The Alternate Route: Udaipur Lakes

Udaipur 'The city of lake' and 'Venice of the east', is one of the most beautiful places on earth and has a royal touch of Rajasthan.

Before talking about the Lakes & Palaces of Udaipur, I want to give a brief information about the history of Udaipur.

Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. Udaipur is a royal city that had been the capital of Mewar rulers for centuries. It was the Maharana udai singh who laid the foundation stone of Udaipur. Udaipur enjoys a favorable position on the map of Rajasthan. It is known for its marvelous surroundings with a royal past. It is famous because of it's massive palaces and beautiful lakes.

Udaipur city

Udaipur Lakes

Lakes creates a romantic atmosphere in Udaipur. Boat-ride on these lakes with the wonderful views of mountains and palaces gives a soothing feeling and peace of mind. It is a dream destination of every tourist.

I visited Udaipur two times. First, we went in winter at start of December, and second in monsoon during September. September to March is the best time to visit Udaipur. Udaipur observes the three main seasons, summers (March to June), monsoons (July to September) and winters (October-March). In the summer season, the temperature ranges between 30 to 40 degree Celsius. due to high temperatures summer season is not preferable to visit Udaipur.

In winters, the temperature touches maximum of 28 degree Celsius and minimum 12 degree Celsius. With such temperature, Udaipur have a pleasant climate. And in monsoon we can feel the green beauty of Udaipur. If you want to enjoy  'Venice of the east' then september is the month when you can see a beautiful view of this lake city.

Pichola Lake

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan. Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha.

We enjoyed boat ride with wonderful surrounding, we saw beauty of lake water, islands and gangaur boat. Gangaur boat is a part of Taj lake palace.
There are four islands on the lake. Which can be reached by taking a boat ride in the lake.

Lake Palace.

Jag Mandir.

Mohan Mandir, from where the king would watch the Gangaur festival celebration.

Arsi Vilas, small island and a small palace. This one was built by one of the maharanas of Udaipur to enjoy the sunset on the lake. It is also a sanctuary catering to a variety of birds.

Pichola Lake

Fateh Sagar

Fateh sagar lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, Located in the north of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to Moti magri hill. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh sagar lake got its name from Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made additions to it. This lake extends to the length of 2.4 km, 1.6 km. in width and deep to the extent of 11.5 meters.

Fateh sagar lake was a quiet place where people usually come for relaxation. From the bottom of Moti magri hill, we hireded a pedal boat to enjoyed a boat ride in the lake.

There are three islands on the lake:

Nehru Park - The garden include a boat shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island is the favorite picnic spot of Udaipur residents.
Second one is converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the Government of Rajasthan.
Third is a Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is the best solar observing site in Asia.

Fateh Sagar

Udai Sagar Lake

Udai Sagar Lake is another striking lake that falls under the category of five lakes of Udaipur. Udaisagar Lake is located at a distance of about 13 kms in the east of Udaipur. The construction of this lake was started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh and got completed in 1565. Udai Sagar Lake extends to 4 km in length 2.5 km in width and deep to the extent of 9 meters at the maximum. We enjoyed the calm water of this lake.

Udai Sagar Lake

Jaisamand Lake

Jaisamand Lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia and first artificial lake of Udaipur. It seems like a sea.

It is located at a distance of 48 kms from the city of Udaipur, Jaisamand lake is also known as Dhebar. In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake while making a dam on the Gomti River. This lake covers an area of 36sq km, stretches to the length of 14 km and width of 9 km. The lake has a maximum depth of 102 feet and has a circumference of 30 miles.

The lake has graceful marble steps descending to the water, This lake offers a wonderful place to relax and lighten up. We enjoyed boat ride in the calm water of lake. When we were on the boat, we saw many small-small beautiful hills and 'roothi rani ka mahal'. There is a island resort on Jaysamand lake. here we enjoyed rajasthani lunch. It was also very beautiful resort with all kind of stay facilities. After lunch, we enjoyed the lake view from the resort and in evening we again enjoyed the boat ride and came back.

Jaisamand Lake

Rajsamand Lake

Rajsamand lake is one of the five popular lakes of Udaipur. It is located 66kms in the north of Udaipur, Rajsamand lake lies between Rajnagar and Kankroli. The lake is also known by the name of Rajsamudra lake. Rajsamand lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660. The lake stretches to the length of 4 miles and 1.75 miles in width. The lake has the approximate depth of 60 feet.

Here, we enjoyed the time of sunset, the waters of the lake was glittering with the light of the sun. The beauty of lake was marvelous at this time, when the orange shade of the Sunset reflates the water of the lake. A quiet walk at the side of Rajsamand Lake gives a soothing and romantic feeling.

Rajsamand Lake

Badi Ka Talab

Badi ka talab is located in the village of Badi. It's also known as 'Jiyan sagar'. It built by Maharana Raj Singh. The area of this lake is 155 sq. km, and the lake extends to the length of 180 meters and width of 18 meters.

We enjoyed here early morning walk. which was full of refreshing air, a peaceful environment, beautiful hill forest and calm water of badi ka talab. It is a best place for early morning walking/jogging, cycling, yoga & exercise lovers.

Badi ka Talab

Swaroop Sagar

Swaroop sagar is a small artificial lake that was created by Maharana Swaroop Singh. The lake was subsequently named after him. It is also known as 'Kumharia Talab'. It is located behind the famous Jagdish Temple, The lake was actually built to provide water to the people of Udaipur. Kumharia Talab is connected with Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake.

Swaroop Sagar Lake

Doodh Talai

Doodh Talai is a small lake that adores the south-east direction of Pichola Lake. It is located in the southern side of Shiv niwas palace, Doodh talai contributes to the waters of Lake Pichola. It surrounded with beautiful, structured and precisely manicured garden with fountains and beautiful rocks.