Must-see lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan

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 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.

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.

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. Located behind the famous Jagdish Temple, Kumharia Talab is near Chand Pol adjoining Rangsagar. The lake was actually built to provide water to the people of Udaipur. Kumharia Talab is connected with Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar 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 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.

Doodh Talai is a small lake that adores the south-east direction of Pichola Lake. Located in the southern side of Shiv Niwas Palace, Dudh Talai contributes to the waters of Lake Pichola. This stream adds to the picturesque triangle in the company of Pichola on one side, Doodh Talai on the second and M.L. Verma Garden on the third.

Jiyan Sagar is another striking lake, located in the village of Badi. Built by Maharana Raj Singh, Jiyan Sagar was built to deal with the problem of famine in the area. The lake was named after Jana Devi, mother of Raj Singh. Jiyan Sagar is also known as Badi Ka Talab. It sprawls in an area of 155 sq. km. and the embankment of the lake extends to the length of 180 meters and width of 18 meters. Jiyan Sagar also adores three artistic kiosks (chattris).