Known as the pride of the ‘City of Lakes’ in Udaipur is Fateh Sagar Lake. It is a man-made lake. The lake was originally created in the year 1687 on orders of Maharana Jai Singh. Today the lake is one of the prime attractions of Udaipur. The lake is placed towards the north from Lake Pichola. The lake is 2.4 Kms in length and 1.6 Kms in width. The lake is 11.5 metres at the deepest point.

Fateh Sagar Lake has been carefully planned and has three intake passages and an outflow passage, which becomes useful during the monsoon months. The lake features three small islands, which can easily be reached by taking a short boat ride. Tourists can also enjoy speed boating in the lake and enjoy the pretty surroundings.

The lake finds a picturesque location surrounded by the hill on three sides and the Pratap Memorial on one offering captivating scene. The Aravali Hills surrounding the lake give visitors and photographers ample opportunities to click beautiful pictures. The water and the rolling hills give a look of Kashmir in the desert. The lake is also accountable for offering employment to a large population in the city. For anyone visiting Udaipur, a visit to the lake is highly recommended.

History

Fateh Sagar Lake was built on the orders of Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1687 and was latter restored on command of Maharana Fateh Singh, who included some alterations in the lake. After 200 years of the lake being constructed in 1687, the earthen bund that formed the lake was washed away in floods. This is when Maharana Fateh Singh constructed the lake again in the year 1888. He was the ruler of the former state of Mewar. The foundation stone of the lake was laid by the son of Queen Victoria, Duke of Connaught. The lake is named after Maharana Fateh Singh.

Attractions

The main attraction of the lake is its three islands. The largest of the three islands has been settled as a park, the Nehru Park. The park has a miniature zoo for the kids and also a boat shaped café. The island is loved and visited by tourists and local alike. Out of all the three islands only the Nehru Park Island can be accessed by public. Boats to the island can be taken from the Moti Magri end.

The second largest island in the lake is another beautiful area with water-jet and fountains. This island is about 0.6 Sq. Kms in size.

There is also a third island which has a solar observatory. The observatory is known as the Udaipur Solar Observatory or the USO. It is a unique observatory designed for solar inspection.

Tourists can enjoy delightful boat rides in the lake. Tourists can also take a wonderful ride around the entire circumference of the lake. The road winds around the lake giving visitors wonderful and amazing views of the lake and its surrounding hills.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the lake is between September and March. This is the time when the weather in the area is pleasant. There are several attractions within close reach of Fateh Sagar Lake such as Lake Pichola, City Palace Museum, Bagor ki Haveli Museum, Shipgram, Sajjangarh Fort, etc. Getting to the lake is easy. The lake is surrounded by the Fateh Sagar Drive, Rani Road and the Moti Magri Road.

How to Reach

Fateh Sagar Lake can be easily reached from any part of Udaipur. Tourists can take taxis, auto rickshaws, local buses or tongas to reach the lake.

By Air

Udaipur has its own airport, the Maharana Pratap Airport located about 22 Kms from the city centre. The airport has several domestic flights connecting major cities across India like Delhi, Jaipue, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. Regular flight services are available to Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail

The Udaipur Railway Station is located at a convenient distance. Direct trains are available to all the main cities of Rajasthan and India. Some of the main cities connected to Udaipur include Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. The luxury train Palace on Wheels also makes a stop in Udaipur.

By Road

The city is well-connected by road transport. The state government operates comfortable deluxe and AC buses from all major destinations in Rajasthan to Udaipur. Tourists can take buses from Udaipur to Ajmer, Jaipur, Delhi, Chittorgarh, Kota, Indore, Ahmedabad, etc.