Rajasthan Lakes
The state of Rajasthan is primarily known for its magnificent forts and palaces.
However, there are quiet a few lakes that quietly make their presence felt among the tourists because of their pristine beauty, opportunity for water sports and also for useful purpose. While some of the lakes are a gift of nature to Rajasthan, others have been carved out in the earth's surface by the efforts of man.
Lake Pichola
This is perhaps the most important and the most beautiful lake in Rajasthan. Situated in the Lake city of Rajasthan, Udaipur, the Lake Pichola exudes a virginal beauty for its spectator. Two of the most important attractions of Udaipur are located in and around the lake. The lake is overlooked by the grandiose City Palace complex while the beautiful Lake Palace occupies an island right in the middle of the lake. Tourists can have the pleasure of enjoying a boat ride in the Lake Pichola early in the morning or in the evening when the rising and setting sun spreads a bewitching charm on the lake and surrounding areas. The 2¼ miles long and 1¼ mile wide lake was started in the 14th century, however, it was completed in the 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This is the second most important lake among the three lakes in the city of Udaipur. Dug up in the year 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, the lake was destroyed by flood waters. Later, it was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh. The lake is linked to the Lake Pichola in the south by a canal via Swaroop Sagar Lake and Rang Sagar Lake. Though the lake water was originally meant for the irrigation purpose, today it fulfills the need for drinking water as well. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride in the lake with the views of towering hills on three sides. The lake has three prominent islands occupied by a public park, solar observatory and a jet fountain.
Rajasmand Lake
Not very far away from Udaipur, on the way to Kumbhalgarh lies a place called Rajasmand. The place is known for its scenic Rajasmand Lake which was built by Rana Raj Singh in the year 1660 AD. On the sides of the lake, beautiful toranas and chattris enhance the overall charm. A walk on the banks of the lake with the setting sun in the backdrop is a real treat for tourists.
Ana Sagar Lake
Another important lake created by the efforts of man in Rajasthan. The lake is surrounded by beautiful parks and marble pavilions. Right in the middle of the lake is an island which can be reached by a motor boat. The ride, ofcourse, is as enjoyable as a walk on the beautiful bank.
Gadsisar Lake
In the dry region of Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake has its own importance. The lake was once a major source of water supply in the city of Jaisalmer and as such it is not surprising to find numerous shrines and temples around it. A yellow sandstone gateway that leads to the lake was constructed by a prostitute, Tilon, despite disapproval from the Maharaja.
Pushkar Lake
The sacred Pushkar Lake is said to have been created by the falling of lotus from the 
hand of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is believed to be as old as the creation. The lake is one of the most holy spots in the town, and it is said that a single dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is same as performing yagnas for several hundred years.
This enigmatic lake has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around it. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is considered to give fertility, Roop Tirth bestows beauty and charm, the water of Kapil Vyapi Kund is said to have powers to cure leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund gives the blessing of wisdom.
Holy Lake Pushkar RajasthanThe Pushkar lake is encompassed by hills on three sides and desert on the other side. It is saaid that the cave of Saint Agasthya was located on the snake mountain here. Itis also believed that Kalidasa, the great poet of the ancient times, chose this place as his locale for his Sanskrit drama, Shakuntalam.
Sambar Lakes
Sambar,which means salt, has a long history that goes back to over a century
, when the salt was extracted from the lake. Over period of time a number of rulers were in possession of the lake and in 1870 the lake was leased to the British. After independence, the lake came under the control of government and is now managed by Sambar Salts Ltd and Government of Rajasthan. The lake is roughly elliptical in shape and is divided into two sections by a five kilometres long stone dam.
Flamingos are the star attraction at the lake. These beautiful tall birds flock the lake and enjoys the feast of large numbers of algae that swarm the lake. Sambar is believed to be the second most important habitat for flamingos after Rann of Kutch,where they breed. Pelican is another species of birds that one can see at the lake.
Some other birds you can see at the lake are storks, redshanks, sandpipers, coots, black-winged stilts and shovelers.
