Kolayat Lake

Kolayat Lake lies in the town of Kolayat, 51 km from Bikaner, and is one of the main pilgrimage spots of the Bikaner region. Its sanctity comes from the sage Kapil Muni, regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, who is said to have found such peace here while travelling that he settled and did penance under the peepal trees by the water.

The large man-made lake is lined with ghats, marble temples and sandstone pavilions, including a temple to Kapil Muni, and a nearby Shivalaya holds 12 lingas. Pilgrims bathe in its water, believed to wash away sins, and float lamps on it after dark. The Kapil Muni Fair, held every year on Kartik Purnima, brings large crowds along with folk performances and craft stalls. Migratory birds also visit, and boats can be hired.