Balsamand Lake was built in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar. This artificial lake is situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Once a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore, the lake has a depth of 15 m, length of 1 km, and breadth of 50 m. In the green gardens that surround the lake are housed groves of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum.Within the garden, many animals and birds like jackal and peacock also find an abode. Balsamand Lake Palace was conceived as a summer resort for the Jodhpur royalty. It exemplifies traditional Rajputana architecture. Built out of special Jodhpur red sandstone, the palace is complemented with antique and traditional furniture and medieval Rajasthani style tapestries and floor coverings. The palace has been presently converted into a heritage hotel.