Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake:
Perched beautifully at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters inside Rajasthan’s only hill station, Nakki Lake is the geographical and cultural heartbeat of Mount Abu. This vast, serene body of water is surrounded by the ancient, rugged ridges of the Aravalli Range, strange volcanic rock formations, and lush green hillsides, offering a cool, misty retreat that contrasts sharply with the sweeping desert plains below.
What makes Nakki Lake deeply captivating is its romantic atmosphere and its profound place in local mythology. It holds the proud distinction of being India’s first man-made lake to be carved out at such a high altitude, and it remains a deeply sacred site for the local Garasia tribal communities.
The very name “Nakki” tells the story of the lake’s legendary origin. Derived from the Hindi word for fingernail (nakh), local folklore states that the lake was dug out overnight by the gods using nothing but their bare nails to seek protection from a powerful demon king.
Another popular romantic legend credits the creation of the lake to a young sculptor named Rasiya Balam. The local king promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who could dig a deep lake into the mountain rock before the next morning’s rooster crowed. Working through the freezing mountain night, Rasiya scooped out the valley with his nails, only for the wicked stepmother to mimic a rooster early, tragically breaking the young lover’s heart. Today, a small temple dedicated to Rasiya Balam stands near the lakeside to commemorate the story.
Top Things to See & Do Around Nakki Lake:
Go Boating on the Mountain Waters: This is the signature experience at the lake. You can rent colorful pedal boats or rowboats from the main jetty to cruise past small rocky islands and fountains. Boating during the late afternoon offers front-row seats to the changing colors of the sky.
Hike Up to Toad Rock: Rising dramatically over the edge of the lake sits Toad Rock, a gigantic, naturally formed granite boulder that looks exactly like a giant toad frozen in mid-leap into the water. A short, energetic climb up a flight of stone steps leads you straight to the top, providing a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the entire lake basin.
Stroll the Promenade and Markets: The lake is encircled by a clean, well-paved walking track lined with tall palm trees and manicured gardens. Right across the promenade lies a bustling bazaar filled with cozy cafes, local ice cream parlors, and handicraft stalls selling traditional Rajasthani textiles and Kota sarees.
Watch the Sunset from Sunset Point: Located a short walk or horse-ride away from the southwest side of the lake, this vantage point offers an incredible panoramic view as the sun dips completely below the horizon, casting deep shades of orange and purple across the valley gaps.
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