Rajsamand Lake

Rajsamand Lake is a large artificial freshwater lake located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, approximately 67 kilometers north of Udaipur. Constructed between 1662 and 1676 by Maharana Raj Singh I, it was built as a famine relief project and for irrigation purposes. The lake features the historic Nau Chauki marble embankment with nine pavilions and the Raj Prashasti, one of the world's longest Sanskrit inscriptions. It serves as a significant heritage site and tourist attraction offering water sports and scenic views.

Visitors can expect to see a vast expanse of water surrounded by the Aravalli hills, with a prominent white marble embankment known as Nau Chauki featuring intricately carved pavilions and steps. The lake offers opportunities for photography, sightseeing, and various water sports activities including boating, jet skiing, and speed boat rides. Visitors can explore the historic Raj Prashasti inscriptions on black marble slabs and enjoy peaceful surroundings, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

Constructed between 1662 and 1676 by Maharana Raj Singh I of Mewar as a famine relief work during the drought of 1661. The construction employed over 60,000 workers and cost approximately 15 million rupees. It is the oldest known famine relief work in Rajasthan. The lake also served as a seaplane base for Imperial Airways during World War II. The consecration ceremony was held in January 1676 with extensive charitable donations.

The lake holds significant cultural importance as evidenced by the Raj Prashasti, a Sanskrit inscription on 25 black marble slabs written by Ranchor Bhatt describing the history of Mewar. The Nau Chauki embankment features nine pavilions symbolizing the nine planets in Indian philosophy. The lake has been a source of potable water for the region and represents an important example of historical water management and architecture.