When in Ahmedabad, don't know where to carry out your work-out sesshes or where to relax and meditate a lil and simply take a breather, walk and feel those endorphins? Citizens of Ahmedabad take pride in this paradisal spot, called Kankaria Lake, which will answer all your dormant queries surrounding nature.

Located in the south-eastern part of the city, near Maninagar area, it often fits the title of the second largest lake of Ahmedabad. The place is a popular family picnic space and a major tourist spot and for a good reason. From holding a zoo and science centre in its lap to hosting water-based rides and joy rides on toy-train, the circular lake is fully equipped to make your day!

A lake that goes around in a circle, clinging to a piece of land that connects all the way to centre? Sounds like an architectural delight, does it not?

Built in 1451, and initially called Hauz e Qutub, Kankaria Lake is a manmade lake commissioned by Muzaffarid Dynasty's Sultan Muizz-ud-Din Muhammad Shah II. The construction was completed during the reign of Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II, his son, of the Gujarat Sultanate.

Legend has it that the lake provided quite the repose to kings and the families of the era. In 1928, it was declared a protected monument. However, since the place wasn't being properly taken care of, it was in 2008 that Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) renovated it on a huge scale. The lake was given the makeover of an urbane recreational space that now attracts adrenaline junkies from across Gujarat.

The historical Kankaria Lake, with a perimeter of 2.5 km, has been Ahmedabad's jewel in the crown for more than 500 years now. The multisided lake envelops Nagina Wadi, an island garden, and makes for a lush, vibrant and flourishing chilling spot.

Things to do nearby include visiting the Kankaria Zoo, Stone Mural Park, Amusement Park, Bal Vatika, Kids City, Butterfly Park, Segway Safari, Desert Safari, going for boating, balloon rides, toy train tides, watching evening light shows, etc. The fun seems endless!

While numerous cultural and social activities keep adorning the Kankaria Lake into the shimmering success it is today, the magnificent place remains as an escape within the city itself.