Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur – The Sparkling Jewel of Udaipur

History of Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake was originally built in the 16th century by Maharana Jai Singh as a water reservoir to meet the water needs of Udaipur. However, after heavy rains destroyed the dam, the lake dried up. In 1889, Maharana Fateh Singh reconstructed and expanded the lake, giving it its present form and name.

The construction of a stone masonry dam created a larger reservoir, connecting it to Lake Pichola through a canal. The lake was designed not only for water conservation and irrigation but also as a recreational spot for the royal family.

Today, Fateh Sagar Lake is a symbol of Udaipur’s rich history and engineering excellence, attracting tourists and locals alike for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions Around Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is surrounded by picturesque hills, lush green landscapes, and architectural marvels, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and leisure activities.

Key Attractions on and Around Fateh Sagar Lake

1. Nehru Park – The largest island on Fateh Sagar Lake, Nehru Park is a beautiful public garden featuring lush lawns, marble pavilions, and a small zoo. It also has a boat-shaped café, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills.
2. Udaipur Solar Observatory – Located on an island in the middle of the lake, this observatory is considered one of the best in Asia. Built by Dr. Arvind Bhatanagar, it is designed on the model of California’s Solar Observatory and is known for its advanced solar physics research.
3. Public Park (Third Island) – The smallest island has a public park with water-jet fountains, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
4. Moti Magri (Pearl Hill) – Located on the eastern bank, Moti Magri is a historic hill featuring a statue of Maharana Pratap riding his loyal horse, Chetak. The hill offers panoramic views of Fateh Sagar Lake and Udaipur city.
5. Fateh Sagar Pal – A beautiful promenade along the eastern shore, perfect for evening walks and street food. It is especially popular among locals and tourists for its peaceful ambiance and scenic sunset views.
6. Boating and Water Sports – Boat rides, speed boating, and kayaking are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the lake and its islands.

The crystal-clear waters, surrounding hills, and serene environment make Fateh Sagar Lake a picturesque retreat and a photographer’s paradise.

Best Things to Do at Fateh Sagar Lake

• Boat Ride on Fateh Sagar Lake – Enjoy a scenic boat ride around the lake, exploring the islands and capturing stunning views of the Aravalli hills.
• Visit Nehru Park – Relax at Nehru Park, known for its beautiful gardens, marble pavilions, and boat-shaped café.
• Photography – Capture breathtaking photographs of the lake’s reflections, sunset views, and lush landscapes.
• Evening Stroll at Fateh Sagar Pal – Take a leisurely walk along the Fateh Sagar Pal promenade, enjoying the cool breeze and vibrant street food stalls.
• Explore Udaipur Solar Observatory – Learn about solar physics and astronomy at Asia’s best solar observatory.
• Visit Moti Magri – Climb Moti Magri Hill to see the Maharana Pratap Memorial and enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur city and Fateh Sagar Lake.
• Enjoy Street Food – Savor delicious Rajasthani snacks like Pani Puri, Kulhad Coffee, and Bhutta (corn) from the roadside stalls.

How to Reach Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is located in the northwest of Udaipur, near Saheliyon Ki Bari and Moti Magri, making it easily accessible from different parts of the city.

• By Car/Taxi: Just 6 km from Udaipur Railway Station and 25 km from Maharana Pratap Airport.
• By Auto-Rickshaw: A popular and budget-friendly option for local travel.
• By Bus: Local buses are available to the Fateh Sagar Bus Stop, located along the eastern shore of the lake.
• By Bicycle: Visitors can also rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic Fateh Sagar Pal promenade.

Best Time to Visit Fateh Sagar Lake

• Timings: Open for viewing all day, but boat rides operate from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Boat Ride Charges: ₹200 for adults (Regular Boat), ₹400 for adults (Speed Boat).
• Best Season: October to March, when the weather is pleasant for boating and sightseeing.
• Best Time of Day: Early morning for peaceful views or evening for stunning sunset reflections.
• Special Note: The lake looks enchanting during monsoon season when the surrounding hills are lush and green.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring Fateh Sagar Lake, visit these nearby attractions:

• Saheliyon Ki Bari (1 km away) – A charming garden with fountains, marble pavilions, and lush greenery.
• Moti Magri (Walking Distance) – A historic hilltop with a statue of Maharana Pratap overlooking the lake.
• Shilpgram (3 km away) – A rural arts and crafts complex showcasing traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and cultural performances.
• City Palace (4 km away) – The grand palace complex offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola.
• Bagore Ki Haveli (4 km away) – A historic haveli known for its cultural performances and antique collections.

Cafés & Restaurants Near Fateh Sagar Lake

• Cafe Ra – A lakeside café offering continental dishes and refreshing beverages.
• Panna Vilas Restaurant & Lounge – Known for its multi-cuisine menu and scenic views of Fateh Sagar Lake.
• Jhumar Restaurant – A romantic lakeside restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
• Sai Sagar Coffee House – Popular for its Kulhad Coffee and street food.

Feature	Details
Location	Man Sagar Lake, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built In	18th Century by Maharaja Madho Singh I
Architectural Style	Rajput and Mughal
Material Used	Red Sandstone
Floors	Five (Four submerged underwater)
Entry Fee	Free (No entry inside the palace)
Timings	Open all day for viewing
Best Time to Visit	Sunrise or Sunset
Nearby Attractions	Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Kanak Vrindavan Gardens
Photography	Allowed