Lakes make a perfect backdrop to the romantic setting of Udaipur. Udaipur is truly famous for its beautiful lakes and watercourses. The city is popular by the phrase of 'the city of lakes'. Water is a basic necessity of life and lakes full of water give a sense of relief. The Picturesque lakes offering fabulous view of the mountains make Udaipur, a dream destination of every tourist. Since ages, these lakes have been providing water to the city dwellers.
In the evening, boat-ride in these watercourses leaves a soothing impact on the tangled nerves of the people. Lake Pichola, Udai Sagar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rajsamand Lake and Jaisamand Lake are the five prominent lakes of Udaipur. Apart from these lakes, Doodh Talai, Badi Ka Talab and Kumharia Talab are other small lakes that form the part of watercourses in Udaipur. In this section, we will discuss in detail about the lakes of Udaipur.
History of Lake Pichola
Mesmerising the visitors with its charm and enchanting beauty, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake built in the year of 1362 AD and one of the popular sightseeing places to visit in Udaipur. It was built by a Banjara tribesman, Pichhu Banjara who used to transport grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha.
The captivating lake attracted Maharana Udai Singh so much that he established the city of Udaipur on the banks of this very lake. Maharana Udai Singh is credited with enlarging the lake further by building a dam on the shore of the lake.
Later, several islands, palaces, temples, mansions, and bathing ghats were developed in the surroundings of the lake over a period of time, making it even more attractive.
One of the most famous attractions in the lake surroundings is Lake Palace that sits right in the middle of the lake, constructed on the Jag island. Mohan Mandir, built by Jagat Singh between the period 1628-1652 and Jag Mandir are other islands that are worth a visit.
Pichola Lake
Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, 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.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. 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.
Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. 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.
Rajsamand Lake
Rajsamand Lake is one of the five popular lakes of Udaipur. 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 in Rajasthan. Rajsamand Lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660.
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.
