Discover Underrated Sambhar Lake Town Jaipur Rajasthan in India

Sambhar is a special salt town with a history that goes way back to the Mahabharata, which is an ancient Indian epic! A long time ago, it was part of the land ruled by the demon king Vrishparva. This is also where the wedding of Devayani, the daughter of a wise priest named Sukracharya, and King Yayati happened!

Overview: Sambhar Lake Town

Did you know that Sambhar was founded by a king named Raja Vasudev from the Chauhan dynasty in 551 AD? That’s super old! Over the years, many powerful people ruled Sambhar, like the Sindhias, Marathas, and Mughals. Then in 1709, it became part of the Rajputs’ territory again.

The rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur shared ownership of the Sambhar Lake, which is very important, and in 1870, they even rented it out to the British! The name “Sambhar” comes from Shakambhari, the goddess who has been protecting the Chauhan Rajputs for over 2500 years!

Today, you can see lots of cool old buildings from the colonial time, like the heritage buildings, an old salt museum, and even a trolley train that takes you around! There’s also a Circuit House, where important people used to stay. Sambhar is like a treasure box filled with stories and adventures from the past!

Sambhar Lake: A Wonder of Nature!

Sambhar Lake is the largest saline wetland in India, and it’s super special because it’s a Ramsar Site! This means it’s an important wetland recognized all around the world.

From November to February, lots and lots of flamingos and other migratory birds come here all the way from northern Asia and Siberia. Can you imagine seeing so many beautiful pink birds? It must look like a magical pink party!

When the monsoon comes in July, the lake gets really happy! You can hear all the birds chirping and singing together, making a wonderful cacophony!

Some of the most common birds you’ll see are coots, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks. They all love splashing around in the water!

But that’s not all! In the huge 24,000 hectare area of the lake, you can also find foxes and blue bulls roaming freely. It’s like a giant playground for animals! Sambhar Lake is not just a place to see water; it’s a place filled with life, colors, and joyful sounds of nature!

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Salt Museum & Processing Plant: A Sparkling Adventure!

The Salt Museum and the Processing Plant are located in a cool area of 80 square kilometers on the eastern side of the 5.1 km long sandstone dam that splits the Sambhar Lake. Did you know that this place has 1000-year-old salt pans? These salt pans are like giant flat areas filled with salt, and they are separated by narrow ridges!

The salt pans are filled with salty water that comes from a 5700 square kilometer area to the west, mostly from the Mendha and Rupangarh rivers. That’s a lot of water!

To get to the salt works, there’s even a railroad built by the British, which makes it easy for people to visit from the town of Sambhar.

When you visit, you can see how the salt is extracted, which is really exciting! You’ll get to see the salt wagons that help transport the salt. And don’t forget to check out the Salt Museum! It’s located in an old colonial building and displays salt samples from all over India. It’s a unique experience that lets you learn all about salt and its importance!

Shakambhari Mata Temple: A Tale of a Powerful Goddess!

In the heart of Sambhar, there’s a wonderful story about the Goddess Shakambhari Devi! She is the special protector of the Chauhan Rajputs. Legend says that long ago, the Goddess turned the town of Sambhar into a place filled with precious metals!

But the people got worried that this would cause endless fighting over riches. So, they prayed to her to take back the gift, and guess what? The Goddess listened! She changed the precious metals into salt, and that’s how the Sambhar Salt Lake was formed!

You can visit the Shakambhari Mata Temple, which is really special because it’s over 2500 years old! It’s built right under a rocky outcrop that juts into the lake, about 15 km from the town of Sambhar, in the village of Sirthula.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who is thought to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It’s one of the three Shakti Peeths linked to Mother Shakambhari!

Every year, there’s a grand religious fair held here on the Bhado Sudi (Shukla Paksha) Ashtami. People come from far and wide to celebrate!

There’s another legend that says the Goddess spent many years in this dry place, which hadn’t seen rain for a long time. During her time of austerity, she would eat a special vegetable called Shakak only once a month. That’s where the name Shakambhari comes from! And Sambhar is just a twist of the name Shakambhari. Isn’t that a magical story?

Sharmistha Sarovar: A Magical Lake with a Special Story!

Sharmistha was a very special friend of Devayani. She was the daughter of the powerful Daitya King Vrishparva. When King Yayati married Devayani, Sharmistha was also given to him as part of the dowry! Can you believe that? But there’s more to the story—King Yayati also married Sharmistha! Together, they had three sons, and one of them, named Puru, is said to be the ancestor of the Jat clan mentioned in the Mahabharata, which is an ancient Indian epic!

Now, we have Sharmistha Sarovar, a beautiful lake dedicated to Sharmistha herself. This serene water body is a wonderful reminder of her story and the connections between these important characters from the past. It’s like a magical spot where history and nature come together, making it a lovely place to visit and learn about the legends of old!

Devayani Kund: A Splash of History!

Devayani Kund, often called the Little Pushkar, is one of the many lovely freshwater bodies near Sambhar Lake. This place is really special because it’s mentioned in the Mahabharata, which is a famous ancient Indian epic! It’s the site where Devayani, the daughter of the demon guru Sukracharya, married King Yayati. Isn’t that exciting?

By this beautiful tank, there’s a temple dedicated to Devayani. This temple adds to the charm of Devayani Kund and makes it a great spot to learn about the legends and stories of the past. Visiting Devayani Kund feels like stepping back in time, where you can enjoy the peaceful waters while discovering the fascinating history behind it!

Dadu Dwara Temples: A Spiritual Journey!

About 70 km from Jaipur, in the town of Naraina, you’ll find the Dadu Dwara Temples, which are super important because they are the main seat of the Acharya of the Dadu Sect. The name Dadu means brother, and Dayal means the compassionate one.

The founder of this temple, Dadu Dayal Maharaj, was born in 1544 AD. People believe he was an incarnation of Sanat Kumar, who is known as the mind-born son of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe! Isn’t that amazing? Dadu Dayal lived until 1603 A.D., and he was a wonderful mystic and spiritual master. He followed the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, which is all about worshiping the Lord as a formless and shape-less absolute. This tradition was also followed by great saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Meera Bai, and Ravidas.

One of the special things about Dadu Dayal is the Dadu Anubhav Vaani, a collection of 5,000 verses of his teachings and compositions. His disciple Rajjab recorded these verses, sharing the wisdom and messages of Dadu Dayal with the world. Visiting the Dadu Dwara Temples is like stepping into a peaceful world of spirituality and learning about the deep connections between faith and compassion!

Bhairana: A Sacred Spot of Remembrance!

Bhairana is a very special place because it’s where the mortal remains of Saint Dadu Dayal were taken for his last rites. This spot is commonly known as Dadu Khol or Dadu Ganga.

Here, you’ll find a large memorial dedicated to Dadu Dayal, making it a sacred place for many. It’s not just a memorial; it’s also a significant site where the ashes of other saints, sadhus, and Dadupanthis (devotees of the Dadu Sect) are scattered. This means that Bhairana is filled with deep spiritual meaning and is a place where people come to honor the memory of their beloved saints and spiritual leaders.

Visiting Bhairana feels like stepping into a tranquil space where you can reflect and pay respect to the teachings and life of Dadu Dayal and the many other devoted souls who have left their mark on this beautiful tradition!

Naliasar: A Treasure Trove of History!

Just 4 km south of the town of Sambhar, you’ll discover Naliasar, an exciting site for archaeological excavations! This place is super important because it has revealed many amazing artifacts like terracotta figurines, coins, and seals. These findings show that there were well-planned settlements here a long time ago, dating back to the Kushan and Gupta periods!

One of the coolest things about Naliasar is the beautiful sculpture art found here, which appears to be influenced by Buddhism. Some of these stunning sculptures have made their way to the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, where you can see them up close!

Visiting Naliasar is like opening a time capsule to the past, where you can imagine the lives of the people who lived here and how their culture and art have shaped history. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves adventure and discovering the secrets of ancient civilizations!

Sambhar: An Adventure Paradise!

Sambhar is an amazing place that almost looks like the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat! It’s not just a natural paradise; it’s a perfect spot for adventure seekers looking for a unique outdoor experience.

Imagine sitting under the night sky, gazing at the twinkling stars while admiring the vastness of the lake! Walking on the sparkling salt bed is truly an enthralling adventure. It feels like stepping into another world!

If you love riding bikes, Sambhar is a dream destination! There’s so much vacant land where you can ride freely. And if you prefer jeep rides, you’re in luck because Sambhar has plenty of space for that too! For the more adventurous folks, you can even enjoy camping under the stars.

Sambhar also offers fun activities like motor sports and cycling on well-marked tracks, making it a fantastic place for everyone who loves to explore and have fun in the great outdoors! Whether you’re a bike rider, a camper, or just someone who loves nature, Sambhar is waiting for you to come and experience its beauty!

Heritage Walk: Discovering the Wonders of Sambhar!

Get ready for an exciting heritage walk through the amazing historic settlement of Sambhar! As you stroll through the temples, kunds, and bazaars, you’ll discover so many fascinating sites that tell the story of this vibrant town.

Your adventure starts at the Sun Temple in Chhota Bazaar and continues through Joshiyon ki Gali, where you can visit the Charbhuja Temple. Don’t miss Nizamat, where the Nagar Palika Bhawan stands proudly, along with Dadu Dwara, Bada Bazaar, Nikasa Mohalla, and Mataji ka Chabutra.

As you walk, you can also see the Ram Leela Rang Manch, the Dargah, and the beautiful Jain Temple. Each place has its own story and charm!

While you’re there, make sure to savor the delicious Feeni Sweet of Sambhar—it’s a must-try! You can also shop for some lovely traditional village jewellery to take a piece of Sambhar home with you.

And don’t forget to visit the Circuit House, which stands as a witness to the town’s British legacy. It’s so cool because it still has an old lift that operates through a pulley system to haul food and other items up to the second floor!

Sambhar: A Bollywood Shooting Destination!

Did you know that Sambhar is a favorite spot for Bollywood movies? It has some of the most exotic locations that filmmakers love! Many popular films were shot here, including:

• Rajkumar Hirani’s hit film PK Sambhar Lake Town
• Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic Jodha Akbar Sambhar Lake Town
• Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film Delhi-6 Sambhar Lake Town
• Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s beautiful Ram Leela Sambhar Lake Town

One of the coolest things is how the Nissan GT-R created a massive outline of the Indian map right on the Sambhar Lake! This incredible shape stretches 3 kilometers long and 2.8 kilometers wide, with a total outline of 14.7 kilometers around it. It looks amazing against the backdrop of this stunning lake!

Sambhar is not just a beautiful place; it’s also a magical spot where the magic of cinema comes to life!

2-Day Proposed Itinerary for Sambhar Lake Town

Day 1: History and Night Sky Wonders

Morning: Sambhar Lake Town

• Start your day with a Heritage Walk through the charming Havelis and bustling Sambhar Town Bazaar. Discover local crafts and try some delicious snacks! Sambhar Lake Town

Afternoon: Sambhar Lake Town 

• Take an excursion to the pilgrimage sites in Nairana and Bhairana. Here, you can learn about the rich spiritual history of the area. Sambhar Lake Town
• Visit the archeological site of Naliasar, where you can see fascinating terracotta figurines and ancient coins.

Evening: Sambhar Lake Town

• Return to Sambhar and unwind. As night falls, enjoy some star gazing under the clear sky! Don’t forget to look for shooting stars! Sambhar Lake Town

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Early Morning:  Sambhar Lake Town

• Wake up early for some Bird Watching at Sambhar Lake. Look out for beautiful flamingos and other migratory birds!

Late Morning: Sam bhar Lake Town

• Enjoy a Cycling Tour around the lake. Feel the breeze as you ride along the scenic paths.

Afternoon: Sambhar Lake Town

• Visit the famous Shakambhari Temple. Marvel at the architecture and learn about its significance.
• Explore Devayani Kund, a lovely water body with a rich mythological history.
• Take a stroll by Sharmistha Sarovar, a peaceful spot dedicated to the friendship between Devayani and Sharmistha. Sambhar Lake Town

Evening: Sambhar Lake Town

• Wrap up your trip with a Train Ride at Sambhar Salt Lake. Experience the unique landscapes of this stunning area! Sambhar Lake Town
• This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, making your visit to Sambhar truly memorable! Sambhar Lake Town

Getting to Sambhar

By Air: The nearest international airport is in Jaipur, located about 90 km from Sambhar. Sambhar Lake Town

By Train: Sambhar has a well-connected railway station with daily train services from major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Nagaur. Sambhar Lake Town

By Road: From Jaipur, you can take the Ajmer-Jaipur NH 8 and drive 28 km north to reach Sambhar. Alternatively, Sambhar is about 8 km from Phulera on SH 57. Ajmer is approximately 64 km away by road.

Public Transport: Sambhar Lake Town

• RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses run regularly to Sambhar.
• You can also hire tourist cabs for a convenient day trip from Jaipur. Sambhar Lake Town

Local Transportation: Sambhar Lake Town

• For local travel within Sambhar, you can use Tonga (horse carts) or auto rickshaws.
• Jeeps can be hired for excursions to nearby tourist attractions.   Sambhar Lake Town

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