Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad : ✔Boat Rides, Timings, Entry Fee

Kankaria Lake, a manmade water body in Ahmedabad, has been an integral part of the city’s identity for over 500 years. Located in the south-eastern part of the city, the lake was constructed way back in the 15^th century. After having gone through several states of dilapidation, the waterbody and the circumscribing pathway were revived in 2008. Today, it serves as one of the top entertainment hubs in the city with several attractions and activities, ranging from parks and safaris to boating and toy train rides. Don’t forget to book your hotels in Ahmedabad in a location that gives you easy access to Kankaria Lakefront.

Want to know more about Kankaria Lake, one of the largest lakes in Ahmedabad? This blog gives you all the details including the history, boating, timings, entry fee, attractions, and things to do at Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad.

Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad Information:

Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad: History

Kankaria, one of the top lakes in Ahmedabad, was constructed during the 15^th century though many chroniclers believe that it has origins that go back to the Chaulukya Dynasty. As per inscriptions, this manmade lake was commissioned by one of the powerful rulers of the Muzaffarid Dynasty, namely Sultan Muizz-ud-Din Muhammad Shah II. The construction of the lake, however, was completed when his son, Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II, took over the reign of the Gujarat Sultanate. The inscriptions at the lake also mention that Ahmad Shah II named the lake after him. He called it Hauj-e-Qutb, meaning ‘Pond of Qutb’.

History has it that the lake and the Nagina Baugh Island located amidst it served as a leisure spot and a bathing place for kings during the times of the Gujarat Sultanate and the Mughals. In the 17^th century, many European travelers, including Johan Albrecht de Mandelslo, had written about the lake. In the latter part of the 19^th century, when the city was under the rule of the British, Kankaria Lake was revived by the then collector of the district. The lake was declared a protected monument in 1928. However, it suffered much neglect over the years.

In 2008, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) revamped the lake on a big scale at a cost of about 36 crore Indian rupees. The AMC also developed the area around the waterbody into a lakefront with several attractions, facilities, and recreational activities.

Kankaria Lake Architecture

Kankaria Lake, touted as one of the largest lakes in Ahmedabad, is spread across a surface area of around 76 acres. It has a periphery of about 2.25 kilometers and features stone steps and slopes that give you access to the water.  

Another key feature of the lake is an island located in its center. This island, which is known as Nagina Wadi aka Nagina Baugh, contains a beautiful garden, a summer palace, and also a bridge that connects it to the lakeshore.

Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad: Today

Today, Kankaria Lake is an entertainment nerve center and one of the top tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. The lakefront serves as a pedestrianized urban space where people gather for recreational and adventure activities and socialization. From boat rides, toy trains, and balloon rides to amusement parks, zoo, and kids’ play areas, the lake offers a complete package of fun and amusement.

Kankaria Festival

Another major attraction at Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad is the Kankaria Carnival. Held every year in the last week of December, the festival lasts for a week during which many cultural, social, and art events and performances are organized at the lakefront. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year and has many highlights including magic shows, laser shows, rock band performances, competitions, and food courts, to mention a few.

Top Attractions at Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad

Kankaria Zoo

Also known as Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, Kankaria Zoo is situated on the lake’s outer premises. The zoo, which was established in 1951, spreads over a sprawling area of about 117 acres. Currently, it houses about 2000 species of birds, 450 mammals, and 140 reptiles.

• Kankaria Zoo Timings: 9:00 am to 6:15 pm (March to October); 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (November to February); closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for adults; ₹ 10 for kids; free entry for kids below 3 years

Bal Vatika

Chacha Nehru Bal Vatika, popularly known as Bal Vatika, is a park for children located in the lake premises. It has several attractions including a planetarium, a natural history museum, a mirror house, and a toy house, among others.

• Timings: 9:00 am to 10:15 pm
• Tickets (includes museum entry): ₹ 3 for adults; ₹ 2 for kids; free entry for kids below 3 years
• Planetarium Tickets: ₹ 15 for adults; ₹ 10 for kids

Nagina Wadi

Nagina Wadi is the garden island located in the middle of the lake. There is a looping walkway through which you can access the garden. The main attractions at Nagina Wadi include musical fountain shows held in the evenings and water sports.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Entry Fee: ₹ 3 per head
• Musical Fountain Tickets: ₹ 20 per head
• Jet Ski: ₹ 250

Tethered Balloon Rides

The helium balloon safari at Kankaria Lake, which is called Ahmedabad Eye, allows you to enjoy mesmerizing views of the lake and the surrounding areas from a height of 350 feet. There are also a few restaurants and food stalls in the balloon safari complex where you can enjoy delectable food.

Toy Trains

There are two toy trains at Kankaria Lake. The first train, which is called the Atal Express, is named after the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The train is imported from London and takes you on a ride around the lake on its 4.5 km track. The second train is called Swarnim Jayanti Express.

Kids City

Spread over an area of 4240 square meters, Kids City is a miniature city designed for children aged between 5 and 14 years. It has more than a few entertainment and educational features and activity centers such as science labs, heritage gallery, newsroom, ice cream factory, police stations, courtrooms, hospitals, etc. Kids can choose to play the role of doctors, firefighters, RJs, etc. just like adults do in the real world.

• Entry Fee: ₹ 100 per kids

Other Attractions at Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad

• Stone Mural Park
• Butterfly Park
• Mini Golf
• Boating (Speed, Motor, Pedal, and Pontoon boats)
• Desert Safari
• Aquarium
• Mirror Maze
• Target Archery
• Amusement Park
• Open-air Theater

Attractions near Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad

• Jaldhara Water World (400 m)
• Jhulta Minara or Shaking Minarets (4 km)
• Manek Chowk (4.1 km)
• Kite Museum (4.3 km)
• Teen Darwaza (4.5 km)
• Jama Masjid (4.5 km)
• Bhadra Fort (5 km)
• Lal Darwaza (5.6 km)
• Dada Harir Vav (6.4 km)
• Hutheesing Jain Temple (6.5 km)
• Calico Museum of Textiles (7.5 km)

It goes without saying that Kankaria Lake is where you can find the soul and pulsating vibes of Ahmedabad. Whether you are visiting the city alone or with your friends or family, you will always find something to do at this bustling lakefront. Do you need any more reasons to include it in your Ahmedabad itinerary? We guess not!