Ahmedabad’s most popular and historical lake is Kankaria lake. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city which is an artificial lake constructed by the then ruler of Ahmedabad. It is believed to have gotten its name from the presence of huge amounts of limestones (kankar). This lake has recently become a tourist attraction spot and has developed a lot of activities nearby. Due to its scenic views and adventurous activities, it has developed into a favourite relaxation spot by the locals and the tourists.
Why is Kankaria Lake Popular?
The Kankaria Lake is not just any ordinary water body but a source of water supply to the common people of Ahmedabad. This artificial lake had been constructed by the Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. It is also said that there is a hindu temple which is constructed by the lake.
After the construction of the lake, in recent years it has evolved into being a popular tourist attraction in the city. The Kankaria Lake gives you a proper blend of nature, entertainment and adventurous activities. Here are some of the reasons why it is popular in the city of Ahmedabad.
- Scenic Beauty and Well-Planned Infrastructure – The lake is in the shape of a circle and is surrounded by lush green gardens, walking tracks and amusement tracks. For the kids there is an amusement park which provides a scenic view.
- Kankaria Carnival – This festival at the lake features cultural performances, entertainment activities, food stalls and also attracts thousands of visitors annually.
- Atal Bridge – A beautiful lake that has been recently inaugurated and attracts a lot of charms to the lake.
- Historical Significance – The lake is an engineering marvel that showcases the excellency of the artisans of those times and also shows Ahmedabad’s rich past.
- Recreational Activities – The Kankaria lake has many recreational activities like the adventure park, toy train and a zoo. This lake is a perfect family get-a-way spot for families and friend groups.
- Evening Light Show and Musical Fountain – There is a beautiful evening light and sound show that takes place from 7 pm to 10 pm. There is no ticket price for this show but you can ensure to get a better view at the light and sound show.
- Accessibility – The accessibility to this Kankaria Lake is very easy. Since the lake is situated at the centre of the city, you can easily travel by an autorickshaw, a cab or by a private car.
Activities at Kankaria Lake
We have known lakes to be only providing boating services; however at the Kankaria Lake you will get many activities that can be enjoyed by all age groups and the people who visit the Kankaria Lake. Below are some activities you can indulge in.
- Kankaria Zoo (Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden): If you are visiting the Kankaria Lake with your family and kids, then you should definitely visit this zoo which is home to various species of wildlife.
- Nagina Wadi: This is a beautiful island that is located in the middle of the lake and is home to the beautiful light and sound show, water jet fountains with amazing view sittings. So if you are visiting the Kankaria Lake in the evening, then you should not miss the opportunity of attending the light and sound show.
- Toy Train (Atal Express): This is an activity only for the kids. If your child is less than 5 years old, then you can accompany them on this toy train ride which goes around Kankaria Lake giving scenic views.
- Balloon Ride: Balloon ride is not the typical hot air balloon ride where you can glide across the skies; however it is a ride that is attached and bonded through a strong rope. It will go up in the air and give an amazing view of the city from the skies.
- Water Rides and Boating: There are water sports also available at the Kankaria lake. It is not an adventurous water ride but a calm and cool ride across the calm waters.
- Kids City: It is a miniature city with real life concepts and models which gives the kids an unique experience of real life concepts and the introduction to the concept of money.
- Adventure Park: This adventure park is open to all age groups and you can enjoy activities like zip-lining, wall climbing, rope walking, etc.
- Jogging and Cycling Track: The lake allows joggers to enter the track from morning 4 m to 8 am only as after this they expect the guests and tourists to visit the Kankaria Lake. This jogging and cycling track is well-maintained and can be frequented by fitness enthusiasts.
- Amusement Park and Water Park: There are various water rides along with theme based rides at the lake which can be enjoyed by the tourists at the Kankaria Lake.
- Food Court and Street Food Stalls: Since visiting a tourist attraction and not enjoying the local delicacies feels like a sin. So come here, have fun and relish the yummy local delicacies of Gujarat like fafda, jalebi, dhokla and kulfi.
- Cultural and Music Events: There are many traditional folk events that take place at Kankaria Lake, so if you are visiting the lake and want to experience the folk culture of Gujarat, then check about the timings of these events.
Nearby Attractions to Kankaria Lake
Tourists would not just come to explore the lake, they would like to explore the nearby locations of the city and the other popular tourist attractions. So here is a list of places that can be explored by the tourists nearby the Kankaria Lake:
- Sabarmati Ashram (9 km): This is the residence of our beloved father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi which consists of all those things that were used by the legendary bapu.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (5 km away): This dargah is famous for its stone works and in particular the Sidi Saiyyed Jali.
- Jama Masjid (5.5 km away): A representation of the architecture of the mughal era. This masjid was also built by the sultan of Ahmedabad.
- Manek Chowk (6 km away): Want to go for a street shopping spree, then you should definitely head towards Manek Chowk for yummy food and jewellery shopping.
- Adalaj Stepwell (18 km away): Gujarat and their history of stepwells is dated way back, but they have also garnered popularity because of the beautiful architecture and carvings.
- Law Garden Night Market (7 km away): If visiting the city during the summers and do not want to go shopping in the scorching sun, then you should definitely visit the Law Garden Night Market for buying of traditional Gujarati handicrafts, textiles and jewellery.
- Science City Ahmedabad (15 km away): A planetarium which is a perfect spot for science lovers and enthusiasts featuring a robotic gallery and exhibits
- Akshardham Temple (30 km away): This is a very prachin mandir of Lord Swaminaryan which is popular for its architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Accommodation Options in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a city that is developing and has a wide option of accommodation which ranges from homestays, air bnb, luxury hotels to mid-range to budgeted stays. Here is a list of options that you can search for while visiting Ahmedabad and deciding a place to stay according to your budget:
🏩Luxury Hotels:
- ITC Narmada, a Luxury Collection Hotel – A five star property that provides you all the top-notch facilities and services at a higher range.
- Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad – It is located at the riverfront and gives A-class facilities and services.
- Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad – A hotel which is more preferred for business travels, but is also considered for leisure travels and gives premium services and facilities.
- Taj Skyline Ahmedabad – A hotel that is situated in the city at some distance from the prestigious college of management and also serves its guests to the best of its abilities.
🏩 Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Carrefour – A four star hotel that provides all services that are needed for a comfortable and luxury like stay.
- Fortune Landmark Ahmedabad – It is part of the ITC Hotels and is known for its excellent services.
- Regenta Central Antarim – A hotel that has good and decent ratings and reviews by its customers and is also very popular for its multi cuisine menu.
🛋️ Budget Hotels:
- Treebo KBC- It is a hotel with all the modern facilities and provides a comfortable stay at affordable prices.
- Exora Inn– A three star hotel with all the modern facilities and pocket friendly prices.
- Hotel Pleasant Lake– This is a hotel with a shared lounge access, tour desk and many more facilities which will help you in having a memorable trip to Ahmedabad.
After an exciting exploration of the modern city, spend your weekend at a city with old school vibes
Ahmedabad is a city that is splendid in all ways starting from infrastructure to tourism. It is a city that can make you fall in love with the yummy delicacies it provides along with making you fall for its hidden historic gems. There is another city in another adjoining state which is very popular for its old school vibes.
The city name is Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. The city is very popular for its palaces, forts and lakes. However, the offbeat places, romantic cafe settings and yummy delicacies are also an important part of Udaipur.
If you are planning to come to Udaipur, then book Goya Hills as your staycation partner. Goya Hills is a private rented luxury villa with pool in Udaipur offering modern facilities, security and relaxation at pocket friendly prices. To book your stay with us, call us on + 91 9024082177.
