Udaipur - Romance by the lakes

Various illuminated palaces reflecting in the clear waters

The historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is often referred to as the city of lakes. The city is nestled along the banks of seven lakes and hence the name. These are often referred to as seven sisters of Udaipur. The waters here have their own charm and the numerous palaces adroitly built in and around these lakes add to the glory. They are marvelous pieces of architecture built by the royal families as their dwelling places. The Lake Palace is the centre of attraction that stands surrounded by the clear water of Lake Pichoala. During the dusk the landscapes transforms. The elucidated palaces reflect their glow in the waters making it a sight to behold. There cannot be a more romantic moment than sitting by the waters on one of the many ghats with your loved ones and ogling at the beauty the place has to offer.

Fatehsagar Lake Fateh Sagar Lake - the pride of Udaipur, is an artificial lake constructed by Maharana 1678. It is a beautiful lake confined by artistically designed walls that confine the vast expanse of the water and three small islands. The largest of these is the Nehru Park housing a popular garden with a restaurant and a zoo, the second island houses a public park with an impressive water-jet fountain and the third island houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO). The Nehru park is accessed by inboard motor boats from the bottom of Moti Magri. Blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of green hills beyond has given the soubriquet of ‘the second Kashmir’ to the place.

The lake Pichola

Pichola Lake is said to have been built in 1362 AD by Banjara, a gypsy who traded grain, in the reign of Maharana Lakha. Later, when Maharana Udai Singh, impressed by its charm founded the city of Udaipur its banks he enlarged it by constructing a stone masonry dam in the Badipol region on the shore. The lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have over the centuries have been decked  with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, bathing ghats or chabutaras. The most popular are the Lake Palace (now a heritage hotel) or Jag Nivas located on the Jag Island, the Jag Mandir, the Mohan Mandir, the City Palace of Udaipur, the Arsi Vilas Island and the Sitamata Game Sanctuary