With the sun bright and warm in the sky, it’s the right time to go camping and connect with the great outdoors for a fun family activity. Today, birdwatching or birdwatching is the fastest growing recreational outdoor sport. Most people enjoy getting out into nature as a way to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the ever-expanding world we live in today. Chandlai Lake in Jaipur is such a peaceful retreat and one of the best places a nature lover must visit.
What’s not to like about sitting outside with good friends, eating good food and enjoying the scenic landscape and the many birds chirping? But to get such an experience, you have to find the perfect place. Drive to Chandlai Lake, a lesser known destination in Jaipur where you can do bird watching and know how fascinating and fun it can be!
About Chandlai Lake
Often referred to as the ‘hidden lake’, the Chandlai is located within a 20-mile radius of Chandlai village. This lake is a delight for naturalists, zoologists and photographers. Chandlai Lake is quite a scenic destination as it has dry forests and hills. The water here is clean and not polluted. It looks like it’s a monsoon flowing down the wooded hills.
Chandlai Lake is the best place to enjoy the view of a huge number of birds by sitting by the lake. You have to walk a bit until you see birds playing in the lake and flying from here to there, it will be all worth it when you see the rare flamingos and pelicans that congregate at this beautiful lake. Try to get as close as possible without disturbing the majestic birds and scan each of their vibrant colors with the binoculars and spotting scope.
The serene lake, swaying trees and smooth sand invite you to its natural refreshing and soothing breeze. You can sit here together for hours and enjoy the beauty of nature and that of birds.
History of Chandlai Lake
Chandlai Lake is believed to be a 140-year-old inland body of water. It is of great historical and cultural significance and has seen centuries of amazing birds, flora and fauna. It would now be declared a protected lake under the Rajasthan Lake Ordinance (Development and Protection). This tranquil body of water is very old and the construction of the dam dates back to the year 1872. It is said to be the second lake after Jal Mahal falls under the act of lake development.
If the government approves, Chandlai Lake will evolve into one of the top tourist attractions in Jaipur. Once the proposal is accepted, the department plans to undertake many adventure and water sports activities for tourists. In addition to water sports, there are recreational activities such as fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and cycling.
Highlights of Chandlai Lake
The main attraction of this lake is the various migratory birds that people usually see in this place, especially flamingos. These Flamingos come here to eat the specific kind of green algae that grows profusely on the Chandlai soil, which is a great appetite for the birds.
Nature lovers can watch about 10,000 local and migratory birds here. In particular, one can find a rare bird species, Pied Avocet at Chandlai Lake. Other bird species such as redshank, white wagtail, little plover, rufous shelduck, black-winged stilt, brown-capped heron, teal, pallas gull, ruff, are also popular here. It also feeds various fish and aquatic species. For this they have a contract with the fisheries department for export.
These non-native, exotic migratory birds reside here from winter to early summer. Their departure time depends on the climatic conditions. They come here from Central Europe, Central Asia, Africa, China and different parts of the country.
Why should you visit Chandlai Lake?
If you crave the beauty of nature away from the clichéd city life, come to Chandlai. The environment with shades of blue-green, the serene body of water, soothing wave sounds, birds with their sounds and chirping are enough to bring comfort. This is the perfect place if you are a bird watcher or shutterbug and like to click on birds and wildlife. This place is also an ideal spree with your ‘someone special’. You will find absolute tranquility here, as it is the most unpopulated tourist spot.
Times to visit
In summer, this place is best to visit in the evening. While in winter it would seduce you with its beauty in the early mornings. However, the best time to visit this place is between November until March. This is the time you see flamingos here.
Admission ticket details
There is no ticket and entry is free.
How to reach?
Reaching Chandlai Lake is effortless if you are a resident of Jaipur. It is just 30 km away from Jaipur Tonk Road, Rajasthan. It is located near the four lane National Highway 12 from taking a right turn under the bridge at Shivdaspura.
Unfortunately, it has not become a major tourist attraction. Still, this lake can be your itinerary and you can spend a whole morning here birdwatching. So pack a picnic basket, fill it with goodies and go on a birdwatching tour at Chandlai Lake in Jaipur to indulge yourself with the enjoyable and adventurous activity of bird watching this season.
