India's Largest Saltwater Lake is a Famous Jaipuri Shooting Location Too! Read on to Know Why

An extensive saline wetland in Rajasthan, Sambhar lake is located between Jaipur and Ajmer. The largest inland salt lake in the country, Sambhar receives water from five rivers. Bracketed by the Aravalli hills, the water body stretches for up to 200 sq.km.

Sambhar Lake - Interesting Facts

Today, Sambhar lake is one of the major salt sources in Rajasthan as well as for India. Also known as Kuchaman, the lake attracts a wide array of migrating birds like Pink Flamingos and other birds from all around the world. A great place for interesting bird-watching, it is quite mesmerising to watch the moon-lit region, especially on full moon days. 

The Lake Backstory 

With a civilisation that goes back thousands of years, Sambhar lake has been part of ancient Indian history and also has several mentions in Indian mythology. As per one reference in Mahabharata, Raja Yayati married Devyani, daughter of Shukracharya who lived by the lake. 

Temple By the Lake

There is a tiny white temple by the lake dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari. Legend has it that she blessed the lake and the people of the region around 2,500 years ago.

Rule Over the Lake

Since salt extractions have been undertaken for thousands of years now, Sambhar lake has been under many administrative regulations such as the Sindhis, Rajputs, Marathas, Mughals and the rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur. It was then was handed over to the British in 1870. Sambhar lake cam under the Sambhar Salts Ltd. post-independence.

14th Century Lake Wedding
On January 20, 1562, the lake witnessed wedding bells of Jodha bai, daughter of Bharmal of Amber and Akbar.

The Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary

Although the Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary shelters different migratory birds, it is the seasonal home to Flamingos. Besides, many other wildlife like Pelicans, Storks, sandpipers, redshanks, black-winged stilts, coots, and shovelers are found here as well. 

The Sambhar Tiger Sanctuary

Located in the wildlife sanctuary itself, the Sambhar Tiger Sanctuary is a result of hard work and thorough tiger conservation efforts through ' Project Tiger'. 

How to Reach Sambhar Lake

By Air
The nearest airport, Jaipur Airport is 118 km from Sambhar. The airport is well connected to other major cities and towns. You could also hire a private bus or taxi or even hop on to public transport to reach Sambhar.

By Rail
The Sambhar Salt Lake railway station in the nearest. Shuttles connect to Jaipur every hour. 

By Road
Sambhar is easily accessible by road and is well connected to all the major highways.

Best Time to Visit 

October to March is the best time to visit the Largest saltwater lake in India. Since it is winter here during those months, the weather is quite conducive to visit the lake and other nearby attractions. Summers and Monsoons are not apt as summers are quite harsh with temperatures reaching 45 degrees celsius and the monsoon rains are not convenient for a tourist either.

Did you know the lake was a famous filming site? Have you been to Sambhar Lake before? Do you plan to visit the region soon? Let us know in the comments below!