Balsamand Lake is an artificial reservoir located 5 km north of Jodhpur, on the Jodhpur-Mandore road, in the state of Rajasthan. Stretching roughly 1 km long and 50 m wide with a depth of around 15 meters, it is bordered by fruit gardens and dominated by a former summer palace in red sandstone, now converted into a heritage hotel.

Why visit Balsamand Lake

The site combines three points of interest rarely found so close to Jodhpur: a medieval hydraulic structure still holding water, a royal red sandstone palace transformed into a hotel, and local wildlife visible from the shores. For travellers interested in birdwatching or seeking a peaceful break away from Mehrangarh Fort and the city centre, it makes for a brief but worthwhile stop, ideally paired with the nearby Mandore gardens.

History of the lake and its palace

Balsamand Lake was developed in 1159 by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers to serve as a water reserve for the Mandore region, then the regional capital before Jodhpur's founding in 1459. The dam and basin bear witness to the hydraulic expertise of northwestern Indian kingdoms, in an area where water management determined territorial occupation.

Several centuries later, the Maharajas of Jodhpur had Balsamand Lake Palace built on the shore, an edifice entirely constructed in red sandstone that served as a summer residence for the sovereigns. The building, now restored, is operated as a heritage hotel by the Welcomheritage group, and remains partially visible from the lake's surroundings.

What to see and do

Gardens and orchards

The gardens encircling the lake host ancient fruit plantations: mango trees, papayas, pomegranates, guavas and plum trees mingle with rose beds. It is one of the few dense green spaces in the immediate surroundings of Jodhpur.

Wildlife

The site serves as a refuge for several species characteristic of the semi-arid Rajasthan:

• the nilgai (sometimes called the "blue bull"), a large antelope with bluish-grey coat;
• the golden jackal, more elusive;
• the Indian flying fox (a fruit-eating bat, also known as the flying fox), often hanging from large trees during the day;
• numerous peacocks and other birds that make the lake an interesting spot for amateur birdwatching.

The palace viewpoint

From the embankment, you can glimpse the red sandstone palace reflected in the water. Late afternoon, when light grazes the stone, offers the best photographic conditions.

When to visit

Jodhpur experiences very hot summers (April to June, temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C) and moderate monsoon rains in July-August. Winters are mild during the day and cool in the evening. The most comfortable period to visit Balsamand Lake spans October to February, with peak enjoyment in November-December. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe wildlife and avoid the heat.

Practical information

• Location: 5 km north of Jodhpur, on the Jodhpur-Mandore road.
• Duration of visit: allow 1 to 1.5 hours on-site, more if you combine with Mandore gardens.
• Entrance fee: modest entrance to the gardens; access to the palace is reserved for hotel guests.
• Opening hours: daytime access; verify current opening hours with the Rajasthan tourist office.
• What to bring: hat, water, binoculars for birdwatching.

How to get there

Balsamand Lake is easily accessible from Jodhpur's city centre:

• By tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw): approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the old town; negotiate the fare in advance or ask for a round trip with waiting time.
• By taxi: a more comfortable option, worthwhile if you continue to Mandore.
• By private car with driver: the most convenient option to combine several sites north of Jodhpur in a single half-day.

Nearby attractions

Balsamand Lake lends itself well to a short circuit north of Jodhpur. You can combine it with:

• the Mandore gardens and cenotaphs, a former regional capital, a few kilometres away;
• the Ajit Singh Memorial, another landmark of the Jodhpur dynasty;
• Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, on your way back to the city centre.

If you continue your journey through Rajasthan, other heritage water bodies complement this stop well, such as Amar Sagar Lake near Jaisalmer.

Frequently asked questions

Including Balsamand Lake in your trip

Balsamand Lake naturally fits into a Rajasthan itinerary, complementing Mehrangarh Fort and Mandore. To build a custom itinerary including Jodhpur and its surroundings, consult our suggestions for travel in India.