The waters of the Gadisar lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan reflect the history of Jaisalmer city. The lake dates back to the time of the city’s founder, Maharawal Jaisal, who founded Jaisalmer in the 12th century. Water is more precious than gold and silver in the desert and artificial lakes built by the rulers of Rajasthan in Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, and other places were a boon to the parched cities of the desert land.

Gadisar Lake is one of the lakes that is a silent ode to the ingenuity of the rulers of the land and its people. The Gadisar Lake was originally named Jaisalasar Lake after its founder. As the lake was rebuilt in the 14th century by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, it later came to be known as Gadisar Lake.

Visiting Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan

It was as if providence wanted us to enjoy the beauty of the Gadisar Lake in all its glory. As we walked towards the lake, the overcast skies and rains that had been following us on our Rajasthan road trip right from Jaipur to Bikaner, and then Jaisalmer, miraculously cleared.

The sky looked like a blue canvas speckled with dabs of white paint by the clouds that floated merrily. The blue skies and the turquoise waters of the Gadisar Lake looked heavenly and held the promise of a mesmerizing evening. The waters of the lake would soon transform into a canvas where the history of Jaisalmer would be painted in vibrant colour through a spectacular Light and Sound show, one of the largest Laser Water Show in the state.

Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan – Gadisar Lake History

The history of Rajasthan is replete with instances of its kings, excavating artificial lakes that would serve as water reservoirs, to supply water to their desert kingdoms. Udaipur is in fact known as the city of lakes with an intricate system of interconnected lakes that is the lifeline of the city. Major lakes like Fatehsagar Lake, Pichola Lake, Badi Lake, and many other minor lakes form an incredible water system.

Jaisalmer too which was founded on the fringes of the Thar Desert by Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156 had a crying need for water, the elixir of life, and this led the King, Maharawal Jaisal to build a water reservoir which would store rainwater.

Thus was born the Gadsisar Rainwater Lake, which was then named Jaisalasar Lake after Rawal Jaisal. The same lake was however rebuilt during the 14th century by Maharawal Gadsi Singh and its name got changed in honour of the king Gadsi Singh. This lake in Jaisalmer is what we know today as the Gadisar Lake or Gadaria Lake or Gadsisar Lake.

The Gadsisar Lake Jaisalmer is a man-made lake which was built at a higher level and connected to lakes at subsequent lower levels. It was a system of 9 interconnected lakes. The system ensured that when the Gadsisar Lake got filled with rainwater, the excess water flowed to the lake that was built at a lower level, and when that lake got filled, water would flow to the next lake and so on. It was indeed an ingenuous system of water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

The Gadsisar Lake Jaisalmer was built with ghats or steps that led to it surrounding the entire circumference. Canopies or Chhatris were built along its periphery. The lake was not only a source of water for the golden city of Jaisalmer, but it was also a public place where people congregated for festivals and cultural activities.

Gadsisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan – Places To See

As you leave the main road, you approach a fork in the road. One end of the fork leads to Tilon Ki Pol which is the gateway to Gadhisar Lake.

Tilon Ki Pol – Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan

There is a fascinating legend associated with Tilon Ki Pol. It is believed that a courtesan named Tilon expressed a desire to have a gateway constructed on the lake, however, the King was not in agreement with it. When the King was away on an expedition, Tilon went ahead and had the massive structure constructed, and she also had a Krishna temple constructed at the top, to ensure that the King would not have the gate destroyed.

The Pol or gate is known as Tilon Ki Pol after the courtesan who had it constructed. The Tilon Ki Pol is a beautiful two-storeyed structure constructed with yellow stone that is ubiquitous in Jaisalmer. The structure is ornamented with beautiful arches, canopies, balconies, and lattice windows. The gate is actually a residential building that was once used to shelter travellers and pilgrims from faraway places.

Today you can hire a boat to cruise on the Gadisar Lake from Tilon Ki Pol. There is a raised platform with steps to the right of Tilon Ki Pol, from where you can get a panoramic view of Gadsisar Lake.

Temples and Chhatris are built all along the periphery of the Ghadsisar Lake along its ghats. A path towards the left of the Tilon Ki Pol leads to a spot that gives a beautiful view of the Jaisalmer Fort in the distance. It is a good spot to watch the setting sun as it casts a golden glow over the famed fort of the city.

If the Jaisalmer Fort is visible in the distance, below stretch out cenotaphs or Chhatris of different sizes. On the top is a Brahmin Cremation Ghat.

Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan – Laser Water Show at Gadisar Lake

If you are visiting Jaisalmer, then you must not miss the Laser Water Show at Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer. It is a wonderful experience that aesthetically presents the history of Jaisalmer on the waters of the Gadisar Lake.

After watching the sunset, we walked back to the fork in the road that we talked about earlier and took the other end of the fork. We passed a selfie point which depicted two camels made of waste metal standing gracefully, flanking a heart that looked like a horseshoe on which were written the words, “I Love Jaisalmer.”

We soon reached one of the ghats of Gadisar Lake where we settled ourselves. The waters of the Lake looked placid and presented a beautiful sight in the backdrop of the blue sky, it was almost twilight, and soon people were seated on the steps of the ghats that skirted the entire lake.

It was a beautiful evening, families and kids were out for the evening and sat waiting with bated breath on the steps. All eyes were on the centre of the lake, boats still glided through the waters taking tourists around the lake. Everyone was waiting for the spectacle to begin.

As light gave way to darkness, the darkness was smitten with light and colour as the much-awaited Light and Sound Show began, a roar of delight went up from the audience that had been patiently waiting for the moment.

It had a compelling commentary in Hindi that narrated the history of Jaisalmer, as the laser show painted the history of the city on the waters of the lake. The lake erupted in a burst of colour, light, and music with the logo of Rajasthan Tourism materializing on the waters of the lake.

The Laser show went on to paint the history of Jaisalmer in technicolour. Starting with the meeting between the founder of Jaisalmer Rawal Jaisal and a sage called Eesul near the Trikut hill, which led to the founding of Jaisalmer and the building of the Jaisalmer Fort, the people were treated to a wonderful audio-visual presentation of the story of Jaisalmer.

The best part is that there is no entry ticket for the Light and Sound show at the Gadisar Lake, and it is a nice way to spend an evening in Jaisalmer, both for visitors to the city as well as locals.

Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Timings And Entry Fees | Gadsisar Lake – Tips

• There is no entry ticket for visiting Gadisar Lake as well as the Light and Sound show
• Gadisar Lake boating is recommended for panoramic views from the lake, there is a charge for boating which can be done from Tilon Ki  Pol
• The best time to visit Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer is in the evenings
• Take a walk around the periphery of the lake and you will get some amazing views
• Do take time to visit nearby attractions like the Desert Cultural Centre and Museum, Cenotaphs, and Sunset Point
• Spend some serene moments at the lake and immerse in its tranquillity and do not forget to click a lot of pictures

Top Places To Visit In Jaisalmer

Apart from the Gadisar Lake many more attractions and experiences await you in the golden city of Jaisalmer. Here are some of the places that you must visit in Jaisalmer.

• Jaisalmer Fort
• Patwon Ki Haveli
• Nathmal Ki Haveli
• Gadisar Lake
• Sam Sand Dunes
• Kuldhara Village
• Jaisalmer War Museum
• Tanot Mata Temple

Check our video of Gadisar Lake on YouTube

Images Of Gadaria Lake Jaisalmer

We have shared here a collage of some mesmerizing images of Gadaria Lake Jaisalmer, that are sure to make you pack your bags for Jaisalmer.

How To Reach Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Address:

Gadisar Lake,
Postal Colony,
Near Tilon Ki Gate,
Near Jaisalmer Fort,
Jaisalmer – 345001
Rajasthan
India

Gadisar Lake – A Historical Landmark of Jaisalmer, is located outside the famed Jaisalmer Fort. It is about 4 kilometres from the fort. Jaisalmer is located near the Thar desert and is one of the many historic cities of Rajasthan, India.

• Jaisalmer is at a distance of about 613 kilometres from the city of Jaipur
• Jaisalmer to Bikaner distance is about 330 kilometres
• Jaisalmer to Jodhpur distance is about 281 kilometres
• Jaisalmer to Udaipur distance is about 489 kilometres

Jaisalmer is served by a small domestic airport located about 12 kilometres from the city. There are limited flights to and from here to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore. The other option is to fly to Jodhpur airport and travel by road to Jaisalmer.

If you are planning a visit to Jaisalmer, you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car and bus options.

Where To Stay While Visiting Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Jaisalmer occupies a prominent place on the tourist map of India and hence offers a range of accommodations to suit your preference and budget. You can choose to stay at any of the many resorts, 5-star hotels, or homestays while in Jaisalmer. We stayed at The Desert Palace Hotel during our stay in Jaisalmer. You can book the Desert Palace or any other hotel or resort in Jaisalmer or anywhere in India right here.

You can book Hotels in Jaisalmer or any destination right here through any of the options here –  TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined or  Agoda and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Jaisalmer Tourism | Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan is truly a traveller’s delight, it has everything that a traveller can ask for. From forts to palaces, lakes to deserts, nature and wildlife, culture and cuisine, Rajasthan has it all.

There is so much to see and experience in Rajasthan. If you prefer package tours and looking for these, you can plan your Rajasthan itinerary and book your Rajasthan trips, right here. So go ahead and book online places to see in Rajasthan and popular activities in Rajasthan and cover attractions in Rajasthan.

Gadaria Lake Jaisalmer/Gadisar Lake – FAQ

Who built Gadsisar lake?
The Gadsisar Lake also known as Gadisar Lake was originally built by Maharawal Jaisal during the 12th century and was later renovated by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century.

What is special about Gadisar Lake?
The Gadisar Lake is a historic lake and was originally the feeder lake to a network of 9 lakes that provided water to the city of Jaisalmer.

Why Gadsisar lake is famous?
The importance of Gadisar Lake is that it has historically been the lifeline of Jaisalmer and has been witness to the march of history of Jaisalmer. It now also has a spectacular laser water show that showcases the city’s history.

What was the purpose of making Gadisar Lake?
Gadisar Lake was constructed as a rainwater reservoir to supply water to Jaisalmer.

Where is Gadisar Lake located?
Gadisar Lake is Located in the Jaisalmer district, in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.

Which king made the Gadsisar lake?
Originally the Gadaria Lake Jaisalmer Rajasthan was built by Maharawal Jaisal and later rebuilt by Maharawal Gadsi Singh.

What is surrounding Gadsisar lake?
The beautiful Gadisar lake is surrounded by temples and Chhatris that dot its periphery.

How many lakes are in Gadsisar?
Originally Gadisar Lake was part of a system of nine interconnected lakes. Today the Gadisar lake is fed by the Indira Canal.

What does SAR in the word Gadsisar mean?
Sar means lake, and Gadisar translates as the lake built by Gadsi Singh.

Who got Ghadsisar made 650 years ago?
Maharawal Ghadsi Singh had the Gadisar Lake built some 650 years ago.

How was water collected in the nine lakes in Gadsisar?
When Gadisar Lake became full, the water would then flow to another lake at a lower level, and so on, thus the rainwater would fill the nine interconnected lakes.

How many interconnected lakes were there in Gadsisar?
There were 9 interconnected lakes in Gadsisar.

As the laser water show at the Gadisar Lake ended, the people gathered spontaneously started cheering and whistling. Such was the effect of the show. We left the glistening waters of the Gadsisar Sagar Lake Jaisalmer behind, filled with a sense of calm that the lake had fostered in us, we also felt pride in the history of our country and its unique heritage and culture which could not be found anywhere else in the entire world.

We hope you liked reading the interesting facts about Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as well as its history.

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Sandy & Vyjay

Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.

Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.