Udaipur: The City of Lakes

You don’t have to travel too far to see Venice, the city of lakes. It is right in India, in Rajasthan’s Udaipur in fact. The city is known for its many lakes, and is a well-known tourist destination in the country. A lot of credit for building several artificial lakes should go to the royalty.

The lake system in Udaipur includes Swaroop Sagar, Rana Sagar, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Madar and Badi. But the five lakes that the city is famous for are Fateh Sagar, Jaisamand, Rajasamand, Pichola and Udai Sagar, all major tourist attractions. If your idea of a lazy holiday is cruising on a lake as you watch the slowly setting sun casting sheen over it, Lake Pichola is just the right place for you. You can see the lit up palaces on the islands formed by the lake. If this proposition is too tempting, you should book your tickets on one of the Udaipur flights right away.

Pichola Lake Boat Ride (Photo Courtesy: http://www.rajasthanroyaltour.com)

So, when you visit Pichola, your boat ride will also introduce you to some history. Along the way are Mohan Mandir, built as a mark of veneration to Lord Krishna, the Arsi Vilas, which is an 18th-century monument, the Jagmandir Island Palace, and Jag Niwas, now converted into a hotel. The boat ride will also let you catch a glimpse of the mansions of a bygone past, the most famous of them being the Bagore ki Haveli.

Lakes galore

Udai Sagar is another lake you must visit on your trip to the city. The lake was built by Maharana Udai Singh and was completed in 1565. The lake is ideal if you want a quiet evening; of course there are plenty of photo opportunities if you are a shutterbug.

Udai Sagar Lake (Photo Courtesy: http://www.hoparoundindia.com)

Fateh Sagar Lake is located towards the north of Lake Pichola and was built in the 17th century. The well-planned lake has three charming islands. One of the islands is known for the Udaipur Solar Observatory.

Fateh Sagar Lake (Photo Courtesy: http://sundargallery.com)

Jaisamand Lake is known to be the second largest manmade lake in the whole of Asia and was built in the 17th century. The lake is the ideal setting with the summer palace of Udaipur’s queens in the background. The embankment as many cenotaphs, while one of the shores is home to a spectacular palace. There are seven islands on this lake, which is also close to a wildlife sanctuary.

Jaisamand Lake (Photo Courtesy: http://www.clubmahindrablog.com)

The Rajsamand Lake, 66 km north of Udaipur, is one more lake worth visiting. It was built in the 17th century and is fed by the water of River Gomati. The lake’s banks have pavilions constructed by the royalty. As the sun sets on this beautiful lake, you feel as though you are going back in time to the era of the Maharajas, and their regal ways, as you watch the embankment in white marble, its terraces and arches.

Rajsamand Lake (Photo Courtesy: http://www.pinterest.com)

The best time to visit Udaipur is between September and March. There are plenty of flights to Udaipur from most important cities in India; accommodation options are also aplenty.