Sambhar Lake, Jaipur - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 94 km from Jaipur, Sambhar Lake is a salt water lake located in Sambhar Lake Town in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. It is the largest inland salt lake in India, and among the popular places to visit near Jaipur.

Shimmering in the arid terrain of Rajasthan, the Sambhar Salt Lake serves as a striking example of nature's craftsmanship. This extensive body of water stretches roughly 35.5 kilometers in length and varies in width between 3 and 11 kilometers. The lake is nourished by six rivers: Mantha, Rupangarh, Khari, Khandela, Medtha, and Samod. With a circumference of 96 kilometers, it is encircled by the Aravalli hills on all sides.

Historically, the town of Sambhar was established by Raja Vasudev of the Chauhan dynasty in 551 AD. Throughout the years, it came under the rule of the Sindhias, Marathas, and Mughals, before being reclaimed by the Rajputs in 1709. The rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur jointly held ownership of the lake, which was leased to the British in 1870. The name 'Sambhar' is derived from the ancient temple of Shakambhari Mata, the patron deity of the Chauhan Rajputs, which is located under a rocky outcrop extending into the lake in the village of Sirthula. This temple is recognized as one of the 3 Shakti Peeths associated with Mother Shakambhari.

The Sambhar lake basin is partitioned by a 5.1-kilometer-long dam constructed from sandstone. Once the saltwater reaches a specific concentration, it is transferred from the western side to the eastern side by lifting the dam gates. East of the dam lies a series of salt evaporation ponds, where salt has been harvested for over a millennium. This eastern region spans 80 sq. km and consists of salt reservoirs, canals, and salt pans divided by narrow ridges. Additionally, a railroad built by the British runs to the east of the dam, facilitating access from Sambhar Lake City to the salt production facilities.

The Sambhar Salt Lake is crucial to Rajasthan's economy, serving as the main source of salt production in the state, yielding approximately 196,000 tonnes of refined salt each year which represents about 9% of India's total salt output. The salt is produced through the evaporation of brine and is primarily managed by Sambhar Salts Ltd., a joint venture between Hindustan Salts Limited and the state government.

Sambhar Lake has been recognized as a Ramsar site due to its significance as a vital wintering habitat for numerous pink flamingos and various other bird species that migrate from northern Asia and Siberia between November and February. With the onset of the monsoon in July, the lake comes alive with the vibrant sounds of numerous avian species, including coots, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks. Visitors can take a loco train ride for bird watching. Additionally, the area is home to wildlife such as foxes and blue bulls that can be seen roaming freely.

In the vicinity, visitors can explore the Devyani Temple, a tranquil site dedicated to the goddess Ganga, along with the nearby Devyani Kund, also referred to as Chota Pushkar. Close to the Devyani Kund, ancient Shiva temples, including the Baba Jageshwar Temple, provide insight into the rich historical heritage of the region. The area also offers a unique opportunity to observe the process of salt extraction, featuring salt wagons and a visit to the Salt Museum, which showcases salt samples from across India within a historic colonial structure.

The vast salt lake bed, reminiscent of the Rann of Kutch, serves as an ideal location for stargazing and appreciating celestial phenomena. For those seeking an exclusive experience, a sundowner during golden hours on the Sambhar Lake train can be a good option. You can contact the train boarding point at Jhapok or Sambhar Heritage Resort. Lately, Sambhar Lake has also become popular for film shooting, and pre-wedding shoots due to its white backdrop. Visitors can also partake in activities such as camping, motor sports, and cycling along well-marked trails in this picturesque setting.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free