Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes Jaisalmer
Tranquil twin lakes in Jaisalmer, offering serene mornings, wildlife encounters, and a stunning fort backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, birdsong, cool air
Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes Jaisalmer
Best Time
Peaceful, birdsong, cool air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil twin lakes in Jaisalmer, offering serene mornings, wildlife encounters, and a stunning fort backdrop.
"A quiet place to have a breath on the lack side, watching some black and white swans, ducks and white monkeys."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace
Visit at dawn for the most tranquil experience, with only birds and wind for company.
🛵 Best Transport: Tuk-Tuk
Narrow lanes make auto-rickshaws ideal. Four-wheelers can be challenging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Mornings
Ranisar Lake
Experience peace with birdsong and gentle breezes. A perfect spot for quiet reflection.
The Monk's Feeding Time
Ranisar Lake
Witness a unique spectacle as a monk feeds swans, ducks, and monkeys. A heartwarming local interaction.
Diwali's Luminous Glow
Ranisar Lake
After Diwali, see the lake illuminated by thousands of donated oil lamps. A truly magical sight.
Picturesque Fort Backdrop
Overlooking Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes
Enjoy stunning views of the mammoth fort against the backdrop of the lakes. A photographer's delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace
Visit at dawn for the most tranquil experience, with only birds and wind for company.
🛵 Best Transport: Tuk-Tuk
Narrow lanes make auto-rickshaws ideal. Four-wheelers can be challenging.
📸 Fort View is a Must
The majestic Mehrangarh Fort provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
💡 Post-Diwali Spectacle
Experience the lake lit by thousands of oil lamps for a magical evening.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace
Visit at dawn for the most tranquil experience, with only birds and wind for company.
🛵 Best Transport: Tuk-Tuk
Narrow lanes make auto-rickshaws ideal. Four-wheelers can be challenging.
📸 Fort View is a Must
The majestic Mehrangarh Fort provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
💡 Post-Diwali Spectacle
Experience the lake lit by thousands of oil lamps for a magical evening.
🦢 Watch the Wildlife
Spot black and white swans, ducks, and playful monkeys.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes for their serene beauty, especially during early mornings, and the unique spectacle of a monk feeding local wildlife. The picturesque backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort and the charming carved steps add to the appeal. Some find Padamsar Lake less clean than Ranisar.
"A small local lake walled by hills on two sides, castle on one side and a viewing platform on the fourth. Early morning is the best time to visit when the city is quiet, no human noise is around, only noises of birds and the rustling water by wind gusts can be heard, there are stairs to sit and relax, you will feel calm, relaxed and want to sit here a long time. Located in the midst of the old city and a market around."
electro cop
"Quiet place to have a breath on the lack side, watching some black and white swans, ducks and white monkeys with their kids. In the afternoon a monk comes to feed all the animals. He makes some noise to call the monkeys like their dad or mom! The monkeys jump and sit near the food and start eating like they were schoolchildren in the camp, all’s obeying him, if anyone starts fighting the monk scold naughty ones and they stop right away. After a while he feeds seabirds with some bread! We visited in the middle of February, so it was warm and we didn’t feel any mosquito bites, probably it wasn’t the time for them."
Symbat S
"Ranisar and Padamsar are two twin lakes which are separated by a wall and situated within the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Padamsar is dirty while ranisar is Fort property so is cleaner.
You can visit the lakes from mehrangarh fort road.
Places are fine to visit, though view is beautiful."
bhavya gupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
These twin lakes are located in the interiors of Jaisalmer's old city. It's best to take an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or a two-wheeler as the lanes can be narrow for cars. They are also within walking distance of Ghantaghar.
Access by four-wheeler can be challenging due to narrow city lanes. Auto-rickshaws or bikes are recommended for easier navigation.
The lakes are conveniently located at a walking distance from Ghantaghar, making it a pleasant stroll.
Parking can be limited in the narrow city lanes. Opting for a tuk-tuk or bike is advisable to avoid parking hassles.
The lakes are situated amidst the old city and market areas. Local drivers will be familiar with the routes, but it's good to confirm the destination as 'Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes is generally free. They are open public spaces within the city.
The lakes are accessible throughout the day. However, early mornings and evenings are recommended for the best experience.
There is no specific admission fee for the viewing platform, as it's part of the general access to the lake area.
Yes, you can visit anytime. February is noted as being warm with no mosquito issues.
While generally accessible, visiting during daylight hours is advisable for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platform offers excellent angles, especially with the Mehrangarh Fort in the background. The steps leading down to the water also provide picturesque frames.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene shots. Evenings, especially after Diwali, provide a unique, lamp-lit ambiance.
Capturing the fort's reflection in the water, the swans and ducks, and the unique carved steps are highly recommended.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone in this area.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the fort's grandeur and a telephoto lens for wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can relax on the carved steps, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, observe the local wildlife like swans and monkeys, and admire the fort's backdrop.
Ranisar Lake is generally cleaner as it's considered Fort property, while Padamsar Lake can be dirtier.
Visitors often spot black and white swans, ducks, and monkeys, especially when the monk comes to feed them.
Absolutely. The calm environment, especially in the early morning, makes it a perfect spot to sit, relax, and feel at peace.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely available, so it's advisable to use facilities before visiting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The lakes are located in the interiors of the old city and market area, so you can find various food options nearby.
You can explore local eateries around Ghantaghar and the market for Rajasthani snacks and meals.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned against bringing your own food. The steps offer a nice spot to sit and enjoy a snack.
Specific cafes with direct lake views are not commonly mentioned. However, the surrounding market area might have eateries.
It's generally recommended to drink bottled water in Jaisalmer to avoid any health issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing some snacks, as food options directly at the lakes might be limited. The proximity to the old city and market means you can easily find eateries before or after your visit. The overall peaceful atmosphere makes it a good spot for a relaxed outing without overwhelming younger children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save on expenses. The experience of enjoying the serene environment, observing wildlife, and witnessing the unique local interactions is priceless and requires no financial outlay beyond your transport.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the wildlife, particularly the swans and the monkeys during feeding time. For a truly unique shot, plan your visit after Diwali to photograph the thousands of oil lamps illuminating the scene. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the scale of the fort and lakes, while a telephoto can be useful for wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Jaisalmer's Twin Lakes
The experience at these lakes is deeply tied to the time of day. Early mornings are particularly magical, filled with the sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of wind on the water, offering a profound sense of calm and relaxation. Visitors often find themselves wanting to linger, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The presence of local wildlife, including black and white swans and ducks, adds to the charm.
Beyond the daily tranquility, the lakes hold a special significance during festive periods. Following the Diwali festival, the area around Ranisar Lake is illuminated with thousands of oil lamps (diyas) donated by locals, transforming the space into a breathtaking spectacle. This blend of natural beauty, local life, and cultural traditions makes Ranisar and Padamsar Lakes a unique and memorable destination in Jaisalmer.
Wildlife Encounters and Local Interactions
These monkeys are a regular feature, especially in the afternoon when a local monk arrives to feed them. This feeding ritual is a heartwarming spectacle, with the monk calling out to the monkeys in a manner akin to a parent. The monkeys, in turn, gather obediently to eat, creating a scene of organized chaos. The monk's gentle scolding of any misbehaving monkeys further adds to the charm of this daily event. He also feeds the seabirds with bread, showcasing a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
This interaction highlights the deep connection between the local community and the natural inhabitants of the area. It's a testament to the peaceful environment that allows such unique relationships to flourish. For visitors, it's a chance to witness a slice of local life that is both endearing and memorable.
Architectural Details and Photography Tips
The most striking photographic element is the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which serves as a dramatic backdrop to the lakes. This juxtaposition of the ancient fort and the tranquil water bodies creates a visually stunning scene. Early mornings are ideal for capturing this view, with the soft light enhancing the textures of the fort and the calm surface of the water. Evenings, especially after Diwali, offer a completely different, magical perspective when the lakes are illuminated by thousands of oil lamps, creating a warm and inviting glow.
For capturing the best shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the fort and the expanse of the lakes. The carved steps themselves can be used creatively in compositions. Don't forget to look out for the wildlife; the swans, ducks, and monkeys offer dynamic subjects. While drone footage might offer unique aerial perspectives, always ensure you are aware of and comply with local drone regulations.
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