Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is a sixteen-sided lake in Maninagar, south-east Ahmedabad, Gujarat, built in 1451 under Sultan Qutb-ud-din Ahmed Shah II. It is now the city's main leisure precinct, ringed by a walking promenade of about two kilometres and filled with attractions for families. The lakefront gate leads onto the promenade, where locals jog, walk and gather in the evening. On the water, boating is available, and an island garden sits near the middle of the lake. Around the shore are the Balvatika children's zoo, a toy train, a food court, play areas, a kids' city section and open lawns. Street vendors sell snacks, and many visitors sample local snacks at the food court while watching the sun set. The lake is lit at night, and the reflections and fountains create a lively atmosphere. The Kankaria Carnival, held in the last week of December, brings concerts, cultural performances and craft stalls, and it draws large crowds. Visitors can spend one to two hours walking the promenade and adding rides or the zoo as they wish. The lakefront is open daily from about 9:00AM to 10:00PM, and the gate fee is about INR 25 as listed by recent guides, with rides and attractions charged separately. Children pay a lower fare at the gate. Evenings from November to February are the most pleasant, when temperatures are mild and the promenade is busiest. Weekends and school holidays are very crowded, and weekday mornings are calmer but less lively. The lake is served by city buses, and Kankaria and Maninagar railway stations are nearby. Good photo angles include the promenade at dusk facing the lit island and fountains.