Salim Ali Lake

Salim Ali Sarovar (Lake) popularly known as Salim Ali Talab is located near Delhi Gate, opposite Himayat Bagh, Aurangabad. It is located in the northern part of the city. During the Mughal period it was known as Khiziri Talab. It has been renamed after the great ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. The office of Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad Division is located near it, so is the collector's office of Aurangabad District.

Mughal Era

In Aurangzeb's time, a large marsh or tank extended the whole length of the northern wall, (extending from present day Salim Ali Lake till Begumpura / Makbara) but the exhalation and dampness proved unhealthy.

Aurangzeb ordered the portion immediately in front of his palace (Kila-e-Ark) to be filled in and converted into fields. This reclaimed portion was later developed into Mughal garden, (now known as Himayat Bagh) by one of the officials of Aurangzeb's court, with many fruit bearing trees of different varieties for the royal court and its officials. The remainder was known as the Khizri talao which is just beyond the Delhi Gate. The other small tank was the Kanval or Loti Talao, (near present day Aam Khas grounds between Kila-e-Ark and Begumpura) was fed by a spring and was confined in the hollow between the palace of Aurangzeb and the Mecca gate, but the band was purposely destroyed to save the city from being flooded.

Present Period

Salim Ali Talab as it is known in the present times also contains a small bird Sanctuary and a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. Boating facilities is also available when the lake is full during the rainy & winter seasons.

Recently it was dredged for silt to increase its water holding capacity.

Getting There

Salim Ali Sarovar is located about 4 kilometers from the city center, so the journey should take around 15-20 minutes by car or rickshaw and slightly longer by bus. Once you reach the lake, you can explore the area on foot. Salim Ali Sarovar is a popular tourist attraction in Aurangabad and is known for its picturesque setting and abundant birdlife. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

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