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Beautiful Sambhar Salt Lake is the largest lake in Rajasthan, which is famous for the large saltwater lakes and dunes surrounding the city. Covering about 230 square kilometres, it is also India’s largest inland salt lake, which makes it an important ecological and cultural landscape. Situated close to Jaipur, Sambhar Lake is a mixture of natural beauty, avian diversity, and salt production heritage. The lake is important as a sanctuary for flamingos and other migratory birds, particularly in the winter, making it a popular stop for birdwatchers.
Quick Details About Sambhar Lake
Type: Saltwater Lake (India’s Largest Inland Salt Lake)
Area: Approximately 230 sq. km
Location: Sambhar, Jaipur district, Rajasthan
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Kalidas Singh / Wikimedia Commons
Sambhar Lake is located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, about 80 km west of Jaipur and 64 km north of Ajmer, near the town of Sambhar. This largest lake in Rajasthan is located on the National Highway 48 (NH48) that connects Jaipur and Ajmer. Nearby sights include the Sambhar Salt Works, Shakambari Devi Temple and the Salt Museum. Salt pans and rail lines used for moving salt create a unique industrial scene. The Sambhar Lake Railway Station nearby is now a local station for freight transportation, supporting the region’s salt economy.
How To Reach
Photo: Abhishek.cty / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport to Sambhar Lake is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), around 90 km away. From there, you can rent taxis for a 2-hour drive via NH48.
By Rail: The nearest main railway station is Phulera Junction, around 22 km away from the lake. Jaipur and Ajmer have frequent local trains to the station, and there are auto rickshaws and cabs to take you to the lake.
By Road: Sambhar Lake is connected by NH48 and NH52 and is just a few kilometres away from Jaipur, Ajmer and Kishangarh. From Jaipur, you can take state-run buses or private cabs.
Things To Do
From quiet walks to relaxing and birdwatching, this largest lake in Rajasthan and India is ideal for a scenic getaway.
1. Birdwatching
Photo: Vedang Narain / Wikimedia Commons
For bird watchers, especially during winter, Sambhar Lake is a paradise. Thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks and avocets, flock to the lake’s saline waters. The two best spots for birdwatching are heading towards the Shakambari Devi Temple area or the Salt Pan viewpoint. The birds are most active early in the morning, as you can get some nice sunrise reflections off the water. Bring binoculars and a camera for an unforgettable experience. At ₹500, local guides provide insight into the species and migration patterns.
2. Explore The Sambhar Salt Pans And Railway
Photo: VISHAL CHOUDHARY / Unsplash
Take a guided tour of the Sambhar Salt Pans, the largest inland saline-producing site in India. Watch as salt is traditionally mined from the lake. Just be sure not to miss the Sambhar Salt Lake Railway, a narrow-gauge line used to transport salt from pans to processing units. Some operators provide a brief (around 2 hours) ride on the vintage trains for ₹300 per person. The gleaming salt beds and their patterned geometric shapes provide great photo opportunities.
3. Visit Shakambari Devi Temple And Sunset Point
Photo: Mihir Acharya / Wikimedia Commons
Sambhar Lake, on which the Shakambari Devi Temple stands, is said to have been created after the goddess of the same blessed the region. The temple attracts numerous pilgrims and offers a sense of divine peace that is conducive to spiritual meditation. It is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, seven days a week. After the temple, head to nearby Sunset Point, which offers magnificent views of the lake’s endless expanse. The salt plains offer an otherworldly experience when the sun sets, reflecting bright colours in the sky.
Places To Visit Around Sambhar Lake
Explore the following places to visit around Sambhar Lake and pair it with your Rajasthan itinerary.
1. Sambhar Salt Museum
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sambhar Salt Museum is one of the oldest places with a history of salt production. The museum features exhibits on the region’s centuries-old methods of salt extraction, traditional tools and archival photographs. The observation deck is one of the centrepieces, offering panoramic views of the salt pans and a bird’s-eye view of visitors exploring the glistening salt flats that stretch out to the horizon. Interactive displays detail the ecological importance of the lake and surrounding wildlife. The museum also includes a small shop selling local salt and souvenirs.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Distance From Sambhar Lake: 2 km
2. Naliasar Lake
Photo: Schwiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
An archaeological excavation, Naliasar is a lesser-known historical site. The surrounding area is full of ancient temple ruins, giving the visit an archaeological angle. Archaeologists have excavated numerous terracotta figurines, ancient pottery and coins there. Also, remains of some well-established settlements in the Gupta and Kushan eras have been discovered and most of the archean discoveries are now situated in the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur. The rustic charm of Naliasar makes it ideal for photography lovers. The lake is visited by beautiful birds and gives the same relaxation as Sambhar Lake.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Sambhar Lake: 14 km
3. Devyani Kund
Photo: Kridha20 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A sacred reservoir of water, Devyani Kund is considered highly religious and is one of the sites where the Pandavas performed puja during their banishment. It is a perfect destination for both spiritual seekers and history buffs. The surroundings are calm and the temples reflected in the water at sunrise make it a good spot to try your skills at photography. There are shaded spots with benches where you can rest.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Sambhar Lake: 12 km
4. Phulera Town
Photo: Walter Schärer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Phulera is a small town adjoining Sambhar Lake, home to local culture and the famous Phulera Junction, which serves as a major rail stop and the locale for the hit web series ‘Panchayat’. These yards have local markets selling traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and you can enjoy Rajasthani street food such as kachoris and mirchi vadas. Phulera also provides a glimpse of life in rural Rajasthan, giving a traditional experience. Even the railway junction is a lovely place for rail enthusiasts and photographers.
Distance From Sambhar Lake: 15 km
5. Naraina Village
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Naraina village, located near the largest lake in Rajasthan, is rich in minerals and the hot springs draw tourists looking for a relaxing and holistic cure. The village also gives an insight into rural life. You can see traditional mud houses and local craftsmen making pottery and handicrafts. Engage with villagers to discover their customs and sample fresh local fare, including Daal baati choorma. The scenic view of the Aravalli Hills makes Naraina a great place for relaxation and nature walks as well.
Distance From Sambhar Lake: 10 km
Where To Stay
Photo: M&W Studios / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sambhar Heritage Resort has rooms with a lake view and Rajasthani food, from ₹5,500 per night. The resort also organises Jeep safaris and birdwatching tours. If you are an adventure lover, stay in the Sambhar Lake Camps in tents, starting at ₹2,500 a night, which comes with the comforts of a bonfire and folk performances. Another option is the Sambhar Guest House near the Salt Museum, with ₹1,500 per night and basic rooms. Near Phulera Junction is Phulera Heritage Hotel with heritage-style rooms from ₹3,000 a night and local dishes served in-house.
Where To Eat
Photo: Niranjan.gohane / Wikimedia Commons
There are many eatery options near the lake area. You can try Sambhar Heritage Resort Restaurant, where meals cost around ₹500 per person for a Rajasthani thali, which includes chaats, dal baati choorma, gatte ki sabzi, etc. Another option is Chokhi Dhani Phulera, which can cost around ₹750 for a buffet meal with ker sangri, bajra roti, lassi and more. Salt View Dhaba is a roadside dhaba famous for spicy laal maas and mutton curry and the average meal cost per person is ₹300.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Nawanshu91 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Sambhar Lake is an affordable one. As far as travel expenses are concerned, it depends on how you are travelling but train or bus fares are generally from ₹500 to ₹1000 one way, while for private taxis or cabs, it can be around ₹2000 to ₹4000. Budget hotels can cost around ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per night, while mid-range stays are ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. Guided tours or Jeep safaris cost ₹500 to ₹1,500. In total, a 2-day trip can range between ₹5,000 and ₹12,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- It is very important to analyse the weather before planning to visit Sambhar Lake.
- Always have some cash with you, as some people like to deal in cash.
- Early mornings are the ideal time for bird sightings, as well as salt flats surrounding the lake. When packing and make sure to take sunscreen, water and a good camera with you.
- A guided tour can enhance your experience, particularly if you’re keen on spotting wildlife.
For a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure, Sambhar Lake, the largest lake in Rajasthan, is the ideal destination. The area is not only a thrilling excursion for those looking to experience the salt flats or spot migratory birds and local temples but also an unforgettable one for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Sambhar Lake is a delightful and unique experience of travel through one of Rajasthan’s multilingual and peaceful countryside. So plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy the salt water.
Cover Photo: Nawanshu91 / Wikimedia Commons
