The Nakki Lake Experience in Mount Abu

Being the only hill station in the arid state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu enthrals a number of visitors throughout the year. At an elevation of around 1,220 meters above sea level, it has lush green slopes. This place also holds significance in Hindu mythology as it is believed to be the place where the Sage Vashistha retired.

Amidst the Aravalli mountain ranges, there is a beautiful artificial lake in Mount Abu named Nakki Lake. With a depth of around 11,000 meters and a width of a quarter of a mile, this lake takes the pride of being the first man-made lake in India. With picturesque surroundings, it is no less than a paradise for individuals who love serene places. Also named the love lake of Mount Abu, it is one of the most famous lakes in Rajasthan.

History of the Nakki Lake

Apart from being a famous spot for sightseeing in Mount Abu, this lake is also considered sacred, especially by the local Garacia tribe. According to a legend, Nakki Lake was dug out using nails (nakh) hence it got the name. Another legend suggests that this lake was gouged out by the gods of Hindu mythology to live in and protect themselves from the demon named Bashkali.

It is also believed that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in this lake during his last rites. This is why Gandhi Ghat was built here in his memory. You will get to hear some more stories from the locals when you visit the place.

How to Reach?

• By Air: The Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the nearest one at a distance of 185 kilometres from Mount Abu. There are direct flights to Udaipur from all the major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc. and then book a taxi or use the state transport service to reach Mount Abu.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Abu Road at a distance of 28 kilometres from the main town. You can easily find direct trains to this station from all the major cities in the country.
• By Road: Mount has good road connectivity with other cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer. You can either take a bus or book a private taxi to reach here.

Timing & Entry Fee

Boating in Nakki Lake is one of the main attractions in Mount Abu. Surrounded by scenic hillocks and peculiar rock formations, this place offers an unforgettable experience. You can come here on any day of the week from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For a 30 minutes ride, you have to pay 50 INR per person on a pedal boat and 100 INR per person on a Shikara boat.

Aqua zorbing is another fun activity that you can indulge in and the tickets can be obtained from the counters at the banks of the lake.

Best Time to Visit

Due to its elevation, days do not get too hot even in summers, making the beautiful Nakki Lake in Mount Abu a year-round holiday destination. However, the ideal time to visit this place is from September to March as the weather remains extremely pleasant. No matter when you visit, you can find some good hotels in Mount Abu at affordable prices.

Other Must-visit Places

Nakki Lake in Mount Abu is undoubtedly a delight to the eyes and soul but there are a few other places as well that you should visit on your trip to the town:

Guru Shikhar:

With an altitude of 1,722 meters above sea level, Guru Shikhar is the highest point in the Aravalli mountain range. If you are one of the adventurous kinds, planning a trek to the top is a great idea as the view you get after reaching there is incredible.

Toad Rock:

Also known as the Mascot of Mount Abu, Toad Rock is in proximity to Nakki Lake. This is one of the most frequented tourist spots as it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the lake and has lush green surroundings. This massive rock formation resembles the shape of a toad hence it got the name.

Dilwara Temples:

Built between the 11^th and 13^th centuries AD, Dilwara’s Jain temples need no introduction. This group of svetambara Jain temples is located at a distance of 3 kilometres from the main town of Mount Abu. These temples are known for their architectural splendour and beautiful marble stone carvings.

Shri Raghunath Ji Temple:

As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Raghunath who is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu and worshipped by the locals here. Built in the 14^th century, this temple is a famous pilgrimage for Vaishnavs and others with a religious bent of mind.

Trevor’s Tank:

It is a man-made crocodile breeding site and wildlife sanctuary. In 1897, this was built by a famous British engineer, Col. G.H. Trevor and has been named after him as well. This place also serves as a popular picnic spot and remains crowded on most of the days. You can find multiple viewing stations here that you can climb on to watch plenty of wildlife.

Champa Cave:

This is another great option if you love trekking. Located between Nakki Lake and Toad Rock, Champa Cave has picturesque surroundings and offers stunning views. This place also has a significant place in history as it is believed to be the same place where Swami Vivekanand stayed and meditated for a few weeks in 1891.

Achalgarh Fort:

This is a 15^th century fort and you can only find its remnants now. The fort had a huge main entrance known as Hanumanpol and it also houses a famous temple of Lord Shiv (Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple) along with a huge statue of Nandi.

Also known as 'the Summer Capital of Rajasthan’ Mount Abu see a great influx of tourists from other parts of the country, especially during the summers to find relief from the scorching heat. Nakki Lake is definitely the major attraction in the town with the serene view it offers. There are a lot of other tourist spots that you should also cover while booking a Mount Abu tour package.