Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer: A place worth spending some time

We were in the Golden City of Jaisalmer rather Sonar Killa of Satyajit Ray and our next destination was the quiet stairs of Gadisar Lake.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by Train:

Train journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was good although electricity supply was not available throughout the journey. Later we came to know that Staff forgot to link the electricity wire of the coach. Nonetheless, we were saved as the whole of journey was in night and it was cool enough. Had it been Summer, we would have roasted completely.

We had planned the Train journey from Mumbai to Jaisalmer in such a way that we could witness the Sun rise at Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. 

Reached Jaisalmer railway station around 6 AM, actual arrival timing of train 14810 at Jaisalmer is at 5:25 AM. As planned, took an auto rickshaw from Jaisalmer railway station to Gadisar Lake. The distance is not more than 1.5 Km. Auto rickshaw charged Rs 10 for each of us.

A pleasant morning at Gadisar Lake:

Rickshaw dropped us on the main road; we had to walk around 100 meters on the paved interlocked road in the left hand side where vehicles are not allowed before we reach the Lake. A big golden gateway stood at the entrance of Gadisar Lake. We were at the place quite early, Lake and surrounding area was empty except some elderly humans.  

This year (2014) it did not rained much hence the water level was much lower as compared to what we saw in previous year photos. Nonetheless, the place has a different charm. I would request you not to listen to the reviews on some holiday destinations website. I do not like the manner in which they speak bluntly to skip the Gadisar Lake. For them Sightseeing in Jaisalmer is a list of some 4-5 places and a desert Safari. Which I feel is good for family vacations and for travelers :)

If you are among those who like to connect with every place they visit, I would strongly suggest you to spend some time sitting by the Lake side.

Boats parked in Gadisar Lake

Handcrafted bags in a shop near Gadisar Lake

A morning scene: Entrance of Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Morning in Gadisar Lake: Loneliness and Being Alone are two different things

Gadisar Lake scape in morning

Sadhu with his Transistor set and morning Tea in Gadisar

History of the Gadisar Lake:

Colloquially the Lake is called Gadisar; its literal name is Gadsi-sar Lake. Lots of people believe that the Lake is an Oasis which is not true. As the name speaks, this Lake was constructed by Rawal Gadsi Singh around 1367 AD. Gadisar Lake is rainwater fed and many temples are built along the banks of Lake.

What can you do at the lake?

1. Sit on the long golden stairs or in the temples and lose yourself.

Old Architectures on the banks of Gadisar Lake 

2. Boating is allowed in the Lake after 9 AM.

3. Feed kurmura (Rice flakes) available in the nearby shops to the brown fishes of the Gadisar Lake.

Hungry fishes of Gadisar Lake

4. Try your photography skills

5. Ponder over some questions.  If you love architecture, you can try to find out why the Lake was dug here? What about the catchment area? How does the sandy soil hold the water? What is the use of building stoop i.e. small architecture with stairs inside the Lake? Which god/goddesses are carved on the inner roof of the stoops?

I?

I did all 5 :)

Tip:  If you are in Jaisalmer come to Gadisar Lake to see Sunrise and go to Vyas Chhatri to view Sunset. Vyas Chhatri is close to 3 KM from Gadisar Lake.

After 2.5 hours our stomach was hungry but soul was satisfied. Packed up our stuffs and left Gadisar Lake. Do taste the Chhaas i.e. buttermilk sold by one uncle just after the entrance gate on the left hand side. It’s delicious.

 

Rented a Hero Impulse motorcycle from Gopa Chowk in Jaisalmer town:

Hired an auto rickshaw from Gadisar Lake to Gopa Chowk. Distance is not more than 1.5 Km. We had to go to Joshi German Bakery in Gopa Chowk to rent our bikes. Apart from bike rentals their main business is an excellent small restaurant run in the small room on first floor.

Before asking for the bikes, we went straight on the first floor. Ordered two cup of hot Coffee, 2 Aloo Paratha and 2 Bread Butter. After half an hour ordered two glass of Lassi for me and Omlet pav for Vishwanath. Every single item was delicious and fit well in our pockets. We made sure to have our snacks here every time we return to Jaisalmer.

You can also use their free Wi-Fi internet service and get your mobile camera charged :)

Jaisalmer Fort as visible from the window of Joshi German Bakery. With Coffee Cup in my hand I use to keep watching out of the window. One of things I cherish from my Jaisalmer travel !

German Bakery Inside Joshi ji's German Bakery

German Bakery Inside Joshi ji's German Bakery

Joshi German bakery is quite popular among the foreigners there. But bakery items are only available from the month of October to March.

Came down to negotiate for bike. I was planning for some version of Bajaj Pulsar. But he didn’t had any. I agreed for Hero Impulse. It seemed in good condition and riding the chunky tires in the desert would be wonderful. He said Rs 1500 for three day. We negotiated for Rs.1100 and no deposit. 

All you need to know about the renting a bike in Jaisalmer:

There are around 3-4 bike rentals near Gopa chowk close to each other. 
Shiva has broad range to offer but may charge more -> Shiva Bike Rentals | Rent a bike in jaisalmer.

Joshi German Bakery had around 5-6 bikes in good condition and comparatively cheaper. +(91)-9929804517 +(91)-2992-254041.

Shiva may ask you for some deposit but Joshi bikes didn’t asked us. I just submitted my original PAN card to him and took it while handing over the bike. Ask for Helmet, they should provide you for free.

Although no cop will bother you, still ask them for photocopy of RC card. Also, do not forget to take the number of the bike rental!!

Thanks,

Niraj Yadav

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