Dailab Lake, Banswara

Dailab Lake, also written Diablab, lies in Banswara, Rajasthan. An irrigation project of the early 1900s created it, and it has since become a source of water for the city as well as a place of recreation. Monsoon rains and small streams from the hills feed it, and a stone masonry dam on its west side controls the level in heavy rain.

Lotus flowers bloom here throughout the year, and the annual Lotus Festival celebrates them. Visitors come for picnics and boating, and boats serve the two islands: one holds an ancient temple that draws pilgrims, while the other has been laid out as a park. Trees around the lake give habitat to many birds, and the water holds fish such as catla and Labeo rohita. Local groups have worked on desilting and removing invasive species.