Balsamand Lake
A historic lake and palace offering a serene escape with lush gardens, perfect for picnics and royal relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Balsamand Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic lake and palace offering a serene escape with lush gardens, perfect for picnics and royal relaxation.
"A hidden gem offering tranquil surroundings, picturesque views, and historic significance."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the gardens. Locals love this spot for a relaxed outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the expansive 60-acre property and gardens with ease.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balsamand Lake Palace
Shore of Balsamand Lake
A stunning red sandstone summer palace, now a heritage hotel, offering royal luxury and serene lake views.
Lush Garden Groves
Surrounding the lake
Wander through vibrant gardens filled with mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava, and plum trees.
The Serene Lake
Central feature
Enjoy the peaceful waters, a historic reservoir built in 1159 AD, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the Royal Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the gardens. Locals love this spot for a relaxed outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the expansive 60-acre property and gardens with ease.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The palace and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🐒 Watch for Monkeys
Be mindful of playful monkeys while exploring the nature trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the gardens. Locals love this spot for a relaxed outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the expansive 60-acre property and gardens with ease.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The palace and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🐒 Watch for Monkeys
Be mindful of playful monkeys while exploring the nature trails.
🍽️ Royal Dining Experience
Consider a candle-lit dinner or barbecue at the heritage hotel for a special treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Balsamand Lake is lauded as a tranquil escape and a hidden gem in Jodhpur, praised for its serene lake, lush gardens, and the majestic heritage palace. Visitors appreciate it as a perfect picnic spot and a place to relax amidst nature, with many highlighting the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to spot local wildlife like peacocks. Some also enjoy the royal dining experiences offered by the palace hotel.
"BalSamand Lake in Jodhpur is a hidden gem. The tranquil surroundings, picturesque views, and historic significance make it a must-visit destination. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking peace. A great spot to relax and unwind amidst nature's beauty. Don’t miss a candle light dinner and barbecues."
Dr Choudri Muzafar
"We just visited the place for a day trip and enjoyed the lunchtime and explored the property. Nicely done and very quaint place."
Rajesh Janu
"This is my first time for Birdwatching activity conducted by Rao Jodha Desert Park environmental study group. Due to great care and maintenance this place reserves natural habitat for plants and animals. The old buildings in surrounding lakes impart vintage lifestyle also."
EUROPEAN LANGUAGES
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Balsamand Lake is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Jodhpur on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a private car. The journey is quite scenic, passing through parts of the city and towards the outskirts. 
While direct public buses might be limited, local buses heading towards Mandore often pass by the Jodhpur-Mandore Road, making it a feasible option. However, auto-rickshaws and taxis offer more convenience and direct access.
The lake and its surrounding gardens are quite extensive. Once you arrive, walking is the best way to explore the grounds. If you plan to visit other nearby attractions like Mehrangarh Fort, it's best to have your own transport or hire a taxi for the day.
Balsamand Lake is located on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road, which is a different direction from Mehrangarh Fort. The fort is within the city, while the lake is on the outskirts. It's advisable to plan your itinerary to visit them separately or allocate sufficient travel time between them.
Cycling to Balsamand Lake is possible, especially if you enjoy longer rides. The route is relatively straightforward, but be prepared for varying road conditions and traffic, especially as you get closer to the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Balsamand Lake and its gardens is generally free for visitors looking to picnic or enjoy the natural surroundings. However, if you plan to stay at the Balsamand Lake Palace hotel, separate booking and charges apply.
Balsamand Lake is typically open to visitors throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. The heritage hotel, Balsamand Lake Palace, has its own operational hours for dining and accommodation.
While the lake and gardens are accessible, entering the Balsamand Lake Palace itself as a non-guest might incur a fee or require a prior arrangement, especially if you wish to explore its interiors or dine. It's best to check with the hotel directly for current policies.
Yes, the Balsamand Lake Palace is a heritage hotel. You can book rooms and suites for an immersive royal experience. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Birdwatching is a popular activity here, especially in the early mornings. While there are no strict timings, the best opportunities are usually at dawn and dusk when birds are most active.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area is a photographer's delight! The red sandstone palace, the serene lake, the lush gardens with fruit trees, and the Shiv Mandir are all picturesque. The early morning and late afternoon light offer the most dramatic shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the palace hotel, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of guests and staff. For professional shoots or specific areas, you might need permission from the hotel management.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both the grand architecture of the palace and the details of the gardens and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the lake and palace.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the hotel management regarding any restrictions on drone photography to avoid any issues.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the palace and gardens. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Balsamand Lake is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks through the gardens, birdwatching, and photography. The heritage hotel also offers dining and accommodation. Some visitors enjoy the serene atmosphere for relaxation and unwinding.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Children can enjoy exploring the gardens, spotting peacocks and other animals, and having a picnic. The open spaces provide room for them to play.
Absolutely! The gardens and lake area are home to various bird species, including peacocks. It's a popular spot for birdwatching, especially in the early mornings.
You can often spot peacocks, squirrels, and monkeys in the gardens. The area is known to preserve a natural habitat for various plants and animals.
Yes, the Balsamand Lake Palace is a heritage hotel that offers dining facilities. You can enjoy meals, including special candle-lit dinners and barbecues, within the royal ambiance of the palace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like mornings or late afternoons, to ensure comfort for everyone. The historical aspect of the lake as a former water reservoir and the beautiful palace can also spark curiosity and learning opportunities for older children. It's a great alternative to more crowded tourist spots, offering a peaceful yet entertaining experience.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+2Beyond the palace, the diverse flora in the gardens provides excellent subjects for macro photography, while the presence of peacocks and other wildlife offers chances for wildlife photography. The Shiv Mandir also adds a spiritual and architectural element to your portfolio. Remember to bring a versatile lens to capture both the grand vistas and the intricate details.
+1🌿 Nature and Birdwatching Enthusiasts
Early mornings are the best time to visit for birdwatching, as the avian life is most active during dawn. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake and its surroundings provides a peaceful backdrop for enjoying the natural beauty and observing the local fauna. The commitment to maintaining the natural habitat makes this a rewarding experience for anyone seeking a connection with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Balsamand Lake
The construction of the Balsamand Lake Palace on its shores later added a layer of royal grandeur to the functional reservoir. Originally conceived as a summer retreat for the kings of Jodhpur, the palace now functions as a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to experience a taste of royal living. The blend of historical water management and royal architecture makes Balsamand a unique destination, offering insights into both the practical needs and the opulent lifestyle of past eras.
+1Exploring the Gardens and Wildlife
+1Visitors often report spotting peacocks strutting through the grounds, along with squirrels and other small creatures. The presence of these animals, coupled with the diverse flora, makes the gardens a delightful place for nature walks and birdwatching. The area is recognized for preserving a natural habitat, making it a valuable spot for eco-tourism and appreciating local biodiversity.
While exploring, it's important to be aware of the playful monkeys that inhabit the area. They are a common sight and add to the wild charm, but visitors are advised to keep their belongings secure and avoid feeding them to maintain a safe and respectful interaction with the local fauna.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit