Rajasthan has earned its name by being known for its many colors. Jaipur – The Pink City, Jodhpur- The Blue City, Jaisalmer- The Golden City, and Udaipur- The White City. Udaipur is popularly known as the white city, not just for its primarily white architecture but also and more importantly, for the beautiful lakes in the city that add to its charm.
Udaipur has a total of 21 lakes. Yes, that is right! There are two main lakes inside the city, and the rest are spread across the outskirts, less than a distance of 50 km from the city. Udaipur owes its charm and romance to its lakes, which bring a serene, inviting calmness. Let’s take a look at two popular lakes in Udaipur!
The most interesting fact about these lakes is that they’re all artificial. They were created for drinking water as well as irrigation by creating dams. If the monsoons are heavy and the dams fill up, they’re opened, and the water level in the lakes increases. Even today, these dams and lakes are the main sources of water in the city. Let’s take a look at two popular lakes in Udaipur!
Visiting The Lakes In Udaipur
1. Lake Pichola
Of all the lakes in Udaipur, Pichola is the one that put Udaipur on the tourist map, thanks to the Taj Lake Palace and Jagmandir Palace. Both these palaces are built right in the center of Pichola. When in Udaipur, a visit to Lake Pichola is unmissable. There are more ways than one to experience its exuberance.
Get onto the rooftop of a restaurant or your hotel and watch the sun glisten gold against the waters. You can also catch his view from the rooftop of Bagore Ki Haveli. The haveli is close to the city palace, and a great way to get back in time and relive the royal way of life by taking a tour of this haveli. If possible, don’t miss the Dharohar Dance Show that takes place every evening at Bagore.
Take a boat ride on the lake. The best time would be early morning or evening, before the sun sets. The boat ride has a stop at Jagmandir Palace, so don’t wait till the last slot or part of your ride would be after the sun has set. The view of the lake and the city from Jagmandir Palace offers a different perspective. Spend some time walking around Jagmandir before you head back to City Palace after your boat ride.
And lastly, get a bird’s eye view of the lake and the city by taking a ropeway ride. The ropeway goes from Dudh Talai to the Karni Mata Temple. The best time to experience the calmness of the lake is at dawn. Wake up early and watch the city come alive as the sun rises, heralding the start of the day. But Pichola at night is equally magical as the Lake Palace is lit up and a perfect backdrop to a romantic rooftop dinner setting.
The boat rides at Lake Pichola start from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can get your tickets at the City Palace entry gate. Regular rates are INR 400 for adults and INR 200 for children, and sunset boat rides cost about INR 700 and INR 400 for adults and children, respectively.
Bagore Ki Haveli is open on all days from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is INR 60 for adults and INR 30 for children. The Dharohar Dance Show begins at 7:00 pm and is about an hour. Tickets can be purchased after 6:15 pm every evening.
2. Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is a tourist spot as well as a chilling point for the locals. You’ll find a lot of the city folk here out with families on an evening stroll, especially on weekends. Other than the regular boat ride, speedboat and motorboat rides are other options. The boat rides start from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and costs range between INR 20 to INR 200, depending on the choice of boat.
The three tiny islands on Fateh Sagar have been renovated and turned into parks so people can spend quality time with families and friends amidst nature. There is a walkway laden with local street food stalls. The boat-shaped restaurant in Nehru Park is a beautiful addition. One of the islands houses a solar observatory, which is inspired by the Big Lake Observatory in Southern California.
You can also learn how a stone dam works at Connaught Bund, located on the eastern side of the lake. Apart from these attractions, Fateh Sagar is one of the venues of the Annual World Music Festival in Udaipur. This festival is held in February every year and showcases live performances by international artists.
The best time to visit Fateh Sagar Lake is during sunset for the view of the sun against the Aravalli Ranges with the lake in the foreground. The lake is also illuminated with colorful lights every evening, making for a visual treat.
Apart from Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar, the other famous lakes in Udaipur are Doodh Talai which means Milk Pond and was the source of water for the royal cattle, Badi Lake which was built for the drought-affected village of Badi in the 17th century, Udai Sagar Lake which is close to the airport, Goverdhan Sagar Lake, and Swaroop Sagar Lake. Why not give each of them a visit?
FAQs
How Many Lakes Are In Udaipur?
Pichola and Fateh Sagar are the major lakes within the city of Udaipur. The other lakes in Udaipur and around the city are Rang Sagar, Udai Sagar, Badi Lake, Doodh Talai, Swaroop Sagar, and Goverdhan Sagar.
Why Is Udaipur Called The City Of Lakes?
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes thanks to the many natural and manmade lakes dotted in and around the city.
Are There Crocodiles In Lake Pichola?
While there’s no concrete evidence, it’s believed that at least a few crocodiles still live around the isolated sections of Lake Pichola.
Is Udaipur Safe?
Yes, Udaipur is quite a safe city to visit even at night. But as a general precaution, stay away from shady alleyways, especially after dark.
Is Udaipur A Hill Station?
No, Udaipur isn’t a hill station. But if you’re looking for a hill station in Rajasthan, consider visiting Mount Abu, which is just a three-hour drive from Udaipur.
What Can I Buy In Udaipur?
Pagdi – One of the iconic things about Rajasthan is the vibrantly colored Pagdi that the men wear. So why not buy one as a souvenir?
Mojadi – These Rajasthani shoes have a feeling of royalty about them, and can go really well with ethnic wear.
Sculptures – Figurines of Rajput kings and Hindu gods and goddesses, made in typical Rajasthani style, can really amp up the aesthetic vibe of your home. They can also be a fond reminder of your trip to Udaipur.
Is Lake Pichola Man Made?
Pichola, one of the most popular lakes in Udaipur, is an artificial lake that was created in 1362 CE by a Banjara tribesman.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Udaipur?
The winter months of October to March are the best time to visit Udaipur. This is when the weather here is at its best.
Where Should I Live In Udaipur?
The area around Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake is possibly the best place to stay in Udaipur. You can check out unstumbled’s curated list of hotels in Udaipur here!
How Many Days Is Enough For Udaipur?
2-3 days will be enough for you to explore and experience the major attractions of Udaipur. But you can always extend your stay and visit the places at your leisure.
