Sambhar lake is India’s Largest inland salt lake. I used to see this lake from our train journey to Jodhpur. I decided to plan a day trip to our own mini “Rann Of Kutch” with my family.
Days required– Day trip (If you planning for night camping or star gazing then plan accordingly)
Nearby places to go – Shakambari Mata Temple
Best time to visit – October to February. It is better to avoid summer (temperature rising to 45 degrees) and monsoon season (you will not be able to enjoy driving on white sand and camping is also not possible at that time).
How to reach – Sambhar is 80 km from Jaipur city. You can self-drive or hire a taxi/cab from the city. Follow the Google map. There are two routes to reach there – one is Jaipur-Jobner-Phulera-Sambhar and another one is Jaipur-Ajmer Highway to Sambhar. You can choose any of them.
Nearest airport is Sanganer Airport, Jaipur.
Sambhar town has a railway station which is on the Jaipur-Jodhpur Rail route.
Where to stay – We didn’t stay there as Jaipur is just 2-hour drive from here. If you are planning for camping here, you have to bring your camping equipment. I don’t think you will need permission for night stay there but surely there is a safety concern as, after dark, this place becomes scary.
There are few guesthouses on highway and Phulera for night stay. There is Sambhar Heritage Resort in the town for your comfortable stay.
How to go around – You will need a car to explore and enjoy the place. Use Google maps until you reach near Sambhar. Don’t enter the town. Follow the signboard for Shakambari Mata Temple. On the way, you will see heaps of salt, a small train, and track solely for the salt production purpose. From the temple, you will see vast plain covered with white sand with no animal or any vegetation. Near the temple, turn your car into this white sparkling land where you will find no road but you can follow tyre marks or make your own.
Activities to do–
Visit Shakambari Mata Mandir – Visit the temple built on a hilltop by the Chauhan Rulers of this region centuries ago. It is devoted to Shakambari Devi.
Driving on the Salt Lake – Enjoy driving on the long stretches of white sand with no one to interrupt you.
Night Camping- Away from all the chaos and pollution of the city, enjoy camping with your friends.
Photography and star gazing – Don’t forget to bring your tripod, lenses, and telescope to enjoy the unobscured view of the night sky with zillions of sparkling stars. This is an unexplored paradise for photography enthusiasts and stargazers with almost zero pollution and clear sky.
Bird Watching – Sambhar is a Ramsar site( wetlands where thousands of pink flamingo and other birds migrate from northern Asia)
Where to eat– Arrange for your meals before reaching Sambhar. You may find some small Dhabas on the way. Carry food and water along with you. You will have to go to Sambhar town for the supplies. Better to purchase them beforehand. We took home-cooked food with us and had Aloo-puri-pakoda picnic somewhere near the Sambhar.
Quick tips for fellow travelers –
- No restaurants/dhabas are there around Sambhar Lake. You may find something to eat in Sambhar town or on the highway so make arrangements accordingly.
- If you are planning a night out in camps there, then you are on your own. This concept is new at least in this part of the country. Bring your supplies for the night.
- Plan your camping around new moon night for star gazing and night photography.
Ratings (it is subjective and my personal opinion)
Destination overall rating 7/10 – This place is still unexplored and under-rated but that is the reason why this area is saved from being converted into piles of garbage.
Travel Expense 1/10 – You just need a car, a camera, and food.
Travel ease 8/10 – Public transport is available but not preferred by visitors. You can easily reach this place by car.
Food 1/10 – Carry your food supplies from the city and as no restaurants are available near the Lake.