Nature has bestowed Gujarat with the beauty of geographical landscape. To make the State look even more beautiful it is adorned with lakes and natural forests, the Satpura Hills and so many rivers. Gujarat's lakes are no less than as asset to it. Not only does it bring the element of splendour to the State of Gujarat but it also serves as home to so many creatures. The location of Gujarat is the western coast of India. Towards its west is the Arabian Sea. Gujarat lies in the north extremes of India's western sea-board. Its coastline measures 1290 km and is the longest in India.

The Famous Rivers of Gujarat

The Banas River originates at the Sirvana Hill (Sirohi, Rajasthan) flowing at the foothills of the Abu and then disappearing into the desert. Starting from Koteshwar (near Ambaji) the Saraswati River flows by Patan and Siddhpur before merging into the desert.

The famous Sabarmati river of north Gujarat is one of its biggest rivers. Flowing towards the Gulf of Cambay its starting point is at Rajasthan's Dhebar Lake. It is joined by other rivulets like the Khari, the Shedhi, the Meshvo, the Mazam, the Vatrak and the Hathmati. The Sabarmati and its tributaries along with the northern region's three "virgin" are known as the Aravalli ranges' daughter. The Narmada and the Mahi along with their respective families originate in Madhya Pradesh, the former in Amarkantak while the latter near Amzara. The Meshri, the Panam, the Anas and the Anas join the Mahi. The Narmada is considered one of the holiest and the biggest rivers and has only one tributary by the name of the Karjan. It merges into the sea 16 km away from Broach.

Entering Gujarat at Kakrapar the Tapi river originates at the Satpura ranges close to Betwa. It passes through Rander and Surat and then meets the sea.

In the southern Gujarat flows the Damanganga, the Kolak, the Par, the Vapi, the Auranga, the Vanki, the Ambika, the Purna and the Mindhola rivers. They originate at the Sahyadri.

During the time of summer the rivers in the Kutch and Saurashtra dry up. The river that originates in Chotila range in central Saurashtra flow towards the south in the desert region of Kutch. The north flowing rivers are the Brahmani, the Machhu and the Aji. The Saraswati, the Kpila, the Hirani, the Sangwada, the Somal, the Surekh, the Kamb and the Ojhat rivers originate in the Gir and the Girnar and fall into sea. Two sacred rivers are the Vastu and the Saraswati (near Somanth).

The Lakes of Gujarat

In today's life of ever rising decibels of the cities the lakes of Gujarat offer an escape to serenity and calmness. The lakes here give a feeling of tranquillity. There is no dearth of scenic beauty. To the visitors from India and abroad these lakes bring a delightful experience. Migratory birds visit this part of the earth and makes the travelling experience exquisite. The prolonged sound of the chirps rejuvenates the mood and senses. To famous lakes of Ahmedabad are the Chandola Lake and the Kankaria Lake.

Famous Lakes in Gujarat

Kankaria Lake

The Kankaria Lake is a multisided lake built in the fifteenth century by Sultan Qutub-ud-in Aibak. This artificial lake has 34 sides. It is located in the Ahmedabad city's south-east end. There is also an amazing summer palace. There is a legend that says that the Emperor Jahangir and his beloved wife Noor Jahan frequented this lake.

Chandola Lake

Chandola Lake is an artificial lake that lies at Dani Limda road. Tajn Khan Nari Ali built this lake. He was consort of the Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad. This lake is a water reservoir too. The water of Chandola Lake has been utilized for the purpose of irrigation and in industries thus proving to be beneficial to the Ahmedabad people.

Hamisar Lake

In the centre of this lake lie royal cenotaphs made of red sandstone. Some amount of specimen have stone carvings. The chhatri of Rao Lakhpatji is a famous well preserved monument. It is the biggest one. When Rao Lakhpatji died, 15 of his consorts jumped into his funeral pyre and committed suicide. It is said that this monument testifies this.

Narayan Sarovar

Narayan Sarovar is included in the five holy lakes of India. The literal meaning of the name of this lake is Lake of Narayan, Lord Vishnu's another name. There are 5 sacred lakes within Narayan Sarovar. In one lake there is a temple complex. It is a pilgrimage destination of the Kuchh. There are references to it in ancient texts. The visitors are awe struck by its architecture. The Lake is surrounded by 108 gaumukhs. It is a symbol of 108 names of god. The gaumukhs emanates holy water. The lake is abundant in Lotus flower. The message of purity and detachment comes forth it.

Ten Talav

A splendid construction, this octagonal tank is known by the name of Ten Talav. There is no dearth of stone steps and embankments here. This beautiful structure is a symbol of love between Dabhoi Fort's architect, Hiradhar Shilpi and Ten, his beloved lady. Hiradhar Shilpi secretly constructed this structure out of love for Ten while Dabhoi Fort was being constructed. He was executed by being buried alive in the walls of the Dabhoi Fort for the crime of misappropriation.