Boating Facilities in Nakhi Lake at Mount Abu in India

I visited mount Abu very recently during February 2009 during my latest visit to India. Mount Abu is my favorite hill station and I love to visit it again and again. I have visited Mount Abu at least for around 12 to 15 times in my life and hence, am fully familiar with all the fine details pertaining to Mount Abu. Nakhi Lake is one of the prime attractions of Mount Abu. This lake is a natural lake and is spread in to a wide area of around four square miles in the midst of the Arvalli Mountains range. Almost all the tourists visiting Mount Abu makes sure to carry out boating in this famous and historical lake at least once during their trip to Mount Abu. I am going to cover details on how to undertake boating in this lake in this article. It will certainly help all my AC friends who are likely to visit Mount Abu in future.

The boating club at this Nakhi Lake is operated by the Rajasthan State Government since around last thirty five years. Earlier to this, this boating operation was controlled by the private vendor. The boating facility at Nakhi Lake opens at 9 am in the morning and is operated continuously till 9 pm in the evening on all seven days of the week. The boats are landed at the wooden platform constructed specifically for this purpose. This wooden dock is situated inside the Mahatma Gandhi garden, which is situated at the bank of Nakhi Lake. There are three types of boats available for the tourists for boating purpose. The first is rowing boat, which is operated by trained driver. This type of boat has a capacity of around eight people. The charges for such type of boats are Rs.50 per person for half an hour ride inside the lake. If you want to book the entire boat, you will have to pay Rs.400 ($8) for half an hour ride with the trained driver. One hour ride in such boats is charged Rs.100 ($2) per head and Rs. 800 ($16) for the full boat. The second category of boats is peddling boats. Such boats are to be operated by the tourists themselves. Such boats are available in the capacity of either two or four. The charges for half an hour ride is Rs.100 ($2) for two sitter boat and Rs.200 ($8) for four sitter boats. The one hour ride can be bought at double the rates for half an hour ride. The most luxurious type of boats available for the tourists here at Nakhi Lake is the colorful shikaras. Such shikara rides are generally preferred by honeymoon couples who want to enjoy romantic ride in the lake. The trained driver comes along with the Shikara and he sits behind the tourists so as not to disturb the romantic couple. Such shikara rides are available at the rate of Rs.200 ($4) for half an hour ride. Such shikara can accommodate two persons only. One hour ride of such shikaras cost Rs.400 ($8) per couple. The best way to enjoy the boating in Nakhi Lake is through such Shikaras. The best time to carry out boating is during late evening hours from 7 pm to 9 pm. The lovely lighting decoration provided all around the lake can be viewed during the boating at such late evening hours. However, if you are likely to feel cold in the late evening hours, undertake the boating in the morning hours at around 10 am.

There is a very heavy rush for boating, particularly during the peak winter season due to marriage season. In such case, make sure to book your boating tickets in advance on the previous day with the specific timings. The safety rules are generally observed by this boating club. However, one accident happened here at Nakhi Lake before around twenty years in which eleven persons have drowned while boating. It is strictly suggested to remain seated while boating and to refrain from alcoholic drinks during or prior to boating ride. Also, make sure that the necessary safety equipments like floating tubes, life jackets etc are kept in ample quantity inside your boat for use in emergency. Do not try to dance or jump inside the boat under any circumstances. Also, it is suggested not to put your hands in the water while boating. If such basic safety rules are followed, the boating in the Nakhi Lake would be a very pleasant and memorable experience of your life. I am sure this article would encourage many of my AC friends and readers to take up the boating in this historical, natural Nakhi Lake at Mount Abu.