Balsammand Lake, Jodhpur

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The Balsammand Lake is a popular picnic spot, encircled by hills. Balsammand Lake is approximately 7 kms from the Jodhpur, on the Jodhpur - Mandore road. It is an artificial lake built in 1159 AD. This lake is approximately one kilometer long, fifty meters wide and fifteen meters deep. Next to the lake stands the Balsammand Palace, an artistic eight-pillared palace with three entrance gates. Maharaja Sur Singh got the palace constructed in 1936, as a summer pavilion.

All around the lake are lush green gardens. You can also take a walk through the trees, the rose beds and around pools covered with lilies. Also in the garden are the groves of mango, guava, papaya, plum, banana, pomegranate and other fruits. An artificial cascading waterfall brings water from the reservoir to the gardens. The embankments of the lake, in front of the palace, have domed structure that offers fabulous views of the lake. One will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of fruit bats in the trees.