7 Must visit lakes in the city of romance: Udaipur

The city of royal palaces, the city of lakes, the city of culture and diversity, Udaipur is nestled at the very bottom of Rajasthan. The city is also known as the ' City of Lakes' is an alluring city with magnificent lakes, temples and castles.
Its charm attracts thousands of visitors not only from India but even internationally, which makes it a must-visit place.

The bewitching dust and dawn account for another title as the 'City of Romance'. The delightful sunset beside the lakes allows serenity through your veins and a moment to capture with your partner. Udaipur is also a popular destination for weddings as well as pre-wedding shoots and a retirement paradise due to its boutique hotels and beautiful vistas serving as a quiet retreat for young couples and old-timers alike.

The lakes in Udaipur are an impeccable definition of imperial Rajputana culture due to their history. Most of them have been established between the 17th and 19th centuries. This is why it deserves another title, 'Venice of the East'. Just like Venice in Italy, you will find bridges, lakes, royalty & heritage beauty, colourful bazaars, rural charm in its handicrafts, and romance in its gardens. While many lakes offer boating for tourists along with serene walkways making your evening more delightful.

Here is a list of must-visit lakes in Udaipur for a peaceful vacation with your special ones:

1. Lake Pichola

One of the largest lakes in Udaipur, Lake Pichola is one of the most scenic lakes in the city. Lake Pichola has many islands, on which you will find a milky white marble palace, the Taj Lake Palace, which is one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, and Jagmandir Palace, which has a beautiful garden. Also, you can enjoy boating around the lake which is most loved by many tourists.
You can enjoy the luxurious stays, romantic cafes and walkways around the lake with your loved one.
There are ghats like:

• Gangaur Ghat
• Ambrai Ghat

These ghats are on the banks of Lake Pichola, where you can come in the evenings and dine in luxury restaurants and cafes.

2. Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the must-visit lakes in Udaipur. Though the lake was built in 1678 by Maharaja Jai Singh, the lake is named after Maharaja Fateh Singh, who made a dam and enlarged the lake.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and in the lake, you will find many types of birds wading in the water, or flying over the surface.
You can experience scenic boating in the lake or walk around the Fateh Sagar Pal, which is a walkway made for tourists. There is an aquarium nearby with many colourful fishes and many sunset points.

3. Udai Sagar Lake

Udai Sagar Lake is named after Maharana Udai Singh who commissioned the creation of this 4 kilometre-long and 2.5 kilometre-wide lake in 1559 and got it built by 1565.
Udai Sagar Lake is known for its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. Breathe slowly and deeply as you sit on its bank and gaze at its sparkling waters and get soaked in the beauty of the place.
The lake is said to have witnessed a myriad of wars and battles fought on its banks in the times gone by. Udai Sagar Lake is best visited during monsoons when the region surrounding the lake looks fresh and greener.

4. Swaroop Sagar Lake

One of the mesmerising lakes in Udaipur, Swaroop Sagar Lake is an engineering marvel that was built by Maharana Swaroop Singh of Udaipur during the 1857s. Tucked peacefully between Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Pichola, this picturesque lake is not only helping with the city’s water congestion problems, but also a fantastic spot for tourists who come here in great numbers to unwind and relax.

5. Rajsamand Lake

The serene waters and the hilly surroundings of the lake make it a perfect escape for those who are longing for nature therapy. It is a perfect place to unwind from the chaos of your routine.
The most notable highlight of this lake is its nine marble ghats which are also known as ‘Nav Chawkis’. On these ghats, you can see the history of Mewar etched on cenotaphs and pavilions. Deemed as one of the beautiful lakes in Udaipur, the best time to visit here is between October and March as the temperature is quite favourable in these months.

6. Badi Lake

This is one of the artificial lakes of Udaipur, also named Jiyan Sagar. It is a freshwater lake built by Maharana Raj Singh in the 17th century.
The best time to visit the lake is at the time of sunset and sunrise. The beautiful views and the peace of the place will leave me mesmerized.

7. Doodh Talai Lake

Located at the southeastern end of the iconic Lake Pichola near the residence of Maharana Fateh Singh, Shiva Niwas Palace, this small pond is famous for the name of ‘Pond of Milk.’ The place once used to be a grazing area for the cows that provided milk to the regal families, and this is how it gets its name.