Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Rajasthan Sambhar Salt Lake
The largest inland salt lake of India referred to as the Sambhar Salt Lake is located in Rajasthan. This lake in the shape of bowl encircles Sambhar Town which is positioned about 96 kms away from Jaipur’s South West. Along National Highway, Sambhar town is located about 64 kms away from Ajmer’s North East.
In reality, this lake is a vast saline wetland with depth of water fluctuating greatly. In the dry season, it is a slow as 24 in and right after monsoon season the water depth is 10 ft. On the basis of the season, this lake is sprawled in an area of 190 to 230 sq kms. This lake in elliptical shape is about 35.5 kms in length and the breadth varies from 3 km to 11 km. The town lies in the Jaipur and Nagaur districts bordering Ajmer. 96 kms is the periphery or circumference of this lake. The lake is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills from all sides.
A five kilometre long dam divides the Sambhar Lake basin which is made up of sand stone. After a certain concentration reaches in the salt lake, it is released to the eastern side from the western side by lifting the gates of the dam. Salt evaporation dams are located to the dam’s east where since thousand years, salt is farmed. Salt reservoirs are located on the eastern side sprawled in an area of 80 sq kilometres. Here salt pans and canals are also located that are separated with narrow widges. A railroad is also present to the dam’s east which was built in erstwhile times by the Britishers so as to make Sambhar Lake accessible for the salt works.
History
The history of the place goes back to the times of Mahabharata when Sambhar Lake town was a part of Brishparva’s Kingdom, a demon king. This is the place where King Yayati and his daughter Devayani took place. A temple is also located close to this place where in honour of Devayani, this religious place of worship is located.
As per local traditions, Chauhan Rajpu’s tutelary Goddess, Shakambhari Devi who was the Lord Shiva’s consort converted a dense forest into a silver plain. Later at the behest of the local inhabitants, this plain was converted into the salt lake. It was names Sambhar which was the corrupted name of Sakambar. This happened in the 6th century and the temple that is located here was built in the memory of Shakambhari Devi.
Attractions
As Ramsar site, Sambhar Lake has been designated. This place is also recognised as internationally reputed wetland. This wetland is a key area for wintering for flamingoes that come here in thousands besides many other birds that migrate from Asia’s northern region.
How to Reach
To reach Sambhar Lake, Sanganer is the nearest airport and Sambhar is the nearest railway station. From rivers Rupangarh, Mendha, Karian and Khandel, water is fed to the lake. The main streams come from Mendha and Rupangarh rivers.
Photo Gallery