If Ahmedabad had a heartbeat, Kankaria Lake would be one of its loudest pulses. This 570-year-old artificial lake in the south-eastern part of the city has been the favourite outing spot for Amdavadis across generations and today, it is one of Gujarat’s most vibrant family destinations. Built by a Sultan in 1451, transformed into a modern lakefront in 2008, and now home to a zoo, a toy train, a tethered balloon ride, a musical fountain island, a planetarium, and an entire carnival held every December Kankaria Lake is not just a place to visit. It is a full day out.
Whether you are visiting with young children, on a morning jog, looking for an evening stroll by the water, or planning to attend the famous Kankaria Carnival, this TravelRoach guide covers everything history, all attractions with entry fees, activities, timings, how to reach, food, and insider tips.
Kankaria Lake – Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Kankaria, Maninagar area, South-East Ahmedabad PIN 380002 |
| Built | 1451 CE by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II |
| Shape & Size | 34-sided polygon, 76 acres, ~2.5 km circumference, ~1.25 km diameter |
| Managed By | Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) |
| Closed | Every Monday (maintenance) |
| Jogger Timings | 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM (free entry for walkers and joggers) |
| General Timings | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) |
| Lakefront Entry — Adults | ₹25 per person |
| Lakefront Entry — Children | ₹10 per child (below 12 years) |
| Lakefront Entry — Free | Senior citizens (60+), differently-abled persons, kids below 3 years |
| Online Ticket Booking | kankarialaketickets.com |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February; December for Kankaria Carnival |
| Distance from Ahmedabad Junction | ~5 km |
| Distance from Maninagar Railway Station | ~3 km |
| Distance from Airport | ~8–12 km |
| Nearest Metro Station | Apparel Park Metro Station (~2 km, then auto) |
History of Kankaria Lake
The story of Kankaria Lake begins long before 1451. According to local chronicles, the Chalukya ruler Karna built a tank called Karnasagara at Karnavati the ancient city close to where Ahmedabad was later founded and historians believe this is the same lake that exists today as Kankaria.
The lake as we know it was built in 1451 CE, in Ahmedabad’s architectural golden period. Construction was started by Sultan Muizz-ud-Din Muhammad Shah II and completed by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. The lake was originally named Hauz-e-Qutb, meaning ‘the tank of Qutb’, in the Sultan’s honour. It was used as a royal bathing and leisure space a venue for musical concerts, poetry recitals, dance performances, and fireworks by the Gujarat Sultanate and later the Mughals.
In the 17th century, European travellers including Johan Albrecht de Mandelslo wrote about the lake’s beauty. The lake was declared a protected monument in 1928. However, through decades of neglect, the lake became dirty and partly dried up. In 2008, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation revamped Kankaria Lake in a major project costing approximately ₹36 crore, transforming it into the world-class lakefront entertainment hub it is today. The renovation was inaugurated through a week-long event — the very first Kankaria Carnival — in December 2008.
The Name – Three Different Stories
- The word ‘kankar’ means limestone in Gujarati. Large quantities of limestone were dug out during the lake’s excavation giving the lake its name.
- Another story says that Saint Hazrat Shah Alam cut his foot on a sharp pebble (kankar) while passing through the excavation site, and the lake was thereafter called Kankaria meaning ‘full of pebbles’.
- A third version credits Sultan Qutb-ud-Din who asked Saint Shah Alam to choose the site for the lake. The saint scattered pebbles on the ground and the lake was built on that exact spot.
Also Read: A Taste of Ahmedabad: The Best Cafes You Must Visit
Attractions at Kankaria Lake – Complete Guide
Kankaria Lake is not just a lake it is an entire entertainment complex spread over 76 acres. Plan to spend at least half a day, or a full day if you are visiting with children. Here is every major attraction with its timings and entry fee:
1. Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden (Kankaria Zoo)
Founded in 1951 by Rueben David, the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden popularly called Kankaria Zoo is one of the finest and best-maintained zoos in India. It spreads over 31 acres and was awarded the title of Best Zoo in Asia in 1974. Today it houses tigers, lions, elephants, pythons, anacondas, crocodiles, chinkara, spotted deer, white blackbuck, peacocks, rhesus monkeys, emus, and many other species. The zoo also has a Butterfly Park, a Reptile House, an aquarium, a kids’ play zone, and a miniature toy train running around the zoo premises.
| Category | Fee / Timing |
| Adults (Indian) | ₹50 per person |
| Children (5–12 years) | ₹30 per child |
| Children below 5 years | Free |
| Zoo Timings (March to October) | 9:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
| Zoo Timings (November to February) | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Closed | Every Monday |
2. Atal Express – Toy Train Ride
One of Kankaria’s most beloved attractions, the Atal Express is a toy train imported from London and named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It runs on a 2.3 km circular track around the lake, carrying up to 150 passengers at a time. A single ride takes approximately 25 minutes and is a wonderful way to see the entire lakefront without walking. Hugely popular with families and children book tickets in advance on weekends as it fills up quickly.
Ticket: ₹50 per person | Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3. Tethered Balloon Ride (Ahmedabad Eye)
The tethered hot-air balloon safari is one of the most thrilling experiences at Kankaria Lake. The balloon rises up to 120 metres (approximately 350 feet) above the ground, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, the city of Ahmedabad, and the surrounding areas. The ride accommodates up to 30 passengers at a time and lasts around 10 minutes. There is a small restaurant near the balloon launch area.
Ticket: ₹300 per person | Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
4. Nagina Wadi — The Island Garden
Nagina Wadi, meaning ‘jewel island’ in Urdu, is the beautiful garden island situated in the centre of Kankaria Lake. You can reach it by walking along the grass-covered looping pathway that traverses half the lake a scenic walk in itself. The island is home to lush gardens, a musical fountain, and a laser light show in the evenings that draws large crowds. Nagina Wadi also offers speed boat rides, jet ski, and other water sports on the lake around the island. Evening visits to Nagina Wadi are especially popular the fountain show and illuminated pathways make it a great photography spot.
Best Time: Evenings for fountain and laser show | Water sports available on-site
5. Balvatika 2.0 – Children’s Park (Upgraded July 2025)
Chacha Nehru Balvatika known simply as Balvatika is Kankaria’s dedicated children’s park, completely revamped and reopened in July 2025 under a PPP model with a ₹22 crore investment. The new Balvatika 2.0 offers more than 22 activities for children and families. The entry ticket of ₹50 includes access to 6 free activities including the Coin House, Mirror House (AC), Shoe House, Landscape Garden, and Selfie Zones.
Additional paid activities include a Dinosaur Train (₹60), Haran Train (₹60), Happy Ring (₹60), Flying Theater (₹200), Wax Museum (₹130), Snow Park (₹450), Illusion House (₹150), Glass Tower/Selfie Tower (₹170), and more. The park is accessible from Gate 5 of the lakefront vehicles are not permitted inside, so park at the gate and walk 200 metres.
Entry: ₹50 per person (includes 6 activities) | Additional activities priced ₹60–₹450
6. Kids City
Kids City is a 4,240 square metre miniature city located near Gate 7 of the lakefront. It recreates a small-scale world with miniature hospitals, schools, government offices, fire stations, and other public buildings. Children can role-play as doctors, police officers, shopkeepers, and more. It is an interactive educational experience that blends learning with play and is hugely popular with school groups and young families.
Best For: Children aged 4–12 years
7. Nabhi Darshan Planetarium
Located within the Balvatika area, the Nabhi Darshan Planetarium offers sky-viewing shows and educational screenings about space, stars, and astronomy. It is a great add-on for science-curious visitors, especially children on school excursions.
Tickets: ₹15 for adults, ₹10 for children
8. Amusement Park Rides
Kankaria’s lakefront amusement park features high-adrenaline rides suitable for older children, teenagers, and adults. Current rides include the Boomerang Roller Coaster, Flipping Arm, Torching Tower, Dis-o-Pendulum, and merry-go-round. Segways, skating zones, mini-golf, and a paintball area are also available for visitors looking for casual activity between attractions.
Ticket Range: ₹50–₹200 per ride depending on activity
9. Boating and Water Sports
Kankaria Lake offers a variety of water-based activities. Slow-moving ferry boats take visitors around the lake, while speed boats and jet skis are available for those seeking a more exciting experience. Boating is particularly enjoyable in the cooler months of October to February.
Ferry Boat: ₹60 per person | Speed Boat: ₹150 onwards | Jet Ski: priced separately on-site
10. Stone Mural Park – Gurjar Gaurav Gatha
India’s largest stone mural park, the Gurjar Gaurav Gatha runs along the sidewalls of Kankaria Lake. The park features pink sandstone sculptures and murals depicting the history of Ahmedabad — covering subjects including great rulers of Gujarat, maritime trade, the freedom struggle, cultural heritage, and the arts. The centrepiece is a 3,150 sq ft mural depicting the complete history of the city. This is a stunning and underrated attraction for history and art lovers.
11. Dutch and Armenian Tombs – One Tree Hill Garden
To the left of Kankaria Lake, inside One Tree Hill Garden, lies a small but historically fascinating colonial cemetery containing 17th century Dutch and Armenian tombs. The tombs feature stylised domes and pillars with inscriptions in Dutch and Latin. The most notable is the tomb of a Dutch nobleman who established the Dutch East India Company’s factory in Ahmedabad in 1615. The garden also offers a panoramic view of the lake and requires a short uphill walk to reach. A hidden gem for heritage travellers.
12. Other Attractions
- Natural History Museum – Exhibits on Indian birds and animals, located within the Balvatika area
- Aquarium – Freshwater and marine species display within the zoo and lakefront premises
- Dadu Dayal Temple- A small temple within the lakefront complex
- Desert Safari Zone – A themed activity area within the park
- Open Air Theatre – Used for cultural performances and events throughout the year
- Butterfly Park – A delightful walk-through butterfly enclosure, popular with children
Kankaria Carnival – Ahmedabad’s Biggest Annual Festival
The Kankaria Carnival is one of Ahmedabad’s most anticipated events of the year. Hosted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation every year in the last week of December (typically December 25 to December 31), the carnival has been running since 2008 and draws millions of visitors.
What Happens at the Carnival
- Morning sessions (from 9 AM) – Yoga, meditation, Zumba, aerobics, and wellness activities
- Daytime events – Interactive workshops, competitions (painting, rangoli, essay), dog shows, food courts, handicraft stalls
- Evening highlights – Grand laser and 3D light show (75 minutes), musical fountain performances, live music concerts, cultural performances (garba, dandiya, bhavai, classical dance)
- Special attractions – Magic shows, life-size puppet shows, aqua scripting, gymnastics, pet fashion show, scuba diving demonstrations
- The iconic Atal Express toy train and Swarnim Train run special schedules during carnival days
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | December 25 to December 31 every year |
| Evening Carnival Timings | 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM (near Pushpkunj Gate) |
| Carnival Entry Fee (Adults) | ₹10 per person |
| Carnival Entry Fee (Children) | ₹5 per child |
| Best For | Families, couples, cultural enthusiasts, photography lovers |
Tip: Book accommodation in advance if you plan to visit during the carnival week. Kankaria and the surrounding Maninagar area see a massive surge in visitors during December 25 to 31.
Kankaria Lake – All Entry Fees at a Glance
| Attraction / Activity | Adult Fee | Child Fee |
| Lakefront Entry | ₹25 | ₹10 (below 12 yrs) |
| Kankaria Zoo (Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden) | ₹50 | ₹30 (5–12 yrs) | Free below 5 |
| Toy Train — Atal Express | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| Tethered Balloon Ride (Ahmedabad Eye) | ₹300 | ₹300 |
| Balvatika 2.0 Entry (includes 6 activities) | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| Balvatika — Additional Rides | ₹60–₹450 | ₹60–₹450 |
| Nabhi Darshan Planetarium | ₹15 | ₹10 |
| Ferry Boat Ride | ₹60 | ₹60 |
| Speed Boat Ride | ₹150+ | ₹150+ |
| Kankaria Carnival (Dec 25–31) | ₹10 | ₹5 |
| Joggers Entry (4 AM – 8 AM) | Free | Free |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | Free | — |
Note: Prices are subject to revision by AMC. Always confirm current rates at the ticket counter or on kankarialaketickets.com before your visit.
Also Read: Best Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad
Kankaria Lake Timings
| Session | Timings | Who Can Enter |
| Early Morning (Joggers / Walkers) | 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Free for walkers and joggers |
| General Visitors | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | All visitors (entry fee applies) |
| Kankaria Zoo | 9:00 AM – 6:15 PM (Mar–Oct) | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Nov–Feb) | Separate ticket |
| Toy Train | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Separate ticket |
| Balloon Ride | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Separate ticket |
| Nagina Wadi Fountain Show | Evening hours (check on-site) | Included with lakefront entry |
| Weekly Holiday | Every Monday -CLOSED | No entry |
How to Reach Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
| Mode | Details |
| Auto-Rickshaw / Cab (Recommended) | Ask for ‘Kankaria Lake, Maninagar’. Auto and Uber/Ola are both easily available from any part of Ahmedabad. Most convenient option. |
| Metro | Take metro to Apparel Park Station (nearest metro stop, ~2 km from the lake). From there, take a short auto ride to Kankaria. Metro fare ₹10–₹20 depending on origin. |
| Train | Nearest station: Maninagar Railway Station (~3 km away). Also accessible from Ahmedabad Junction (~5 km). Take an auto from either station. |
| Bus (AMTS) | Several AMTS city buses go to Kankaria Lake bus stop near the main entrance. Bus fare ₹10–₹20. Check current routes on the AMTS app. |
| Private Car | Take Punt Maharaj Road (opposite Nelson’s Primary School). Paid parking is available near the lakefront gates. |
| Airport | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is ~8–12 km away. Take a taxi or cab directly to the lake. |
Best Time to Visit Kankaria Lake
October to February -Best Season
The weather in Ahmedabad is cool and pleasant from October to February, making lakefront walks, outdoor activities, and long visits comfortable. This is when the lake looks its most beautiful and all attractions are in full operation.
December 25 to 31 – Kankaria Carnival Season
If you can time your Ahmedabad visit for the last week of December, the Kankaria Carnival experience is absolutely unmissable. The entire lake transforms with lights, performances, food, and cultural events running daily. Evening laser shows are a highlight. Book your Ahmedabad hotel well in advance for this period.
March to May – Getting Warmer
The lakefront is open but summer heat in Ahmedabad can be intense. Early morning jogger sessions (4–8 AM) are popular. Afternoon visits are uncomfortable. If visiting, come in the morning or after 6 PM for the evening atmosphere.
June to September – Monsoon Season
The lake and surroundings look lush and green after the rains. However, outdoor activities and some rides may have limited operation during heavy monsoon weeks. Still a pleasant place to visit in the evening during lighter rain days.
Food at and Around Kankaria Lake
Multiple food courts and snack stalls operate within the Kankaria Lakefront premises. You can find Gujarat’s beloved street food staples bhaji pav, dabeli, pav bhaji, kulfi, gola (ice candy), samosa, sandwich, and various chai stalls scattered throughout the park.
For a more dedicated Gujarati snack stop, head to Lijjat Khaman House, located approximately five minutes from the lake. It serves excellent dhokla, khaman, and khandvi at very affordable prices.
After your Kankaria visit in the evening, the iconic Manek Chowk Night Market is just a 10 to 15 minute drive away perfect for a midnight street food crawl to cap off your day.
Also Read: A Foodie’s Guide to Ahmedabad
Travel Tips for Kankaria Lake
- Visit on a weekday – weekends are significantly more crowded. Tuesday to Friday mornings or evenings give you the best experience without the crush.
- Book toy train tickets in advance – the Atal Express is always in demand, especially on weekends. Check kankarialaketickets.com.
- Plan a full day with the zoo, Balvatika, toy train, balloon ride, Nagina Wadi, and boating, you easily need 5 to 6 hours for a complete visit.
- Come early for the zoo Kankaria Zoo is best visited in the morning when animals are most active. The afternoon heat makes them lethargic.
- Carry water and snacks the lakefront is large and involves a lot of walking. Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes the 2.5 km circumference means a lot of ground to cover. Skip heels.
- Visit Nagina Wadi in the evening the musical fountain show and laser lights are the highlight of an evening visit.
- Attend the Kankaria Carnival in December if you are in Ahmedabad during the last week of December, this is a non-negotiable experience.
- Park near Gate 5 for Balvatika vehicles are not allowed inside the Balvatika area. Park at Gate 5 and walk 200 metres in.
- Senior citizens and differently-abled persons get free lakefront entry carry valid ID for concessions.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Kankaria Lake
- Manek Chowk Night Market ~10 min drive | Ahmedabad’s famous late-night street food market. Perfect after-dinner follow-up to a Kankaria evening. Read our full guide on TravelRoach.
- Auto World Vintage Car Museum ~20 min drive | India’s finest vintage car collection including 1906 Minerva, Rolls Royces, Cadillacs, and Packards. Opens at 8 AM great pre-Kankaria stop.
- Sidi Bashir Mosque and Shaking Minarets ~10 min drive | The mysterious 15th-century minarets that vibrate in sync when shaken. Built in 1452 near Sarangpur Darwaja.
- Sabarmati Ashram ~6 km | Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ashram on the Sabarmati River. A must-visit heritage site in Ahmedabad.
- Amrapali Funland Near Kankaria | An amusement park close to the lake with carousel, bumper cars, Columbus ride, and a mini roller coaster. Good for families wanting more rides after Kankaria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kankaria Lake is one of Ahmedabad’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, built in 1451 CE by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. It is famous for its 76-acre circular lakefront entertainment complex which includes the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden (Kankaria Zoo), the Atal Express toy train, a tethered balloon ride, the island garden Nagina Wadi with musical fountain shows, Balvatika 2.0 children’s park, Kids City, boating, and the annual Kankaria Carnival held in December. It is Ahmedabad’s most popular family outing destination.
The Kankaria Lakefront entry fee is ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children below 12 years. Senior citizens above 60 and differently-abled persons get free entry. Joggers and walkers can enter free of charge from 4 AM to 8 AM. Attractions inside the lakefront have separate ticket prices Kankaria Zoo is ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children, the toy train is ₹50, the balloon ride is ₹300, and Balvatika entry is ₹50. Tickets can be booked online at kankarialaketickets.com.
Kankaria Lake is open for joggers and walkers from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM free of charge. General visitor timings are 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The lake is closed every Monday for maintenance. Kankaria Zoo closes earlier at 6:15 PM from March to October and at 5:30 PM from November to February. The toy train and balloon ride operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The Kankaria Carnival is Ahmedabad’s biggest annual festival, hosted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the last week of December every year (December 25 to December 31). It has been held since 2008. The carnival features morning wellness sessions (yoga, Zumba), daytime competitions and stalls, and spectacular evening events including a 75-minute laser light show, musical fountain performances, live music, garba, classical dance, magic shows, and food courts. Carnival entry is ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children.
Yes, Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden (Kankaria Zoo) is the most prominent zoo in Ahmedabad and was awarded the title of Best Zoo in Asia in 1974. Founded in 1951, it spreads over 31 acres and houses tigers, lions, elephants, anacondas, pythons, spotted deer, peacocks, and more. It also has a butterfly park, aquarium, reptile house, and a natural history museum. Entry is ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children aged 5 to 12. Children below 5 years enter free.
Kankaria Lake is well connected from all parts of Ahmedabad. By auto or cab, ask for ‘Kankaria Lake, Maninagar’ most drivers know it. By metro, take the train to Apparel Park Station and then a short auto ride. By local train, the nearest railway stations are Maninagar (3 km) and Ahmedabad Junction (5 km). AMTS city buses also stop near the lake entrance. Parking is available near the lakefront gates if you are driving.
Absolutely Kankaria Lake is one of the best family destinations in Ahmedabad. Children of all ages will find something exciting: the toy train, the zoo, Kids City with its miniature world, Balvatika 2.0 with 22+ activities, the butterfly park, Nagina Wadi, and the evening fountain show. The lakefront is clean, well-maintained, and pedestrian-friendly. Plan to spend a full day. Arrive in the morning for the zoo and attractions, and stay into the evening for Nagina Wadi’s light show.
Kankaria Lake is one of those places in Ahmedabad that rewards you no matter what you are looking for. Come for a quiet morning jog at dawn and find the lake in golden silence. Come with your family on a Sunday and spend the whole day bouncing between the zoo, the toy train, and Balvatika. Come in December and discover what a carnival really looks like when a city puts its whole heart into celebrating.
Over 570 years old and still drawing millions of visitors every year Kankaria Lake is Ahmedabad’s most enduring gathering place. Block out a full day, wear comfortable shoes, and let the lakefront surprise you.
