The westernmost state of Gujarat is blessed with some of the most stunning geographical features in the subcontinent. From the white salt desert of Rann of Kutch to the peaceful beaches and gentle hills. The lakes of Gujarat deserve a special mention. Not only are these water bodies absolutely awe-inspiring to look at but they also function as a rest stop for various migratory birds making it a heaven for bird watchers and nature lovers. These lakes offer some peaceful respite to the locals as relaxing picnic spots. Although Gujarat is known for its magnificent temples and unmatched spirituality, its stunning natural features manage to capture the attention of every nature lover. Looking to explore a different side of Gujarat? Check out these 20 most famous lakes in Gujarat:
List of the 20 Most Beautiful Lakes in Gujarat
1. Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake is the highlight of every Gujarat trip. Situated in the Maninagar area, this lake is frequented by locals as well as tourists. Kankaria is one of the largest lakes in the state and it is known for its rich history and architectural marvel. This prime tourist spot was built in 1451 during the reign of Ahmad Shah 2. The lakefront that developed around it has several public attractions like a zoo, toy train, tethered balloon ride, kids city, water rides and many more. The annual week-long Kankaria carnival is another major feature of this lake. Not only does this lake add beauty to the city but it has also turned into a cultural, art and social centre.
2. Nal Lake
The Nal Lake is the primary source of water within the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary. Situated at a comfortable distance of 64 km from the city of Ahmedabad, the lake is 120.8 sq. km large. The lake is mainly home to exotic migratory birds through the winter and spring months. It is so well maintained that it has earned the place for being the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat and one of the largest in India. Needless to say, it is every bird watcher’s paradise. People can witness birds like rosy pelicans, flamingos, white storks, herons and over 250 different species of birds at one place.
3. Sur Sagar Lake
Sur Sagar Lake or Chaand Talao is situated in the middle of the city of Vadodara. During the 18th 18th century, the lake was rebuilt with stone masonry. While sitting on the walls of this lake, that can hold water for a year, one can gaze out at the massive 111-foot-tall statue of lord Shiva that stands in the middle of the lake. The lake is an engineering brilliance in itself which is clear through the installation of several underground gates that open up in order to drain the excess overflowing lake.
4. Hamirsar Lake
Situated in the centre of the Gujarati city of Bhuj, Hamirsar is a man-made lake which is about 450 years old. The lake is named after the Jadeja Ruler Rao Hamir, the founder of Bhuj. The site of this lake was chosen in order to create an oasis in the saline and arid Kutch land. Over time, several canals, tunnels and smaller river systems were developed to bring in the water from the closest river. Spread over an area of 28 acres the lake contains a garden island at the centre that adds to the overall beauty of this place.
5. Thol Lake
Situated close to the village of Thol, the lake Thol is an artificial freshwater lake that was once built as an irrigation tank in 1912. Being the centre of attraction for many migratory birds and surrounded by marshes, this lake was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1988. Ever since then, the lake hosts over 150 different species of birds with over 60% of them being waterbirds. The periphery of the lake is used by these migratory birds to nest and breed. Apart from being a haven for the birds, it is also the perfect grounds for a thriving population of flora and fauna.
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6. Gomti Lake
If you are ever travelling to Kheda, a visit to Gomti Lake is unavoidable. This lake is a major tourist attraction in the village of Vadtal. This lake has a lot of religious and spiritual significance to it. According to Hindu writings, during his journey with lord Krishna, Bhimsen dug up a small pool of water into a huge lake in order to provide water for forest animals and nearby village dwellers. The lake is located opposite the Dakora temple that gets its name from Gomti River at Dwarka. The lake spreads over an area of 230 hectares and its periphery is dotted with lodging for pilgrims.
7. Saputara Lake
Situated in the Dang district, Saputara Lake is a man-made marvel that is the centre of tourist attraction in the scenic hill town of Saputara. These hills have a mythological importance linked to it. According to popular belief, Saputara Hills is the place where lord Ram is said to have spent about 11 years of his exile here. The lake attracts a huge crowd of tourists all year round who indulge in activities like boating and other water sports activities. The monsoon months bring out the best of Saputara Lake.
8. Narayan Sarovar
Narayan Sarovar which is also known as Narayansar is a small pilgrimage village situated on the Kori Creek in Kutch district. With the ancient Koteshwar Temple just 4 km away the lake is frequented by pilgrims. One of the prominent features of the buildings here is that all the places of worship and important buildings are encapsulated within a fortified wall with the local’s home built outside the walls. The sprawling lake is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna hence it has also been given the status of a wildlife sanctuary. It is a great place to experience the untouched natural beauty of Gujarat.
9. Gopi Talav
Situated in the Gopipura locality of Surat in Gujarat, this lake was built in 1510 CE by Malik Gopi. He was an affluent merchant and the erstwhile governor of Surat during the reign of Gujarat sultanate. Ever since its construction, the lake has been a major source of water for the locals. It was in 2012 that the lake was further renovated and the surrounding area was redeveloped as a recreational facility. The lake’s mention can be found in various writings of European and other foreign travellers. It was here that Emperor Akbar’s military had set up base in 1573, during the siege of Surat.
10. Chharodi Lake
The Chharodi Lake is situated near the village with the same name in Ahmedabad. The lake is spread over an area of 42,500 sq. m. and it is also interlinked with other smaller lakes. The 716-metre-long walking track developed around the periphery of the lake is regularly used by the locals to go on relaxing walks. Several water-based activities on the lake like water cycles makes a visit here worth it with your family. Being an artificial lake it is regularly managed and taken care of by the authorities. The frequency of the tourists to the lake has prompted some new work to be done there like the creation of a new amusement park and a garden in the future.
11. Vastrapur Lake
Officially Named Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta Lake and situated in the western part of the city of Ahmedabad, Vastrapur Lake is a gem of a place. Beautified and renovated in 2002 the lake has turned into a picnic hotspot of the city. The lake is surrounded by pretty and well-manicured gardens and on occasions, people make it a point to visit the lake/garden area. The lake has been through a brief period of drying up completely in 2016 and reviving 3 years later in 2019 by filling up through the Narmada River water.
12. Chandola Lake
Chandola Lake is located in the city of Ahmedabad and covers a massive area of 1200 hectares. This water reservoir that is properly embanked in a circular form also serves as a home for various avian creatures such as painted storks, spoonbill birds, cormorants and many more. One can take a walk on the lake’s periphery while enjoying the stunning views of the exotically colourful birds. The lake is extremely old and a small claim to fame is that, during the salt march, Mahatma Gandhi had taken a brief rest under a Pipal Tree, right next to the lake that was a small pool during that time.
13. Bortalav Lake
Situated at a comfortable distance of 6 kms from the Bhavnagar railway station, Bortalav Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in Bhavnagar. This man-made lake is extremely huge and attracts a lot of tourist crowds. Built in 1872 the lake is also referred to as Gaurishankar Lake since it was built under the guidance of Gaurishankar Oza, who was the Diwan of Bhavnagar. The lake was constructed as a reservoir in order to meet with the growing water needs of the local Bhavnagar residents. Currently, this place serves as one of the most famous picnic spots in Bhavnagar.
14. Lalpari Lake
Lalpari Lake is an ideal family picnic location situated in the outskirts of the city of Rajkot. This popular picnic spot was constructed by the erstwhile rulers of Rajkot in 1895. The lake gets its name from its primary source river which is the Lal Pari River, a smaller tributary of Aji River. The Randarda Lake is another tourist spot which is located close to the Lal Pari River and makes for the perfect scenic getaway. The Lal Pari Lake is frequented by bird watchers and photographers looking to capture the perfect moment.
15. Gangajalia Talav
Situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, Gangajaliya Talav is often an overlooked marvel in the city. This beautiful lake is blessed with tons of greenery along its border with the highlight being the Ganga Dari, a marble structure. The yearly Gangajaliya carnival attracts a lot of people to the banks of this lake and they indulge in various fun rides, food and shopping. The lake being situated in the heart of the city offers some peaceful respite from the bustle of the crowd.
16. Lakhota Lake
Popularly referred to as the Lakhota Talav or Ranmal Lake, this 18th-century lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jamnagar in Gujarat. This man-made lake contains a small fort on a small island in the centre. Situated at a comfortable distance of just 5 km away from Jamnagar railway station it is also one of the largest water bodies in Jamnagar city. For this reason, it is a must-visit tourist place in Jamnagar. The lake with the fort was both built by King Jam Ranmal and currently, it is known for being a recreational centre.
17. Shakoor Lake
Shakoor Lake is located right on the border between Gujarat in India and the Sindh province in south Pakistan. While the majority of this lake is in India, about 90 sq. km. of it lies in Pakistan. The Indo-Pak border road was built by the Indian side that runs across the Shakoor Lake which goes on to join the SH 45 at the Kanjarkot fort. This natural lake was formed by the emergence of Allah Bund on its southern end by blocking the Nara River when a huge earthquake struck the region in 1819. Geographically as well as environmentally, Lake Shakoor is a major part of the cross-border Rann of Kutch.
18. Naroda Lake
When it comes to the lakes of Gujarat, it remains incomplete without Naroda Lake getting a special mention. Developed as a smaller version of the Kankaria Lake, which has earned its pet name as ‘Mini Kankaria’, it is situated in the city of Ahmedabad. The lake is a huge crowd-puller and hosts several exciting gatherings for the tourists and visitors. Although the lake is not very big, the surroundings make a visit here totally worth it. The mini train ride, gaming facility, food zone etc. makes it a fun getaway with family and especially kids.
19. Topansar Lake
Situated in the heart of Mandvi and about 2.5 hours away from Kutch this delightful lake is the perfect picnic spot. The lake is surrounded on all sides by lush greenery which is visited by several migratory and exotic birds throughout the year. This makes Topansar one of the prime locations for bird watching. Enjoy the cool morning breeze while sitting on the bench that dot the periphery of the lake and watch the birds go about with their day. Make sure to carry your binoculars and a camera to capture all the beautiful moments.
20. Matariya Talav
Mataroya Talav is a local favourite among the residents of Bharuch. A delightful spot for morning walks, this lake has managed to stay in the hearts of locals for a very long time. Surrounding the lake is a massive, well-maintained garden that also contains a jogging track and ample sitting area. If you are looking to spend some quality time or a good place to watch the sunset and have some peace of mind, then this place is perfect for it.
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