Udaipur's main lakes are Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rangsagar, Doodh Talai, Udai Sagar and Badi Lake, with Goverdhan Sagar and Jaisamand further out. Pichola and Fateh Sagar are the two big city lakes, and several are linked by channels built by the Maharanas over 500 years.
Key facts
- Lake Pichola: created in 1362, enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II
- Fateh Sagar: built 1687, rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1880s
- Udai Sagar: built by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 1560s
- Jaisamand, 50 km away, is one of Asia's largest artificial lakes
Udaipur sits in a dry land, so its lakes are a feat of engineering. Over five centuries, the rulers of Mewar dammed rivers and streams in the Aravalli hills and linked the lakes with channels. Here’s each one.
Lake Pichola
The heart of the city. Created in 1362 by a grain trader, Pichhu Banjara, and later enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II, who built his palace on its shore. The City Palace, Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace all stand on or in it. See the boat ride guide.
Fateh Sagar
North of Pichola. First built in 1687 by Maharana Jai Singh, rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1880s after floods. Where locals spend their evenings. See Fateh Sagar.
Swaroop Sagar and Rangsagar
Small lakes that link Pichola with Fateh Sagar through a chain of channels, lined with old houses and ghats. Easy to miss, lovely to walk past.
Doodh Talai
A small lake below the Karni Mata hill, with terraced gardens and a local sunset park. The ropeway starts here.
Udai Sagar
East of the city, built by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 1560s, around the time he founded Udaipur. Wide and quiet.
Badi Lake
In the hills about 12 km north-west, also called Tiger Lake. Green and peaceful, below Bahubali Hills.
Goverdhan Sagar
A smaller lake in the south of the city, mostly visited by locals.
Further out: Jaisamand
About 50 km south-east, built by Maharana Jai Singh in the 1680s and once the largest artificial lake in Asia. See Jaisamand Lake.
Why so many lakes?
Read why Udaipur is called the City of Lakes for the story of how they were built and why they still matter. In a good monsoon they fill to the brim; see Udaipur in the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
How many lakes are there in Udaipur?
It depends how you count. The city has seven or eight well-known lakes, and the wider area has many more reservoirs.
Which is the biggest lake in Udaipur?
Within the city, Fateh Sagar and Lake Pichola are the largest. Jaisamand, about 50 km away, is far bigger.
Are Udaipur's lakes natural?
No. They're artificial lakes created by dams built by Mewar rulers and others from the 14th century onwards.
