Ana Sagar Lake is what most visitors to Ajmer walk past without really stopping for. They're heading to the Dargah, or coming from the bus stand, and the lake is just there — large and flat and surrounded by an embankment road. But give it the time it deserves, particularly in the late afternoon when the light changes, and it's a completely different experience.
The lake is central to Ajmer in the most literal sense — it sits in the middle of the city, and many of the places most associated with Ajmer (the Dargah, Taragarh Fort, the old bazaars) are either visible from it or a short walk from its banks. Understanding the lake is part of understanding how Ajmer is laid out.
History: A Lake Built Before the Mughals Arrived
Ana Sagar Lake was built by Anaji, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, between 1135 and 1150 AD — more than four centuries before the Mughals established their presence in the region. A dam was constructed across the Luni River to create the reservoir, which at its original size stretched considerably further than what exists today.
The Mughal emperors who followed took a strong interest in the lake. Jahangir built a garden on the eastern bank — Daulat Bagh — that his son Shah Jahan later extended and embellished with five marble baradari pavilions. Those pavilions, still standing today, are the most photographed feature of the lake and the reason the eastern embankment looks the way it does.
The lake has shrunk considerably from its original extent due to encroachment, reduced inflow, and urbanization over the centuries. What remains is still substantial — roughly 13 km of perimeter — but conservation efforts in recent decades have focused on preventing further reduction.
The Marble Baradaris
The five marble baradaris along the eastern bank were built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. They are open-sided pillared pavilions in the classic Mughal style — the same architectural vocabulary you see in the better-known structures at Agra and Delhi, applied here at a smaller scale and in a lakeside setting that suits them well.
In the late afternoon, when the sun is low and the light comes at a low angle across the water, the white marble of the pavilions takes on a quality that makes the surrounding area look genuinely beautiful. This is the time to be at the lake — not midday, not morning, but the last two hours before sunset when the whole embankment comes to life and the light is worth waiting for.
Five Baradaris
Built by Shah Jahan, 17th century
Open-sided Mughal marble pavilions
Daulat Bagh
Mughal garden on the eastern bank
Trees, fountains, and lake views
Ana Sagar Bund
The embankment road circling the lake
Popular evening walk and cycling route
Daulat Bagh Garden
Daulat Bagh runs along the eastern bank of the lake and is one of the more pleasant places to sit in Ajmer for an hour. The garden was originally created by Emperor Jahangir and later extended by Shah Jahan. It has old trees, fountains, and the marble baradaris situated along the waterfront. The combination of the Mughal-era architecture and the lake behind it, particularly in winter when the light is clear, is genuinely attractive.
The garden is used by Ajmer residents for morning and evening walks, which gives it a pleasant, lived-in quality rather than the curated emptiness of some government-maintained heritage gardens. People sit here for long stretches, and the pace is unhurried.
Boating on the Lake
Paddleboats and rowboats are available for hire at the lakeside — a modest charge for a 30-minute session. Boating on Ana Sagar gives you a perspective on the city from the water that's worth the small cost: Taragarh Fort visible on the hill above, the Dargah area on the far side, the embankment with its mix of old and new buildings. It's a good way to get oriented if it's your first time in Ajmer.
Boating may be reduced or unavailable during monsoon season — check locally if you're visiting between July and September.
Migratory Birds in Winter
Between November and February, Ana Sagar Lake attracts migratory birds — primarily waterfowl — that use it as a stopover on routes through the region. The birdwatching isn't at the level of dedicated sanctuaries, but if you're at the lake in early morning during these months, the bird life adds another dimension to a place that's worth being at anyway.
Subhash Udyan
Subhash Udyan is a garden park near the lake, popular with families in the evening. It's not a heritage site — more of a municipal park with paths and greenery — but it's part of the broader lakeside area and worth knowing about if you're spending time in the neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon in winter is the answer
October to February for comfortable weather, and within those months, the two hours before sunset is when the lake is at its best. The marble baradaris glow, the light on the water is warm, and the embankment comes alive with Ajmer residents doing their evening walk.
Morning has its own quality — clear water, bird activity, fewer people — but the pavilions are backlit in morning light, which doesn't favour photography. Late afternoon reverses this.
Monsoon fills the lake dramatically and the landscape changes, but the embankment can be slippery and boating is restricted. If you're in Ajmer during the rains, the lakeside is still worth a walk.
Getting There
Ana Sagar Lake is centrally located — most parts of Ajmer are within a short auto ride. The main embankment road (Ana Sagar Circular Road) runs around the lake and is easy to find from the city center.
From Ajmer Junction
2–3 km, 10 min by auto
Well-connected railway station
From Dargah
Walking distance, 15–20 min on foot
Combine the two in an afternoon
From Jaipur
135 km, about 2.5 hours by road
Or 2 hours by express train
What's Nearby
1. Dargah Sharif
The most visited site in Ajmer — the Sufi shrine of Moinuddin Chishti. A 15–20 minute walk from the lake, or a short auto ride.
2. Taragarh Fort
The hilltop fort visible from the lake. The climb from the city takes about 45 minutes on foot, or you can drive partway. Views from the top include Ana Sagar spread below.
3. Bajrang Garh Temple
The hilltop Hanuman temple from which Ana Sagar Lake is visible as the main landmark. See the Bajrang Garh guide for climbing details.
4. Nareli Jain Temple
The stepped white marble Jain temple on the Aravalli foothills, 7–8 km from the city center. From the hill walk at Nareli, Ana Sagar is visible in the middle distance.
Practical Notes
- Entry to the lakeside promenade: Free. Daulat Bagh may have a nominal entry charge — confirm locally.
- Boating charges: Modest per-person rate for a 30-minute session. Availability varies by season.
- Evening crowds: The embankment gets busy after 5 PM with locals — expect company but also a lively atmosphere.
- Photography: The marble baradaris from the lakeside path and from a boat are the main photographic subjects. Best in late afternoon light.
- Food and drinks: Street food stalls and small restaurants line the embankment road. Nothing fancy, but serviceable for a snack while watching the sunset.
- Walking the perimeter: The full circuit of the lake is possible on foot but long (several kilometers). Most visitors concentrate on the eastern embankment where the baradaris and Daulat Bagh are located.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ana Sagar Lake famous for?
Ana Sagar Lake is known for its five Mughal marble baradari pavilions built by Shah Jahan, the Daulat Bagh garden on its banks, sunset views, and boating. It is one of the oldest man-made lakes in India, originally built in the 12th century by Anaji — the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Is Ana Sagar Lake free to visit?
The lakeside promenade and embankment are free to access. Daulat Bagh garden may have a small entry charge — verify locally. Boating has a per-person fee for a timed session.
What is the best time to visit Ana Sagar Lake?
October to February for comfortable weather. Within any season, the two hours before sunset are when the lake is most worth being at — the light on the marble baradaris and the water is warmest and most photogenic then.
What are the marble pavilions at Ana Sagar Lake?
The five marble baradaris along the eastern bank were built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. They are open-sided pillared structures in classic Mughal style — the same architectural vocabulary as the more famous Mughal monuments at Agra and Delhi, applied here at a smaller, more intimate scale.
Is boating available at Ana Sagar Lake?
Yes, paddleboats and rowboats are available for hire at modest rates. Typical sessions last 30 minutes. Availability may be limited during monsoon season — check locally if visiting between July and September.
My Rajasthan Vlog
Travel Writer & Rajasthan Explorer
Writing about Rajasthan's lakes, forts, temples, and landscapes from a local perspective — the context behind the places and the practical detail that makes a visit worthwhile.