I’ve got a few friends living in Madhesh Pradesh. And when I told them about my plan of going for a ride to Janakpur, they immediately suggested I stop by Bharat Taal…also known locally as Maccha Pokhari, which literally translates to “fish pond.”
This artificial lake was named after the Mayor of Bagmati Municipality, Bharat Kumar Thapa, who played a big role in bringing this project to life. In fact, it’s now considered Nepal’s second-largest man-made lake, right after Indrasarovar Lake.
Originally built to promote tourism in Sarlahi, Bharat Taal is clearly living up to that goal. With motorboating, sky-cycling, and even the unexpected camel ride experience, the lake offers more than you’d expect from a quiet corner of Madhesh.
If you ask me, the best way to enjoy it is to stop by on your way to Janakpur, just like our Travel Nepal Today team did. It definitely makes your tour a bit special!
In this article, I’m all set to promote Bharat Taal. Not with flashy words, but straight from my own experience! So, sit back, wear your specs, and make sure to read till the end.
Key Facts About Bharat Taal
| Location | Karmaiya, Bagmati, Sarlahi, Madhesh Province |
| Area | 30 hectares (source) |
| Depth | 35 feet |
| Mode of Transportation | Private Vehicle / Tuk-Tuk |
| Distance (from Janakpur) | 82 km |
| Distance (from Kathmandu) | 170 km (via Hetauda) |
| Distance (from Hetauda) | 88 km |
| Distance (from Birgunj) | 82 km |
| Distance (from Bardibas) | 48 km |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons (Winter over Summer, but still both times are great!) |
How to Reach Bharat Taal?
Getting to Bharat Taal is possible through both private and public transport!
For us, it was part of our Madhesh Pradesh Ride leading to Janakpur. After visiting Nunthar Mahadev, we crossed the bridge that connects Rautahat to Sarlahi.
If you’re taking a similar route (from the Hetauda side), you’ll first reach Putali Chowk. From there,
- Take a right turn where you’ll spot a board that says “Macha Pokhari Bharat Taal Jane Bato”.
- Once you make that turn, you’re just 3.3 km away from the lake.
- Keep riding straight and cross an underground bridge, then take another right.
- There’s no signboard here, so it’s smart to ask a local or follow Google Maps if you’re unsure.
- Soon, you’ll hit another diversion. The right side leads straight to the main tourist entrance of Bharat Taal, but here’s a tip: go left first, like we did.
- We were actually trying to complete a full circle around the lake, but due to ongoing construction, we had to take a detour.
- Hopefully, by the time you visit, the road will be fully open and you’ll get to finish the loop we couldn’t!
Here, we learned there’s another route that runs through the Bagmati River corridor. Yup, the same route that connects back to that Rautahat–Sarlahi suspension bridge I mentioned earlier.
Now, for those traveling via public vehicle: just ask to be dropped off either at Putali Chowk or near the Sarlahi–Rautahat bridge. From there, you’ll find tuk-tuks or autos that can drop you right at the lake.
The road condition is completely paved. So, you don’t have to worry about off-road when heading to Bharat Taal.
Major Attractions in Bharat Lake
Once we reached the roadside parking, I was honestly shocked. A full market was set up right in front of the lake! The vibe was alive, the view was unreal, and the whole scene felt like Pokhara Lakeside in Sarlahi!
Well, Bharat Taal was probably the best destination compared to the multiple ones that we covered on our 3-day Madhesh Pradhesh Ride. And not just because of the beautiful lake view, but also the different activities present here:
Glide Through the Lake on a Motorboat
Motorboating in Bharat Lake is one activity you really shouldn’t miss. It’s actually one of the main reasons why Bharat Taal went viral ever since its construction in 2021.
To get on a motorboat, you first need to walk to the ticket counter, which is located on the far side of the lake.
The current rate is NPR 300 per person for a 10-minute ride. The ride includes two full rounds of Bharat Taal. A little expensive from my point of view.
The boat we got on was a 10-seater, but during peak hours, don’t be surprised if they squeeze in 12 people (actually, 13 including a small kid).
And yes, they won’t start the ride until they’ve filled every seat. Honestly, that’s one thing I didn’t like here. I even had to voluntarily change my seat just to make others feel more comfortable.
As for the ride itself, it was simple and calm, not too fancy or wild. The driver threw in a few quick turns just for fun, which gave us a little excitement.
But compared to motorboating on the Narayani River, this one felt a bit restricted. They don’t allow dancing or much movement, and since the space is already tight, you can’t really do much other than sit and wait for the ride to end.
Jet Boat Ride is Available Too!
While I was on the motorboat ride, I caught a quick glimpse of two people zipping across the lake in a jet boat. It looked fast, fun, and honestly a bit more thrilling than what we were doing.
From what I could tell, a driver was the one handling it. So, probably not a solo or self-drive activity just yet.
Also, there didn’t seem to be many bookings for the jet boat ride while we were there, which is why we didn’t come to know earlier. And since we’d already paid for the motorboat, we decided not to try. It’s officially on my bucket list now.
If you’re also someone who enjoys speed on water, definitely give it a shot! I passed on the adventure this time, so you can go try it instead.
In case you do so after reading this article, don’t forget to share your experience with us. We would love to feature your story in one of our next posts!
Note: The cost for every adventure slightly increases for foreign nationals. But you don’t require any sort of entrance fees or permits yet. This goes out to mainly Indian citizens, as Bharat Tal in Nepal is gaining quite popularity there too!
Experience Desert Vibe with Camel Ride
Honestly, seeing a camel in Bharat Taal was the last thing I expected. I seriously don’t know about other places with camels in Nepal. If you know, please don’t forget to comment below!
Turns out, the cameleer dai had brought it all the way from Rajasthan, India, where he used to work in camel safaris before starting this small business of his own.
Note that I was actually seeing a camel live for the very first time. And naturally, I couldn’t resist hopping on for a short ride. It wasn’t a long safari, but more of a slow walk designed for photos and videos. Still, it gave me that unexpected desert-like vibe in the middle of Madhesh Province.
The ride costs only NPR 100 per person, and for me, it was totally worth it! The feeling was similar to horse riding, but with that extra camel hump and a slightly taller figure, it was almost like the elephant rides in Chitwan.
Just like elephant rides, even camel safaris come with a bit of controversy. But I have to say: the camel here was so well-trained that the rope wasn’t even needed most of the time.
Dai literally let go of the lead and left me with the camel on its own. It walked the route, took turns, and even stopped right where it was supposed to.
The cameleer was so proud of his companion. He kept praising the camel while I was on it. And on this trip, I learned one more thing: camels really are intelligent beings!
Even Horse Riding is Available!
For those of you wanting to try one more adventure or stick to something more classic and familiar, know that horse riding is also available at Bharat Lake.
During our visit, I noticed that while many people were curious about the camel ride, some were honestly a bit scared or amused while getting on.
Honestly, there’s no need to panic or make jokes. Trust me, even the camel might get offended if you act too nervous :p.
We didn’t try the horse ride ourselves. The camel ride and motorboating were enough adventure for us that day, but it’s a great option for families with kids or anyone who wants to enjoy the lakeside in a fun, old-school way.
Sky-Cycling Above the Lake
Well, Madhesh Pradesh has never been known for adventure tourism. But with the arrival of Bharat Taal, that’s starting to change.
Not only can you ride on motorboats or camels here, but now you can even cycle above the lake! Yes, even sky-cycling is officially a thing here.
It’s another unexpected way to get your adrenaline rushing in this part of the Madhesh province. The setup lets you pedal across suspended cables while enjoying views of the lake from above.
Now, to be clear: it’s not exactly across the lake (that would’ve been way more exciting, and I’d definitely try it if it was!). The ride is actually set up on one edge of the vibrant lakeside area.
Sky cycling is proof you don’t always need to go to Pokhara for adventure. And if Bharat Taal keeps evolving, I wouldn’t be surprised to see zip flying, paragliding, or even hot air balloons launching from here someday.
All it needs is our support, and with more people showing up, this quiet corner of Sarlahi District might just become Madhesh’s next big adventure hub.
Visit the Shiva Temple Nearby
Bharat Taal isn’t all about adventure. On your way out, don’t miss the small Shiva temple located near the entrance. It’s a simple place where you can stop, bow your head, and take blessings before exploring other parts of Madhesh.
There’s a Shiva Lingam along with a shrine dedicated to the Vasuki serpent. It’s not a big temple, but it’s just there to add a spiritual presence to the whole lakeside experience.
And just outside the temple, there’s a ‘Love’ photo booth, which has become a favorite photo stop for couples, friends, and families. Great spot to grab one last picture before leaving the lake!
Just Soak in the Scenic Beauty of the Lake
Even if you’re not here for any of the adrenaline stuff, just standing at the edge of Bharat Lake with a cold drink in hand, taking in the views, is more than enough!
Walking along the lakeside feels almost like being at Phewa Lake in Pokhara, but with a distinct Madhesi touch, of course. And you can explore the street food stalls, local snacks, and local market here too!
Moreover, the place is soon to be filled with aesthetic restaurants too. Some are already there, while others are already in the planning phase. We’ll update you about the best ones you should visit in the coming days for sure!
Final Words
Bharat Taal is still evolving, but the vibe is already there. And honestly, by the time I return for my second trip, I won’t be surprised if this becomes Sarlahi’s version of Lakeside.
You really don’t have to hesitate about visiting Bharat Taal. It’s a unique destination that won’t disappoint!
Whether you’re into adventure, peaceful views, or just want a refreshing day out, Bharat Lake has something for everyone. If you’re currently in Madhesh Pradesh, this is a perfect nearby escape that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
So, share this article with your friends, start planning the trip, and get ready to explore Sarlahi’s fastest-growing attraction.
Happy traveling to Sarlahi!
About The Author
