Dhebar Lake also known as `Jaisamand Lake` is the second largest artificial lake of Asia. Interestingly, when it was built, it was the largest artificial lake in the world. The lake`s massive size (length 14 km, width 9km and depth 102 feet) is a reason enough to pull travellers to this spot. In addition to this, it is surrounded by ancient architectural buildings, a wild life sanctuary, and forest.

Location of Dhebar Lake
It is located in Jaisamand in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan state of western India. Jaisamand is situated at a distance of 45 km. from the district headquarter at Udaipur and is well connected by air, rail and road.

History of Dhebar Lake
Covering an area of 87 sq. km. the foundation of the lake was laid in the 17th century by Rana Jai Singh of Udaipur when a marble dam was built across the Gomati River.

The lake was inaugurated on 2nd June 1691 and it is said on this day Maharaja Jai Singh distributed gold equal to his own weight in charity after a tuladaan ceremony. It was earlier known as the Dhebar Lake because the Gomati River by which the lake is formed used to flow through Dhebar and pass through two hillocks.

Tourism of Dhebar Lake
The embankment area of this lake is finely decorated with graceful chhatris made of marble. On both sides of the lake there are beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens. In the midst of the lake there are three islands whose inhabitants use boats, which in the local language is called bhel to reach the shore. There are two old palaces housed on the top of two nearby hillocks built by Maharana Jai Singh. The northern end of the lake comprises of a palace with a courtyard while its southern end is adorned with a pavilion of 12 pillars. The lake is constructed with elegant steps leading to the water. The lake houses beautiful teak forest on the shores. The vast lake braided with the Aravalli ranges offers scenic beauty, which is a treat for the eyes.

Adjacent to the Dhebar Lake is the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the habitat of sloth bear, leopard, chinkara, crocodiles, deer, chital, wild boar and a number of birds. Fishes and crocodiles can also be found here. The Sanctuary around Dhebar Lake can be reached by the state highway to Baswara from Udaipur.

Connectivity of Dhebar Lake
The lake can be easily accessed by road. One can reach the lake either by availing regular buses or by hiring taxis from the city.