Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake lies on the south-eastern edge of Jaisalmer, the desert city of western Rajasthan, about 1.5 kilometres from Jaisalmer Fort. Tradition holds that the city's founder, Rawal Jaisal, first built a tank here in 1156, and that it was rebuilt and enlarged around 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, after whom it is named. It is also called Gadsisar.

For centuries the lake was the main water supply of Jaisalmer, collecting rainwater in a region with very little rainfall. It was surrounded by ghats, small temples and shrines where people bathed, prayed and drew water. It is now fed mainly by the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Visitors enter through Tilon ki Pol, a carved yellow sandstone gateway. Local tradition says it was built by a royal courtesan named Tilon, and that she placed a Krishna temple on top so the king could not demolish it. Around the water are ghats, chhatris on small platforms, and temples. Migratory birds, catfish and pigeons gather in winter. Rowing and pedal boats can be hired, and at sunrise and sunset the yellow stone glows over the still water. A folk museum stands near the lake.

Gadisar is one of the most peaceful places in Jaisalmer, especially in the early morning before tour groups arrive.

Entry to the lake area is free, while boating is paid. The lake is open from early morning until evening. October to March is the most comfortable season.

What does the name mean? Gadisar joins the name of Rawal Gadsi with sar, a Sanskrit word for a lake or body of water. When Rawal Jaisal Bhati first made the tank in 1156 it was known as Jaisalasar, and it was the only water source for the young city. Rawal Gadsi Bhati rebuilt it around 1367, and from then on it carried his name. For centuries it supplied water to the whole of Jaisalmer, which is why the banks are crowded with shrines, chhatris and steps leading down to the water.

Ducks and other waterbirds gather near the ghats, and local people feed the large catfish from the steps. The lake is in the southern part of the city, an easy walk or short auto-rickshaw ride from the fort gate.