Nakki Lake also bears religious and historical significance. Mount Abu is regarded as the abode of sage Vashistha, one of the revered Saptarishis in Hindu tradition. According to ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana (स्कंद पुराण) and the Padma Purana (पद्म पुराण), it was near this lake that sage Vashistha (ऋषि वशिष्ठ) is believed to have performed a yajna to seek divine warriors to protect the earth from evil. From this sacred ritual emerged the Agnivanshi Rajputs (अग्निवंशी राजपूत), the supposed progenitors of several Rajput clans. This legendary association renders the lake not only a geographical marvel but also a cultural and spiritual landmark.
British colonial accounts, especially from the 19th century, refer to Nakki Lake in gazetteers and hill-station journals as a place of healthful retreat and scenic indulgence. Sir Charles Napier and other British officers are known to have visited the area frequently, lauding its cool climate and crystalline waters. During the British Raj, Mount Abu served as the summer capital of the Rajputana Agency, and Nakki Lake was the nucleus of this mountain escapade.
Today, the lake is flanked by a tidy promenade and verdant hills, with boating facilities drawing visitors who wish to glide through its serene waters. Its depths, reaching up to 30 feet in some parts, are home to a variety of fish, while the surrounding foliage shelters numerous avian species, adding a natural harmony to the spiritual undertones. A prominent feature on the banks of the lake is the Toad Rock—a natural rock formation that resembles a giant toad about to leap into the waters. It remains a popular vantage point for tourists, especially during the golden hues of sunset when the lake shimmers like liquid amber.
The lake also plays a central role during the annual Shravana fair (श्रावण मेला) and Mahashivaratri (महाशिवरात्रि) celebrations, when devotees throng the area, performing rituals and making offerings in the nearby temples, particularly the Raghunathji Temple, which stands close to the lake. Dating back to the 14th century, this temple enshrines Lord Raghunath (an incarnation of Vishnu) and lends a devout air to the tranquil surroundings.
Located roughly 1.5 kilometres from the Mount Abu bus stand, Nakki Lake is easily accessible by foot or local transport. The nearest railway station is Abu Road, situated about 27 kilometres away, well-connected to major cities like
Delhi ,
Mumbai ,
Udaipur and
Ahmedabad . From there, taxis and buses ply frequently to Mount Abu. The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 175 kilometres distant.
The best time to visit Nakki Lake is between October and March, when the weather remains cool and pleasant, ideal for boating and exploring the surrounding trails. Monsoons too cast a lush spell over the hills, but it is winter that truly allows one to savour the lake’s serenity and grace.
In essence, Nakki Lake is not simply a tourist attraction—it is a reservoir of legends, a canvas of divine artistry, and an enduring testament to Mount Abu’s enchanting legacy.