Surajkund Ancient Reservoir / Lake
Built in the 10th century by the Tomar King Suraj Pal, this ancient masonry tank is shaped like a rising sun's semi-circle with stepped stone embankments. Originally constructed as a water reservoir and associated with a now-ruined Sun Temple, it is located amidst the scenic Aravalli range. While of ten dry in the summer, it fills up during the monsoon, offering a picturesque view and standing as a significant monument of pre-Islamic Indian engineering and architecture.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 hours (for viewing the reservoir and surroundings)Place Type:
Ancient Reservoir / Historical Monument / LakeEntry Fees:
Monument Entry: Generally Free of charge as a publicly accessible historical monument under the protection of the government.
Camera Fee: Free for personal photography. Professional commercial photography/filming may require a paid permit f...Monument Entry: Generally Free of charge as a publicly accessible historical monument under the protection of the government.
Camera Fee: Free for personal photography. Professional commercial photography/filming may require a paid permit from the archaeological department.
Parking: A nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.20 to 50) is charged for vehicle parking near the entry.
Trekking/Hiking: No separate fees for walking/trekking in the surrounding public forest areas.
Local Guide: Hiring an informal local guide is at the tourist's discretion and cost.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open all day, from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM to 7:00 PM), for public viewing.
Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise (5:30 AM to 7:00 AM) or sunset (5:30 PM to 6:30 PM) for the best lighting and a cool, tranquil environment.Regular Timings: Open all day, from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM to 7:00 PM), for public viewing.
Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise (5:30 AM to 7:00 AM) or sunset (5:30 PM to 6:30 PM) for the best lighting and a cool, tranquil environment.
Mela Season Impact: Highly crowded in February, with access slightly restricted/managed by the Mela Authority.
Photography Time: Golden hour (just after sunrise/before sunset) is the best time for capturing the stonework and Aravalli backdrop.Special Events:
Historical Water Filling: The event of the reservoir filling up during a good monsoon season (typically July to September) is a major natural event celebrated by the locals.
Annual Bird Migration: The arrival of migratory birds during the co...Historical Water Filling: The event of the reservoir filling up during a good monsoon season (typically July to September) is a major natural event celebrated by the locals.
Annual Bird Migration: The arrival of migratory birds during the cooler months (November to March) is a key natural event for birdwatchers.
Surajkund Mela Foundation Day: While overshadowed by the Mela, the actual anniversary of King Suraj Pal's establishment is an important historical day.
Local Trekking Events: Organized trekking and environmental awareness programs in the surrounding Aravalli forests, usually held by local groups.Best Photo Spots:
The Top Step View: Standing at the top level of the reservoir and capturing the entire semi-circular stone embankment descending into the bed.
The Rising Sun Shape: The best spots are on the opposite ridge or side to clearly capture the 'ris...The Top Step View: Standing at the top level of the reservoir and capturing the entire semi-circular stone embankment descending into the bed.
The Rising Sun Shape: The best spots are on the opposite ridge or side to clearly capture the 'rising sun' shape and curvature of the tank.
Water Reflection (Post-Monsoon): If the lake is filled, the reflection of the Aravalli hills in the water is an excellent landscape photo opportunity.
The Stone Masonry: Close-up shots of the ancient, weathered stone steps and joints.
The Aravalli Backdrop: Capturing the reservoir with the rugged, green-grey hills in the background.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Walk the Stepped Embankments: Descend the ancient stone steps of the reservoir to the dry/wet bed.
Photography: Capture the iconic semi-circular shape of the tank and the surrounding Aravalli hills.
Nature Walk/Trekking: Explore the rugged, forested area around the tank for a short trek.
Birdwatching: The area, especially when the tank has water, attracts various species of local and migratory birds.
Picnicking: Find a scenic, quiet spot in the surrounding area for a peaceful picnic (ensure you carry back all waste).
Study the Architecture: Observe the medieval stone masonry and hydraulic engineering of the 10th-century tank.
Cycle the Trails: The area is popular...
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Significance: The reservoir is famous for being a 10th-century marvel of water conservation engineering, pre-dating many other major structures in the region.
Sun-Shape Architecture: Its unique semi-circular, amphitheater-like sha...Historical Significance: The reservoir is famous for being a 10th-century marvel of water conservation engineering, pre-dating many other major structures in the region.
Sun-Shape Architecture: Its unique semi-circular, amphitheater-like shape, said to resemble a rising sun, is a major architectural highlight.
Gateway to Culture: It provides the historical and natural backdrop for the world-renowned Surajkund International Crafts Mela, cementing its place on the international tourist map. -
Architecture:
Historical Engineering: Built in the 10th century AD by the Tomar dynasty. The tank is an outstanding example of contemporary Hindu water-harvesting architecture.
Dimension & Layout: The reservoir is amphitheater-shaped, constructed in a se...Historical Engineering: Built in the 10th century AD by the Tomar dynasty. The tank is an outstanding example of contemporary Hindu water-harvesting architecture.
Dimension & Layout: The reservoir is amphitheater-shaped, constructed in a semi-circular arc. Its diameter is approximately 130 meters (427 ft) at the bed. The structure consists of stepped stone embankments, creating a layered, descending path to the water.
Key Features: The most unique feature is its shape, which strikingly resembles the rising sun. It utilizes local stone masonry and is an integral part of the larger Anangpur complex and local ecology, intended to intercept rainwater run-off. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi. Hire a direct cab to Surajkund, which is an approx. 45-minute drive via the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road / Badarpur approach.
By Train: Nearest major stations are F... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Surajkund Mela Ground (0. 5 KMS) 2. Anangpur Dam (2 KMS) 3. Peacock Lake (1. 5 KMS) 4. Badkhal Lake (3 KMS) 5. Tughlaqabad Fort (8 KMS in Delhi) 6. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (5 KMS) 7. Raja Nahar Singh Fort (16 KMS) 8. Town Park (9 KMS) 9. Raja Nahar Singh Palace (17 KMS) 10. Karni Mata Mandir (4 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the stone steps can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Carry water. Be mindful of the surrounding forest (e. g. , snakes/wildlife).
Packing: Camera with a wide-angle lens, binocula...
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