Home › Mehsana › Sharmishtha Lake
HERITAGE · LAKE · VADNAGARSharmishtha Lake
The serene heart of ancient Vadnagar — Sharmishtha Lake, a centuries-old sacred tank ringed by temples and ghats, named for a princess of myth and now the town's tranquil centrepiece.
A lake of legend
At the heart of Vadnagar lies Sharmishtha Lake (Sharmishtha Talav), a large and serene old tank that has been the social and spiritual centre of the town for centuries. Named in legend after Sharmishtha, a princess of the Mahabharata era associated with Vadnagar’s mythical past, the lake is fringed by ghats, temples and shrines, and offers a peaceful counterpoint to the busy old town.
In the cool of morning and evening, locals gather at its steps and lakeside gardens, and the water mirrors the sky and surrounding buildings. Recently landscaped and beautified as part of Vadnagar’s heritage development, Sharmishtha Lake is a lovely place to pause and absorb the atmosphere of one of India’s oldest living towns — best combined with a visit to the nearby Kirti Toran and Hatkeshwar temple. (Freely accessible; a public lakeside space.)
Sharmishtha Lake, Vadnagar.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
The lakeside ghats at dusk.
The lake is named for Princess Sharmishtha.
It becomes Vadnagar's spiritual centre.
Shrines ring its banks.
Landscaped as a heritage centrepiece.
Reasons to make the time
Ancient sacred tank
Vadnagar's heart.
Mythic namesake
Princess Sharmishtha.
Ghats & temples
Ringing the water.
Peaceful centre
A calm retreat.
Lovely at dusk
Reflections on water.
Heritage setting
A beautified lakeside.
What to look for inside
Sharmishtha Talav
The serene old tank.
Lakeside steps
Temples and gardens.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the ghats
Around the water.
Enjoy the calm
A peaceful pause.
Visit lakeside shrines
On the banks.
Photograph at dusk
For reflections.
Learn the legend
Of Sharmishtha.
Pair with Kirti Toran
A short walk away.
The lake mirrors the town.
Water, ghats and shrines
Sharmishtha Lake is a large old sacred tank at the centre of Vadnagar, ringed by stepped ghats, lakeside gardens, temples and shrines, and recently landscaped as the centrepiece of the town’s heritage revival. Its value is atmospheric: a tranquil sheet of water that reflects the sky and the old town, busiest and loveliest in the cool of morning and evening. (Freely accessible; a public space.)
Large old sacred tank
Stepped lakeside ghats
Ringed by temples
Landscaped heritage setting
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Green and atmospheric after rain.
Hot and dry — start early.
⏰ Come at dawn or dusk for reflections and cool air; combine with the Kirti Toran and Hatkeshwar nearby.
Timings & entry
- A freely accessible public lake
- Loveliest at dawn and dusk
- Take care near the water
- A short, relaxing visit
- No entry fee
- Don't litter at the ghats
- Be respectful at shrines
- Pair with Vadnagar's sites
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport is nearest.
By Rail
Vadnagar / Mehsana stations.
By Road
In central Vadnagar.
At the lake
WATER & CALM
Vadnagar's serene centre
What to shoot
The lake and ghats.
Detail
Lakeside shrines.
Best light
Dawn and dusk reflections.
Setting
The old town beyond.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Sharmishtha Lake
Vadnagar's serene, historic lake
Bahucharaji
◐ Temple detail & ritual
Nearby Vavs
Carved subterranean stepwells dot the region
Stepwell Country
◐ Geometry & shadow
Modhera Surya Kund
Dance & projections at the Sun Temple
Dharoi Dam
A scenic dam on the Sabarmati river
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Sweet-savoury full meals.
Dhokla & fafda
Steamed and fried snacks.
Chaat & snacks
Lively market-town fare.
Dairy capital
Home of Dudhsagar Dairy & superb milk sweets.
Sharmishtha Lake FAQ
What is Sharmishtha Lake?
A centuries-old sacred tank at the heart of Vadnagar, ringed by ghats and temples.
Who was Sharmishtha?
A princess of Mahabharata-era legend linked to Vadnagar's mythical past.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is a freely accessible public lake.
What can I do there?
Walk the ghats, visit lakeside shrines and enjoy the calm.
When is it loveliest?
At dawn and dusk, for reflections and cool air.
Where is it?
In central Vadnagar, Mehsana district.
Is it good for photography?
Yes — especially at golden hour.
What's nearby?
The Kirti Toran and Hatkeshwar temple.
Related places across Gujarat
Khanpur Forests
Green hill hideaways of eastern Gujarat
Ranakdevi Temple
An old shrine in royal Wadhwan
Bhalka Tirth
Where Krishna is said to have left his body
Gomti Aarti, Dakor
Lamp-lit evening worship by the Dakor lake
Gopnath
~75 km
Sandipani Ashram
Where Krishna & Sudama are said to have studied
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.