Kankariya lake - Ahmedabad

               Kankaria Lake The largest lake in Ahmedabad, formerly known as Hauz-e-Qutub. From Balloon Safari and Zoo to Toy Train and Amusement Park, Kankaria Lake situated near Maninagar area in Ahmedabad has everything that attracts everyone from kids to adults. For adventure enthusiasts, Kankaria also offers options like archery, gymnastics and water rides in the lake. This picturesque lake is perfect for an evening stroll with multi-coloured lights twinkling around its periphery. The most fearsome festival- Kankaria Carnival is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and fervor. It also provides you a great platform to showcase your talent in various competitions. Kankaria Lake is a place where entertainment, culture, knowledge and talent blend perfectly with each other.

History of Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is the largest lake in Ahmedabad which was constructed about 500 years ago. According to researchers and inscriptions on the lake, the construction of Kankaria Lake was started by Sultan Muizz-ud-din Muhammad Shah in the 15th century and was completed in 1451 during the reign of Sultan Qutb-ud-din Ahmad Shah II. According to the inscription, this lake was earlier known as "Hauz-i-Qutub" (Pond of Qutub) which was later named as Kankaria Lake.

Architecture of Kankaria lake 

Spread over 76 acres, Kankaria Lake has a very unique shape. The shape is reminiscent of the Mughal architecture of the time. The well-planned lake is a splendid example of Indian styles, with flights of water sluices at regular intervals crisscrossing the stones and barring the steps. There is a garden in the middle of this lake, which is appropriately known as Nagina Wadi – or Jewel of the Lake. Though the lake has been subjected to several renovations by the kings, the British and the post-independence government, it has managed to retain its original elements.

 Legend of Kankaria Lake

The actual origin of the name Kankaria is unknown, yet various stories are told about it which are quite interesting. The name 'Kankaria' is derived from 'kankar', as a large amount of limestone was extracted from here in the formation of the lake. Other anecdotes suggest that the lake was named after Saint Hazrat-e-Shah Alam. Legend has it that Saint Hazrat-e-Shah Alam was passing through the excavation site during which he was injured by a pebble. After which he accepted that pebble and named the lake as Kankaria Lake.

Attractions of Kankaria Lake

kankariya zoo

                  Spread over an area of 31 acres, Kankaria Zoo is the prime attraction of Kankaria Lake which is also known as Kamla Nehru Zoological Park. 450 mammals, 2000 birds and 140 reptile species are found in this zoo, which you can see here.

Kindergarten

Balvatika is a beautiful children's park situated on the banks of the Kankaria Lake, named after the country's first Prime Minister, Chacha Nehru. This park has many sports areas, slides and swings for the entertainment of children, besides this the park also has a bird museum based on Indian birds and animals. Another attraction of Balvatika is Nabhi Darshan Planetarium.

Amusement park

           Kankaria Lakefront Amusement Park offers a number of thrilling rides and attractions for the kids. With the recent safety and security measures, the rides have become thrilling and fun. The amusement park's thrilling rides are Boomerang Roller Coaster, Flipping Arm, Towering Tower, Dis-O-Pendulum and Merry-Go-Round.

Stone Mural Park

          Stone Murali Park is another special place situated on the banks of Kankaria Lake. It houses various attractive murals depicting the history of Ahmedabad in pink sandstone.

Dutch and Armenian Tombs

           On the left side of Kankaria Lake is an ancient cemetery with some Dutch and Armenian graves. Beginning in the seventeenth century, these tombs were embellished with stylized domes and pillars, indicating a noble heritage. The inscriptions are in Dutch and Latin. The most notable tomb here is that of a nobleman who established the Dutch East India Company's factory in Ahmedabad in 1615.

Balloon ride

           Balloon ride is one of the most preferred activities at Kankaria Lake which gives you an opportunity to have a panoramic view of Ahmedabad city while flying at a height of about 350 feet. Super thriller tethered balloon ride is available at Kankaria lakefront from where you can take off.

Toy train

            Toy train is the most liked ride by kids, if you are going to come here with your kids then don't miss ride on toy train. The Atal Express, named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, takes a round of the Kankaria Lake on a 2.3 km long track. This train can carry 150 passengers at a time, which attracts children as well as adults.

Boat ride

            Boat ride is another most attractive activity of Kankaria Lake which is loved by tourists and couples alike.

Kankaria Carnival  of Kankaria lake

             The week long Kankaria Carnival is the most awaited festival of Ahmedabad which promises to be full of fun and excitement. Held every year in the last week of December, many competitions and events like magic show, rangoli making competition, debate, essay or painting competitions, dog show, scuba-diving, laser show and gymnastics are organized in this festival. 

 Best time to visit Kankaria Lake 

          By the way, you can visit Kankaria Lake at any time of the year. But if you want to visit Kankaria Lake as well as other tourist places in Ahmedabad, then you should avoid the summer season because it gets very crowded during this time. That's why winter months are the best months to visit Ahmedabad. If you come here in the month of December, you can also attend the Kankaria Festival.