Situated in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, locally known as the Nakki Jheel is a paradise for nature lovers. Flanked by amazing natural wonders, this lake is truly a gem of Mount Abu. It is the first man-made lake in India with a depth of around 11,000 meters and a width of a quarter of a mile. Located in the center of the hill station, the fascinating lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains, and strangely shaped rocks. As you sail through the serene waters of Nakki Lake, it is exciting to see the life of Mount Abu unfolding in front of you. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography fiends.
In the Nakki Lake, which is associated with many legends, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed on 12 February 1948 and Gandhi Ghat was constructed nearby. The attraction is also considered the love lake of Mount Abu since the clean blue waters with verdant surroundings give a romantic feel. It is also said to be the sacred lake for the proud Garcia Tribe. The nearby natural wonders that are visible from Nakki Lake increase its charm. There is the famous Toad Rock on a hill nearby which looks like a toad about to jump into the lake. By the side of Nakki Lake is a path leading to Sunset Point.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu
Nakki Lake History
Nakki Lake is about a half mile in length and a quarter of a mile broad and also has a quite interesting history as well. One historical story explained that it was dug out from nails by gods for protection against the demon ‘Bashkali’.
Another romantic history was of Rasia Balam, a sculpture of Dilwara Jain temple and the King’s daughter Kunwari Kanya. King put up the challenge of digging the lake in one night and he will marry his daughter to that one. It is believed that Rasia Balam dug a lake overnight with his nails. Later the Queen refused to marry their daughter.
Some also believed that Rasia Balam was an aged sage and was the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the teenager was the embodiment of Ma Parvati. Due to betrayal, they will again come back to complete their love. The famous poem ‘Lost Love’ describes their story very well.
Attractions Near Nakki Lake
The Temple of Rasiya Balam and Kunwari Kanya (king’s daughter)is located behind the Dilwara Jain temple.
Nakki Lake has a very calm and romantic atmosphere around it. Shri Raghunathji Temple, Toad Rock, and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace in Mount Abu are very close to it. Bandits love, sunset point is located near to it. On 12th February 1948, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in Nakki Lake, and Gandhi Ghat was built alongside it.
Boating at Nakki Lake
Boating Facilities are available at Nakki Lake in Mount Abu. Boating is the main attraction of the lake and is one of the must-do things in Mount Abu. It is a great thing where you can enjoy the serenity of the lake and the hill station.
Boating Timings: 09:30 am – 06:00 pm
Also Read: Dilwara Jain Temple
Best Time to Visit
Nakki Lake can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to explore it is during monsoons and winters. The temperature lingers around 30 degrees Celsius in monsoons, and it does not fall below 12 degrees Celsius in winters. The lush greenery enhances the beauty of the lake in the monsoons. Summers are comparatively hot in Mount Abu as the mercury soars up to 39 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is better to avoid visiting between March-June. You should prefer exploring the scenic lake from July to January.
Legend of Nakki Jheel
The first man-made lake of India, Nakki Lake has several legends related to it. As per the first legend, the lake was built by Gods to protect themselves from their enemy, the Bashkali demon. The second legend is based on the love story of the sage Rakshiya Balam. There was a king who ordered that whoever dug a lake with his nails overnight, would marry his daughter. Rakshiya Balam, who liked the king’s daughter, completed the task and dug the lake with his nails. Thus, the name is Nakki Lake since Nakh means nails. It was also said that Rakshiya Balam and his lover were the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Parvati. However, the sage was betrayed and was not allowed to marry his lover even after he completed the impossible act.
How To Reach Nakki Lake
The Nakki Lake is located on Ganesh Road, near the main market in Mount Abu. It can be easily reached through a cab or a taxi. You can hire an autorickshaw also.
The nearby natural wonders that are visible from Nakki Lake increase its charm. There is the famous Toad Rock on a hill nearby which looks like a toad about to jump into the lake. By the side of Nakki Lake is a path leading to Sunset Point.
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