Sambhar Lake Town, India

Welcome to Sambhar Lake Town, a picturesque town located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India. This charming town is surrounded by the Sambhar Salt Lake, which is the largest inland salt lake in India. Sambhar Lake Town is approximately 70 km from Jaipur and 99 km from Ajmer, making it an easily accessible destination for travelers.

One of the main attractions of Sambhar Lake Town is the Sambhar Salt Lake. This vast salt lake is a sight to behold and is a popular spot for birdwatching. During the monsoon season, the lake is covered in a pink hue due to the presence of thousands of Siberian pink flamingos. The lake also has an archeological site at Naliasar lake dating back to 2000 BC. A small hamlet has been found during excavation of the site, which gives an insight into the construction of homes, water wells, and food grain storage, as well as various coins of different dynasties.

Sambhar Lake Town is also known for its mythological connections. The town derives its name from Shakambhari Devi, Goddess of the Chauhan clan, whose 2500-year-old temple is located 28 km from the town. The Indian epic Mahabharata and Puranas mention Sambhar Lake as a part of the kingdom of the demon king Vrishparva, as the place where his priest Shukracharya lived, and as the place where the wedding between his daughter, Devayani, and King Yayati took place. A temple near the lake is dedicated to Devayani with a pond in it.

Mariam-uz-Zamani, daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber, married to Akbar on January 20, 1562, at Sambhar. Sambhar was the capital of the Chahamanas of Shakambhari before the 12th century.

Sambhar Lake Town is also a popular filming location for Bollywood movies. Various scenes of many popular films have been shot in the lake and main Sambhar town such as PK, Highway, Jodhaa Akbar, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

In terms of demographics, as of the 2011 Census, Sambhar Lake Town had a population of 22,327, of which 52% are males and 48% are females. The town has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the state average of 66%.

Overall, Sambhar Lake Town is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, mythological significance, and cultural richness. It is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore the lesser-known parts of India.