Lakes in Gujarat are scattered throughout the state. They serve as picnic or tourist spots. The lakes exhibit striking natural beauty where an invigorating time can be spent by the visitors. Taking a stroll near the lake can be immensely refreshing. Some of the lakes also have amusement centers, where children as well as grown ups can have various types of entertainment. Apart from entertainment, the lakes also serve irrigation purposes and can be used by industries. These lakes are also homes to various fauna, especially birds, including the migratory ones.
Chandola Lake
Chandola Lake is located in Ahmedabad spanning over an area of about 1200 hectares. The lake was established by the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad namely, Tajn Khan Nari Ali. This circular water reservoir hosts a number of spoonbills, painted storks and cormorants. Water of the lake is widely used for irrigation and industrial purposes. The placid lake is visited by several tourists for a leisure stroll.
Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund is a lake situated near Junagadh, at the foothills of Girnar Hills. The lake is one of the monuments protected by the state government of Gujarat. This lake is visited by a large number of pilgrims. Hindu mythology considers this lake as sacred and it is preferred for immersing the ashes after the cremation of dead bodies. Since ancient times, the lake hosts a grand fair on Amavasya day of Bhadarva month.
Gaurishankar Lake
Gaurishankar Lake, also known as Bor Talav, is a water reservoir which mainly serves the purpose of supplying water to the town of Bhavnagar. It also serves as a cherished picnic spot. The lake covers an area of about 381 hectares and was conceived and constructed in the year 1872. There is a children`s park situated adjacent to the lake, which houses a boat house, a planetarium, musical fountains and many other entertainment facilities.
Hamirsar Lake
Hamirsar Lake, located in Bhuj town of Kutch district is a large man made lake. The lake is about 450 year old. It encompasses an area of about 28 acres and has a beautiful mid-lake garden at the centre of the lake. The lake is an ideal place for spending a relaxing time, where people often go to swim or take a stroll.
Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake, located in Ahmedabad is the largest lake of the city. The lake was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutbuddin. There is a lakefront at the spot, which has been developed to invite tourists and visitors. The lakefront has entertainment facilities like food stalls, water-park, water rides, tethered balloon ride, kids city, toy train and a zoo. A week long carnival is organized here during the month of December. Several culture-related activities as well as social and art activities are held at the time.
Narayan Sarovar
Narayan Sarovar is a lake located in the Kutch district, near Bhuj. It is one of the five holy lakes of India as mentioned in Shrimad Bhagvat and thus it holds immense religious significance. It invites devotees from all over the country. It is said that the lake was visited by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya who had spent some time here. In the year 1981, the place was declared as Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary.
Nal Sarovar
Nal Sarovar, located in Ahmedabad is a huge lake which has been notified as Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is accredited as the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat and is amongst the largest in India too. It has also been declared as a Ramsar site in India. A number of migratory birds are the inhabitants of the lake region, during winters and spring.
Boating in the lake is a pleasing experience.
Shakoor Lake
Shakoor Lake is located on the border between the Indian state of Gujarat and Pakistan. The lake encompasses an area of about 300 square kilometers. The major portion of the lake comes under India whereas Pakistan has an area of about 96 square kilometers of the lake.
Thol Lake
Thol Lake is situated near Ahmedabad in Mehsana district. It was officially declared as Thol Bird Sanctuary in the year 1988. It is a fresh water lake enclosed by marshes. The lake derives its name from a local village situated nearby namely, Thol. Thol Lake is a home to about 100 species of birds. Numerous exotic migratory birds breed and nest on the lake.
Vastrapur Lake
Vastrapur Lake is located in Ahmedabad and serves as a popular tourist spot. The lush green lawn surrounding the lake hosts many cultural events. Beautiful gardens surround this lake, flaunting beautiful stone works. An open air theatre and a children`s park is also located around the lake. Many a times the lake is fed with the water from Narmada River.
Other Lakes in Gujarat
Some of the other lakes in Gujarat are Gomti Lake, Ranmal Lake, Lakhota Talav, Bindu Sarovar, Sharmishtha Lake, Saputara Lake, Narsinh Maheta Lake, Topansar Lake, Lal Pari Lake, Sursagar Lake, Sudershan Lake, Halar Lake, Munsar Lake and Gandhinagar Lake.