Rajasthan is a land of mystery, particularly to outsiders. Each of its cities has layers of mystery which make touring these places unique every single time. This is particularly true of Udaipur city. Besides being one of the most historically and culturally rich cities because of palaces and forts, Udaipur, also called City is Palaces, is particularly famous for its magnificent lakes.
Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Udaisagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Badi Lake, Doodh Talai, and Swaroop Sagar Lake are some of the most popular lakes in Udaipur that are major attractions for tourists visiting the city. Jaisamand lake, for one, holds the record of being the largest artificial lake in India and the second largest in Asia. Likewise, every other lake in Udaipur holds some special significance. Given such a splendid ambiance shared by various parts of the city, Udaipur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in India.
How are Udaipur Lakes Unique?
Udaipur isn’t the only city in India known for its lakes – Bhopal, Shillong, Kodaikanal, Nainital, Thane, and Srinagar too have some amazing lakes that make for nice boat rides and chilling by them. However, lake city Udaipur is the most unique of all regarding this. Here’s why:
- The lakes in Udaipur are surrounded by the Aravali ranges, which contribute majorly to the overall magnificence of the place.
- No two lakes are similar in Udaipur. In other words, every lake has its own uniqueness which it is famous for.
- All the lakes are interconnected within the boundaries of the city.
- Lastly, no matter where you go in Udaipur, a lake is always around the corner. Any time you decide to head towards a lake and spend an amount of the time relaxing at the same.
Brief History of Lakes in Udaipur
Another interesting facet of the lakes in Udaipur is the unique history behind them. If you look back, you’ll find rulers of different eras reigned over the place and had left a mark, an intangible bond with the ‘City of Lakes.’ Pichola Lake is a natural lake formed during the 12th century by Pichu Banjara during his reign. This majestic lake is the oldest in this state and also the largest one.
Also, speaking of the historical context, the lakes (also palaces & places) have been named over the names of the rulers at the time. For instance, Fateh Sagar Lake is named after Maharana Fateh Singh. The lake takes its shrinking path at the confluence of Moti Magri hills, creating a spectacular beauty. The popular lake of Udaipur, Udai Sagar lake, was completed all the way back in 1565, starting from 1559.
Best Lakes In Udaipur For Boat Rides
Among the several major lakes, the three most popular ones that see regular boat rides from tourists are Lake Pichola, Fatehsagar Lake, and Dudh Talai. Visiting and enjoying boat rides in just these 3 lakes alone will make for an unforgettable tour experience.
- Boat ride at Lake Pichola
One of the oldest lakes in Udaipur that dates back to the time of Maharaja of Udaipur, Lake Pichola is a major attraction in Udaipur. You can take a boat ride here to Jag Mandir, also called Lake Garden Palace, built on an island on Lake Pichola. The architecture of Jag Mandir will definitely fascinate you.
Boat ride fare:The fare for adults is INR 340, and for children, it’s INR 170. For the sunset boat rides, prices for adults are INR 560 and for children INR 280.
Nearby attractions:
Once you have enjoyed a boat ride here, you can relish a good meal at some of the good cafes and restaurants located nearby the lake. Some of the good attractions located nearby are the City Palace of Udaipur, Jagdish Temple, the Sanctuary of birds, and more.- Boat ride at Fatehsagar Lake
The next most popular lake in Udaipur is Fatehsagar Lake. Named after king Maharana Fateh Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake is a major historical and cultural heritage of the city. Located almost at the center of Udaipur city, Fatehsagar Lake, with its sizzling and clear blue waters, draws tourists from afar.
Boat ride fare:
To enter the lake region, a fee of INR 30 for the general public. For a motorboat ride, the price is INR 100, and if you take a speed boat ride, it’s INR 200 per person for a 30-minute trip.
Nearby attractions:
From the lake, you can head straight to the local market here and enjoy a delightful meal at a local restaurant or cafe. Popular attractions that are close to the attraction are the Nehru Garden complex and Saheliyon ki bari.
- Boat ride at Dudh Talai Lake
Located near Lake Pichola is another popular Dudh Talai, meaning “River of Milk.” Created by the city council of Udaipur in 1995, Dudh Talai is a small pond that is visited by tourists at sunrise and sunset for a relaxing time.
Boat ride fare:
The entry fee to the site is INR 20 for Indian adults and for children is INR 10; for foreign tourists is INR 30 per person. You’ve to pay separately for the boat ride.
Nearby attractions:
Besides the boat ride, you can enjoy other exciting activities nearby, like horse and camel riding. You can also relish traditional Rajasthani cuisines while enjoying the amazing sights of the lake. There are several popular attractions nearby. A garden named Deendayal Upadhyay park, the first garden musical fountain of Rajasthan, is nearby where you can enjoy the lights and music show. It is close to Manikya Lal Verma Garden, another popular nearby attraction. Shri Niwas Palace, Rang Sagar, and Fateh Prakash Palace are some of the other major attractions located near the lake.
Best Time To Visit Udaipur for Boat Rides
Udaipur is buzzing with tourists throughout the year. The best time to visit Udaipur is from September to March. However, you can visit any time of the year, depending on your preference and what other type of experiences you want to include on your tour. Read the following breakdown for convenience:
November to February:The winter months are accompanied by a slight breeze, with the temperature hovering between 12 to 30 °C, which makes for a perfect climate to enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the Udaipur lakes.
March to June:The summer season in Udaipur sees an extremely hot climate – temperature ranges between 40 to 45 °C. However, you can enjoy a nice boat ride along with city sightseeing during the evening hours when it gets quite pleasant.
July to October:These monsoon months are the off-season in Udaipur, but the surrounding mountain ranges turn lush green because of the frequent rain, which makes for great sights. Don’t forget to carry an umbrella if you are headed for a boat ride or for city sightseeing.
How To Reach Udaipur
Being a major tourist location, the city of Udaipur can be easily reached by any major city in India. The city has the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is located 20 km from the city center. It is well-connected by air to all the major cities in India – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jaipur. By road, Udaipur connects to all major nearby cities – Udaipur is 116 km from Chittorgarh, 268 km from Jodhpur, 269 km from Ajmer, 283 km from Kota, 420 km from Jaipur, and so on. And by rail too, Udaipur is thoroughly connected to other major cities with regular express trains passing through the city.
Final ThoughtsThus you cannot head to lake city Udaipur and not spend ample time lost at the magnificence of its serene lakes. Contact Indian Holiday to book Udaipur tour packages which you can customize to include sightseeing locations, activities, etc., as per your preferences. Book now!
