Spanning over 13 kilometers against the backdrop of the scenic Aravalli Hills, Ana Sagar Lake is one of Asia’s largest and oldest artificial lakes. Built in the 12th century by Arnoraja (Anaji) Chauhan—grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan—this majestic water body serves as the scenic lungs and premier recreational hub of Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Flanked by Daulat Bagh (a lush Mughal garden laid out by Emperor Jahangir) and the famous Baradari (five polished white marble pavilions added by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637), Ana Sagar Lake combines royal Mughal history with peaceful leisure. Here is your ultimate visitor guide to boat ride options, sunset spots, timings, and travel tips.
📊 Ana Sagar Lake & Daulat Bagh Quick Reference
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| Feature / Parameter | Details & Specifications |
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| Location | Ana Sagar Circular Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan (3 km from city center) |
| Construction Era | 1135–1150 AD (Lake) | 1600s AD (Daulat Bagh & Baradari) |
| Lake & Garden Timings | 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Daily) |
| Boating Timings | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Until dusk) |
| Entry Fee | Lake & Baradari: Free | Daulat Bagh: Nominal (Free to ₹20) |
| Boat Ride Ticket Cost | ₹120 – ₹160 (Speed/Motorboat) | ₹300 (Double-Decker Cruise) |
| Best Time for Visit | Late Afternoon (4:30 PM to 7:00 PM for Sunset & Boating) |
| Best Season | October to March (Monsoon-fed high water & pleasant weather) |
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🚤 1. Boating at Ana Sagar Lake: Rides, Rates & Island Cruise
Boating across the calm waters of Ana Sagar Lake offers an extraordinary vantage point of Ajmer’s skyline and the surrounding Aravalli range. The primary jetty point is located right alongside the Daulat Bagh promenade.
[Daulat Bagh Jetty] ➔ [Select Boat Type / Ticket Counter] ➔ [Lake Cruise Across Waters] ➔ [Central Island Park]
Boating Options & Ticket Prices
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Motorboat & Speedboats: Ideal for quick, exhilarating circuits across the lake surface. Tickets typically cost between ₹120 and ₹160 per person.
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Pedal Boats & Rowboats: Preferred by couples and families seeking a relaxed, self-paced ride near the shoreline embankments.
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Central Island Park Access: Motorboats take passengers to a small, picturesque island park in the middle of the lake featuring shaded seating, walking paths, and panoramic views back toward the marble pavilions.
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Double-Decker Lake Cruise: Ajmer offers a double-decker cruise on Ana Sagar Lake accommodating larger groups. Combined boat-and-cruise passes are priced around ₹300 per person (tickets available near the Chaupati jetty).
🌅 2. Sunset Views & Photography Hotspots
Sunset at Ana Sagar Lake is widely considered one of the top visual highlights of any Rajasthan itinerary. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts brilliant amber and violet reflections across the vast water sheet.
[Baradari Marble Arches] ➔ [Daulat Bagh Embankment] ➔ [Chaupati Promenade] ➔ [Sunset Reflection Point]
Best Sunset Viewpoints
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The Shah Jahan Baradari (Marble Pavilions): Position yourself beneath the carved marble arches of the five 17th-century pavilions. Photographers use these glowing white structures as natural frames to capture the sun dipping behind the distant hills.
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Daulat Bagh Promenade: A peaceful, shaded tree-lined pathway along the shoreline where visitors can relax on stone benches while watching the golden hour unfold.
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Ajmer Chaupati: The newly developed lakeside promenade and food hub comes alive during evening hours with colorful street lights, fountains, and vibrant local energy.
🌸 3. Exploring Daulat Bagh & Historical Baradari
Beyond the water activities, the grounds surrounding Ana Sagar Lake hold immense historical and architectural value.
Daulat Bagh (Garden of Wealth)
Laid out by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the early 1600s, Daulat Bagh is a classical royal garden featuring manicured lawns, tall shady trees, flowering flowerbeds, and paved walking trails. It serves as a popular picnic spot and quiet retreat for both tourists and locals.
Shah Jahan's Baradari
In 1637 AD, Emperor Shah Jahan added five carved white marble pavilions (Baradari) along the lake’s stone embankment (Bund). These structures reflect classic Mughal architecture, offering cool breezes and sweeping panoramic lake vistas.
💡 Practical Travel Tips & Timings
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Operating Timings: The lake, garden, and marble pavilions are open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Boating services generally operate from 8:00 AM until dusk (~6:30 PM).
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Best Time to Visit: Plan your arrival around 4:30 PM. This allows sufficient time to enjoy a boat ride, explore Daulat Bagh, and secure a prime spot on the marble Baradari for sunset.
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Best Season: Visit between October and March. The monsoon rains replenish the lake to full capacity, and winter brings pleasant temperatures along with migratory bird sightings.
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Nearby Attractions: Ana Sagar Lake is situated just 3 km from the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah, making it an ideal late-afternoon stop after morning visits to the Dargah or Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.
Whether you wish to take a relaxing boat ride across the water, photograph Mughal marble architecture, or witness a golden Rajasthani sunset, Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh are must-visit stops on your Ajmer travel tour!
"Experience royal Mughal heritage and serene sunsets—plan your boat ride at Ana Sagar Lake today!" Click here