Famous Lakes in Udaipur

Lake Pichola, located in Udaipur, is a man-made freshwater reservoir established around 1362 AD. Named after Picholi village, its creation is attributed to a Banjara tribesman, though Maharana Udai Singh significantly expanded it and established Udaipur city on its banks. Functionally, the lake is a crucial resource for drinking water and irrigation, underscoring the strategic foresight of Udaipur's early planners. Its network of interconnected lakes provides a consistent water source. On the cultural front, islands within the lake, including Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, display the architectural grandeur of the Mewar dynasty through their palaces. These landmarks, along with the adjacent City Palace, underscore Lake Pichola's central role in Udaipur's heritage. In the present day, Lake Pichola remains a prime attraction for Udaipur's tourism sector. Tourists can partake in boat excursions, enjoying tranquil views of the palaces, temples and the surrounding Aravalli Hills.

Fateh Sagar Lake, one of the prominent lakes of Udaipur, is an artificial reservoir initially constructed in the 1680s by Maharana Jai Singh. Over the years, it faced damage from floods but was restored in 1889 by Maharana Fateh Singh with the Connaught Dam. Covering an area of 4 square kilometres, Fateh Sagar Lake is Udaipur's second largest artificial lake which features three small islands, each worth exploring. It is bordered by the Aravalli Hills on three sides and offers views of the Pratap Memorial. Fateh Sagar Lake is vital for Udaipur as the dam built by Maharana Fateh Singh is the city's second most important source of drinking water. Additionally, the lake supports a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Udai Sagar Lake, located about 13 kilometres to the east of the city, is one of the most famous lakes in Udaipur. Established in 1565 by Maharana Udai Singh, this man-made reservoir was created to provide a consistent water supply for his expanding kingdom. The dam on the Ahar River, built by Maharana Udai Singh, gave rise to this scenic lake, covering an area of 10.5 square kilometres with a depth of up to 9 metres. The lake has its place in history as well. In 1573, a meeting took place on the shores of Udai Sagar Lake between Kunwar Man Singh, a Mughal general, and Maharana Pratap Singh to discuss the surrender terms presented by the Mughal emperor Akbar. While no surrender occurred, the meeting underscores the lake's significance in Udaipur's history. Today, Udai Sagar Lake serves as a water supply for a nearby zinc smelter. Though lacking the grand palaces seen at some of Udaipur's other lakes, Udai Sagar offers a peaceful retreat with its natural beauty. The surrounding Aravalli mountains are particularly striking during the monsoon season when the lush greenery adds to the scenic views.

Constructed in the 17th century, Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, is a remarkable example of human engineering and a breathtaking sight. Located 48 kilometers from Udaipur city, it is recognized as the second largest artificial lake in India. Maharana Jai Singh was responsible for its creation, having built a dam on the Gomti River in 1685 AD. Jaisamand Lake spans a vast area, stretching 14 kilometers in length and 9 kilometers in width. The dam itself is an imposing structure, measuring 1202 feet in length and 116 feet in height. Notably, the dam also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Around the lake, the remains of two palaces, Hawa Mahal and Ruthi Rani ka Mahal, can be found. These were summer residences built for the queens of Udaipur. The peaceful atmosphere of the lake is further enhanced by the presence of seven islands, some of which are inhabited by the Bhil Mina tribe. Jaisamand Lake's importance extends beyond its size and beauty. Constructed during a period of drought, the lake became a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking water for the region's inhabitants. The dam's construction also generated employment and contributed to the local economy. Today, the lake remains a crucial water source and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, explore the islands, and appreciate the architectural landmarks surrounding the lake.