If you are looking for a serene and scenic destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then Nakki Lake in Mount Abu Rajasthan is the perfect place for you. Nakki Lake is the only artificial lake in India that is situated at a height of more than 1200 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by lush green hills, rocky formations, and amazing natural wonders that make it a paradise for nature lovers.
The Legend of Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is not only a beautiful and charming lake, but also a sacred and historical one. According to legend, Nakki Lake was created by deities using their nails or “nakh” to protect themselves from a demon. That is why it is called Nakki Lake, which means “nail lake” in Hindi. Nakki Lake is also considered holy by the local tribes who perform rituals here. Moreover, Nakki Lake is the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed on 12 February 1948 and Gandhi Ghat was constructed nearby.
The Attractions of Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors who want to enjoy its beauty and tranquility. One of the most popular activities at Nakki Lake is boating, which allows you to sail through the calm waters and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can choose from different types of boats such as paddle boats, row boats, or motor boats, depending on your preference and budget. Boating at Nakki Lake is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day and costs around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person.
Another activity that you can do at Nakki Lake is relaxing on its banks and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. You can take a walk along the lake, have a picnic with your loved ones, or just sit back and watch the sun set behind the hills. You can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and snacks from the stalls and vendors near the lake.
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You can also visit some of the natural wonders and landmarks that are visible from Nakki Lake such as:
Toad Rock: This is a rock formation that looks like a toad about to jump into the lake. It is located on a hill near the lake and can be reached by climbing some steps. It is a popular spot for photography and adventure lovers.
Sunset Point: This is a point that lies to the southwest of the lake and offers a spectacular view of the sun setting over the horizon. It is a romantic and mesmerizing place to witness the changing colors of the sky and the lake.
Gandhi Ghat: This is a ghat or platform that was built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ashes were immersed in Nakki Lake. It is a place of reverence and homage for many people who visit Nakki Lake.
The Best Time to Visit Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit it is during the monsoon season from July to September. During this time, the lake is filled with fresh water and the surrounding hills are covered with greenery. The weather is also pleasant and cool, making it ideal for boating and sightseeing.
Restaurants Near Nakki Lake
Yes, there are many restaurants near Nakki Lake that offer a variety of cuisines and dishes. Some of the popular and highly rated restaurants are:
Sankalp Restaurant: This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese food. It is located near Polo Ground, 0.1 km from Nakki Lake.
Mother’s Kitchen: This is another vegetarian restaurant that offers tasty and hygienic Indian and Asian food. It is located on Lake Road M.K. Circle, 0.2 km from Nakki Lake.
Havmor Havfunn Eatery, Nakki Lake: This is a fast food restaurant that serves a variety of snacks, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, ice creams, and beverages. It is located on Nakki Lake, 0.2 km from Nakki Lake.
The Chocolate Room: This is a cafe and bakery that offers mouth-watering desserts, cakes, pastries, chocolates, coffees, and shakes. It is located on Lake Road, 0.2 km from Nakki Lake.
Joji Beer And Food: This is a restaurant and bar that serves Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and beer dishes. It is located on Nakki Lake, 0.2 km from Nakki Lake.
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How To Reach Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is located in the heart of Mount Abu and is easily accessible by road. You can reach Nakki Lake by following these steps:
By Air:
If you are coming by air, the nearest airport is in Udaipur, which is about 185 km away from Mount Abu. You can take a flight to Udaipur from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc. From Udaipur, you can hire a cab or a taxi to reach Mount Abu, which will take about 3 to 4 hours.
By Rail:
If you are coming by train, the nearest railway station is in Abu Road, which is about 28 km away from Mount Abu. You can take a train to Abu Road from major cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. From Abu Road, you can hire a cab, a taxi, or an autorickshaw to reach Mount Abu, which will take about 45 minutes to an hour.
By Road:
If you are coming by road, you can drive to Mount Abu from nearby cities like Ahmedabad (225 km), Jaipur (500 km), Delhi (750 km), etc. You can also take a bus to Mount Abu from these cities or from Udaipur or Abu Road. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 depending on the type of bus and the distance.
Once you reach Mount Abu, you can easily find Nakki Lake on Ganesh Road, near the main market. It is within walking distance from most of the hotels and restaurants in Mount Abu. You can also hire a cab, a taxi, or an autorickshaw to reach Nakki Lake from anywhere in Mount Abu.
Best Places To Stay Near Nakki Lake
There are many premium hotels and resorts near Nakki Lake that offer a comfortable and luxurious stay for the guests. Some of the best ones are:
The Jaipur House: This is a heritage palace that was built in 1897 by the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is located near Nakki Lake and offers a splendid view of the lake from its rooms and balconies. It has 23 rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a terrace.
Hotel Hillock: This is a 4-star hotel that is situated near Nakki Lake and the main market. It has 40 rooms and suites that are spacious and cozy and have all the facilities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a conference hall.
Sterling Mount Abu: This is a resort that is located on a hilltop near Nakki Lake and offers a panoramic view of the Aravalli hills. It has 69 rooms that are stylish and comfortable and have all the amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a game room.
Ratan Villas: This is a resort that is nestled in the forest near Nakki Lake and offers a serene and natural environment for the guests. It has 25 cottages that are designed in Rajasthani style and have all the amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant, a garden, and a bonfire area.
Hummingbird Resort: Hummingbird Resort is a 4-star resort in Mount Abu that is located near Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Nakki Lake. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, families, couples, and business travelers who want to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay in the lap of Aravalli Hills.
Nakki Lake is one of the most attractive and enchanting places to visit in Mount Abu Rajasthan. It is a destination that will make you fall in love with nature and its wonders.
If you are planning to visit Mount Abu Rajasthan, then make sure to include Nakki Lake in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
