratory birds, especially flamingos, which add to the beauty and charm of the lake.
3. The salt production is in full swing, and you can witness the fascinating process of evaporation, harvesting and processing of salt.
4. The sunrise and sunset are surreal and mesmerizing, and you can capture them in your camera or memory.
However, you should avoid travelling to Sambhar Lake from June to September, as this is the monsoon season and the lake gets flooded with rainwater, which reduces its salinity and affects its wildlife and salt production. Also, the roads and tracks become muddy and slippery, which makes it difficult to reach or explore the lake.
How To Reach Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake is located in Rajasthan, near Jaipur and Ajmer. It is about 80 km from Jaipur and 64 km from Ajmer. You can reach Sambhar Lake by various modes of transport, such as air, train, bus, cab or car.
By air:
The nearest airport to Sambhar Lake is Jaipur International Airport, which is well connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, you can take a cab or a bus to Sambhar Lake, which will take about 2 hours.
By train:
The nearest railway station to Sambhar Lake is Sambhar Salt Lake Station, which is connected to Jaipur and Ajmer by the Leelan Express. The train journey takes about 30 minutes from Jaipur and 45 minutes from Ajmer. From the station, you can take a rickshaw or a cab to Sambhar Lake, which will take about 15 minutes.
By bus:
There are regular buses from Jaipur and Ajmer to Sambhar Lake, which ply on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway. The bus journey takes about 2 hours from Jaipur and 1.5 hours from Ajmer. You can get down at Sambhar Bus Stand, which is close to the lake.
By cab or car:
The most convenient way to reach Sambhar Lake is by a private vehicle, preferably a four-wheel drive. You can hire a cab or drive your own car from Jaipur or Ajmer, following the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway. The road journey takes about 1.5 hours from Jaipur and 1 hour from Ajmer. You can also explore the nearby places like Pushkar, Kuchaman and Roopangarh by car.
Also check out: Sambhar Lake: India's Largest Inland Salt Lake Is Beautiful And A Must Visit
Other Nearby Attractions That You Can Visit
Here are some other attractions near Sambhar Lake that you can visit:
Devyani Temple and Kund:
This is a complex of temples and a water pond in Sambhar town, dedicated to various Hindu deities. The main temple is devoted to Ganga, the goddess of the river. The pond is also known as Chota Pushkar and is a sacred site for pilgrims. You can admire the architecture and sculptures of the temples, and witness the rituals and ceremonies performed by the devotees. You can also enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the pond and its surroundings.
Jageshwar Temple:
This is an ancient Shiva temple located near Devyani Kund. It is said to have a very old and deep lingam, which is the symbol of Shiva. The temple is also known for its evening aarti, which is a musical and spiritual offering to the deity. You can join the aarti and experience the divine energy and vibrations of the temple.
Roopangarh Fort:
This is a majestic fort and palace located about 40 km from Sambhar Lake. It was built by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh in the 17th century. It has been converted into a heritage hotel, where you can stay and enjoy the royal hospitality and luxury. You can also explore the fort and its history, architecture and art.
Kishangarh City:
This is a city located about 50 km from Sambhar Lake. It is famous for its marble industry, which produces some of the finest quality of marble in India. You can visit the marble factories and see how marble is processed and polished. You can also buy some marble souvenirs or handicrafts from the local shops.
Nareli Jain Temples:
These are a group of modern Jain temples located about 60 km from Sambhar Lake. They are built on a hilltop and have a striking design and structure. They are made of white marble and have intricate carvings and sculptures. They also have a beautiful garden and a meditation hall. You can visit the temples and admire their beauty and spirituality.
Best Places To Stay Near Sambhar Lake
Here are some of the best places to stay near Sambhar Lake, if you are looking for premium hotels and resorts:
The Imperial Farm Retreat Jaipur:
This is a luxury resort located about 29 km from Sambhar Lake. It offers spacious and elegant rooms, cottages and villas, with modern amenities and views of the countryside. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym and a games room. You can enjoy various activities like horse riding, cycling, bird watching and nature walks at the resort.
You can book your stay here: The Imperial Farm Retreat Jaipur.
Roopangarh Fort:
This is a heritage hotel located about 36 km from Sambhar Lake. It is a 17th century fort and palace that has been converted into a colorful and cozy hotel. It has 20 rooms and suites, each with a unique theme and decor. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a library, a museum and a rooftop terrace. You can explore the fort and its history, architecture and art at the hotel.
You can book your stay here: Roopangarh Fort.
Atharva Jaipur:
This is a 3-star hotel located about 40 km from Sambhar Lake. It offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms, with modern amenities and also features an in-house restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym and a banquet hall. You can enjoy various indoor and outdoor activities like table tennis, badminton, carrom, horse riding and gardening at the hotel.
You can book your stay here: Atharva Jaipur.
Sambhar Lake is a hidden gem in Rajasthan that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for every traveler. Whether you want to see the flamingos, go boating, do photography, learn about salt production or visit the temple, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at Sambhar Lake. It is a place where you can witness the beauty of nature, wildlife, culture and history in one destination.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sambhar Lake today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
