Gadisar Lake and the old city at sunrise
Gadisar was built in the 14th century by Rawal Gadsi Singh as the city's main source of water, and for centuries it held the rains that made life in Jaisalmer possible. Shrines and small temples were built on its banks and on islands, and the carved gateway of Tilon ki Pol, said to have been commissioned by a courtesan, frames the walk down to the water.
At sunrise the lake is still, birds feed along the shore, and the fort, a short distance north, turns from grey to gold. A few local people come to pray at the shrines and feed the fish. It is the calmest moment of the day in Jaisalmer and the best time to photograph the lake.
We follow the lake with a walk through the lanes towards the fort as the city wakes up, with tea at a stall and a stop at a sweet shop. You are back at the hotel for breakfast. Boating on the lake is sometimes offered later in the day, depending on water levels; check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Gadisar Lake
Sunrise, between October and March, when the light is soft, birds are active and visitors few. Late afternoon is also pleasant. Midday from April onward is very hot, and water levels are lowest before the monsoon. We arrive before sunrise, walk down through the carved gateway of Tilon ki Pol and watch the fort turn from grey to gold. Afterwards we walk the lanes for chai, and you are back at the hotel for breakfast.
Can you go boating on Gadisar Lake
Pedal and row boats are often available in the daytime when the water level allows. Boating depends on the season and the lake's level after the monsoon. Check current status before you travel. Sunrise visits are for walking and photography.
How far is Gadisar Lake from Jaisalmer Fort
About 1.5 km south of the fort, a few minutes by car or a 20-minute walk through the city. It is easy to combine with the fort and havelis on the same morning. We often start at the lake at sunrise, walk through the lanes as the city wakes, with tea at a stall, and enter the fort at opening, before the heat. The havelis of Patwon, Salim Singh and Nathmal follow.
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