LAKES

Lake Pichola

This scenic lake, that enraptured Maharaja Udai Singh, surrounded by Palaces, Temples, Ghats and Hills, is the largest in Udaipur & derives its name from Picholi village, flooded long ago so as to enlarge the lake .

Rising from the lake are the two island Palaces of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Gangaur Ghat lies on the Bank of Lake Pichola and is famous for the Bird's eye view of The City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Bagore ki Haveli and a complete look of old City Havelis and Buildings. The old City had its origin from the Bank of Pichola. The placid Lake Pichola, has a masonry dam, known as the Badipol, and the lake is now four kms in length and three kms in width.

Ana Sagar Lake 

In a valley surrounded by hills lies the Ana Sagar lake, located to the north of Ajmer city. The lake was made during 1135 – 1150 AD century by building a dam across the river Luni and named after the then ruler Anaji Chauhan. The Daulat Bagh on the banks of the lake has a series of white marble baradaris (pavilions) built by Shah Jahan in 1637.

The temple of Khobra Behroon on the south bank of Ana Sagar offers a panoramic view of the lake and Daulat Bagh. The temple's name is derived from the word khobra, which means `mischievous', and according to tradition a newly wed couple must pay their respects to the temple or else - married life can be full of unforseen complications!

Pushkar Lake 

The Pushkar lake is situated on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on three sides. The lake is separated from Ajmer by ‘Nag Pahar’- the snake mountain. On this mountain the Panchkund and the cave of the saint Agastya are located. It is believed that Kalidas -the 4th century sanskrit poet and playright , chose the setting for his masterpiece “Abhigyanam Shakuntalam”, in this forest heritage. According to a legend, the lake was formed when Lord Brahma wanted to perform a yagna here. A temple dedicated to him can be seen here.

Fateh Sagar Lake 

The picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, located north of Lake Pichola, northwest of main  Udaipur city, is overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and Pratap Memorial on the north. The lake was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. Maharana Jai Singh originally built it in 1678 AD, but later heavy rains destroyed the dam. It was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh and hence it got the name.

In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. The larger shape of the lake resembles the map of India. This water body has lately become a second major source of drinking water for the city of  Udaipur. The main feeder canal of the lake comes from Madar Tank situated at a higher altitude about 15 km from Udaipur city.

Lake Fateh Sagar is also connected to the adjoining Lake Pichola through a canal having gates. The runoff emerging from surrounding hillocks drains into this lake. Along the eastern shore line runs a beautiful serpentine road, which has a stone wall on the lake periphery. This lake has got three prominent islands.

Gadsisar Lake

Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh. Until 1965, it remained the city’s only water supply. It is adorned with an arched gateway, which is believed to have been built by a courtesan. The Tilon ki Pol, the palatial archway at the water’s edge, was built by a local maid. The dismayed king tried to severe it down, but not the one to stay behind, Tilon constructed a tiny temple along the lake, dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan (Krishna, as truth) and ensured the building’s survival. Along the lakeshore and on the islands, is a plethora of little temples and cenotaphs. Arrayed all around the tank, are many small shrines and temples. An extraordinary plumage of birds can be seen here.The small museum here has displays of folk art.

Jaisamand Lake 

Fifty one kms south east of Udaipur, lies Jaisamand or Jai Samundra lake, one of the largest artificial sheet of fresh water in asia. Fourteen kms in length & nine kms in width, the lake has a circumference of nearly 88 kilometers. The dam measures 330 mts. in length and 35 meters in height. It was built by the late Maharana Jaisingh, who on its inauguration on 2nd June, 1691 walked around it distributing gold equal to his own weight in charity. He built six chhatries (Cenatophs) with finely embroidered elephants in front and the temple of lord Shiva in the center on the embarkment. Close to Jaisamand is the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over an area of about 45 kilometers and has a motarable road. The sanctuary shelters wild animals like panthers, spotted deer, sambhars, etc.