Main Info
Ana Sagar Lake is one of the most beautiful creations of man in Ajmer. Nestled amid Ajmer city in Rajasthan, Ana Sagar Lake is one of the largest and famous lakes in India. The lake is about 4.4 meters deep and stretches over an area of 12 kilometers.
The lake gets its name from Anaji Tomar, who was the mastermind behind the construction of this lake during the 12th century. Anaji Tomar was the grandfather of King Prithvi Raj Chauhan who also built a dam over the Luni River to ensure better access to water for the inhabitants in the region.
The lake is enclosed by a splendid garden and a temple. Daulat Bagh Gardens lies adjacent to Ana Sagar and you will be mesmerized by the lush greenery around. Khobra Behroon temple is situated on the lakeside and the view of the water body from this place is breathtaking and marvelous.
You can also spot a tiny island in the heart of the lagoon. The lake dries up during the summer months, however, at other times of the year you can carry out interesting water sports such as boating and water scooter rides. The view around the temple is best during sunsets so do not forget to take a camera to capture incredible shots of the surroundings.
More on Ana Sagar Lake
History of Ana Sagar Lake
One of the main reasons why people visit Ajmer is to enjoy the stupendous view of Ana Sagar Lake. The pool is the key attraction in the region which was constructed around the 12th century by the emperor of Ajmer, Anaji Chauhan. To be more precise, the lake was built sometime between 1135 and 1150 AD.
The lagoon was built together with the construction of a dam over the river Luni. The main aim of building the lake was to divert water from the river into a water catchment area so that the people living around have a better lifestyle. The white marble-stoned pavilion around the lake, which is also referred to as ‘Baradari’, was constructed by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan during the year 1637.
Daulat Bagh Gardens surrounding the lake was built by another Mughal ruler, Jahangir. The circuit house situated on a nearby hilltop was built by the British that served as a residence to their fellow people. To preserve the beauty and serene ambience around the lake, any kind of construction in the vicinity of Ana Sagar has been prohibited by the High Court.
Attractions and Activities at Ana Sagar Lake
If you are wanting to spend some quality time with your family and friends, you ought to visit Ana Sagar Lake while you are in Ajmer. Along with remarkable beauty, the lake has a quiet and soothing atmosphere. Here you can simply sit back and enjoy the awe-inspiring views.
The lakeside is mostly occupied by locals and other tourists who are either strolling or jogging around the lake. During the evening, you can enjoy the sunset and picturesque sight of different hues of the orange cast by the setting sun over the surface of the lake. You can pass your time enjoying various local food items such as gol-gappe, cotton candy, popcorn, etc. Moreover, you can visit the nearby Dargah Bazar and Churi Bazar to enjoy shopping and the local traditional food of Rajasthan.
You should also explore the adjacent Daulat Bagh Gardens and the Khobra Behroon temple located on the southern part of the lake. A small island located in the center of the lake is a must-visit if you long for some solitude. The island can be reached via a water scooter or a boat which in turn can be hired from the eastern side of Daulat Bagh Gardens. It will not take much time to explore the places in and around the lake so it is advisable to spend a part of the day traveling to other nearby attractions such as Taragarh Fort, Nasiyan, Adahi-Din-Ka-Jhopra, and Prithviraj Smarak.