Balsamand Lake

Balsamand Lake is an artificial reservoir located approximately 5 kilometers from Jodhpur city on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Built in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, it was originally designed to supply water to Mandore. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens with fruit trees and serves as a popular picnic spot. A historic red sandstone palace on its banks now operates as a heritage hotel.

Visitors can expect a tranquil lakeside setting surrounded by manicured gardens containing mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava, and plum trees. The area features wildlife including peacocks, jackals, and blue bulls. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, enjoy boating on the lake, and view the historic Balsamand Lake Palace from the outside. The site offers a peaceful environment for photography and relaxation away from the city center.

Balsamand Lake was constructed in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar, a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, as a water reservoir to supply water to Mandore. It served this purpose until the 18th century. In the 19th century, Maharaja Jaswant Singh revived the lake and commissioned the construction of Balsamand Lake Palace on its banks as a summer residence for the royal family. The palace was later used by Maharaja Sur Singh.

The lake represents historical water management practices in Rajasthan and serves as a reminder of the region's royal heritage. The surrounding gardens were designed using Mughal architectural styles by British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester.