Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is an artificial lake that was built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 AD and later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1889 AD. The lake covers an area of 2.4 sq km and has a depth of 11.5 m. It is one of the four lakes that form the Udaipur lake system and is considered the second most important lake after Lake Pichola.
Fateh Sagar Lake is not only a scenic and serene destination, but also a place where you can experience nature, culture, history, and fun all in one. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Fateh Sagar Lake, including its history, islands, boating, events, weather, timings, and nearby attractions. We will also share some tips and tricks to make your visit to the lake more enjoyable and memorable.
History of Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 AD as a part of a water supply system for Udaipur. However, the lake was destroyed by floods and droughts over the years and became dry. In 1889 AD, Maharana Fateh Singh decided to reconstruct the lake by building a stone dam across the Madar River. The dam was named Connaught Dam after the Duke of Connaught, who visited Udaipur during that time. The lake was also renamed Fateh Sagar Lake after Maharana Fateh Singh.
Fateh Sagar Lake has witnessed some interesting events and stories in its history. For example, did you know that:
1. Fateh Sagar Lake was once used as a source of drinking water for Udaipur? The water from the lake was filtered and supplied to the city through pipes and aqueducts.
2. Fateh Sagar Lake was also used as a venue for royal ceremonies and celebrations? The lake hosted many festivals, processions, regattas, and fireworks during the reign of the Mewar dynasty.
3. Fateh Sagar Lake was also a battleground for some historical wars? The lake was the site of several battles between the Mewar rulers and their enemies, such as the Marathas, the British, and the Mughals.
Islands at Fateh Sagar Lake
One of the most fascinating features of Fateh Sagar Lake is its three islands that are located on its surface. Each island has something unique and special to offer to the visitors.
Nehru Park:
This is the largest island on the lake with an area of 4 hectares. It is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who visited Udaipur in 1961 and inaugurated the park. The park has a boat-shaped restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks. It also has a zoo that houses various animals such as crocodiles, deer, ostriches, rabbits, etc. The park also offers a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.
Second Island:
This is the smallest island on the lake with an area of 0.06 hectares. It has a public park that is well-maintained and landscaped with flowers and plants. It also has a water-jet fountain that sprays water up to 25 meters high. The fountain is illuminated with colorful lights at night and creates a mesmerizing spectacle.
Third Island:
This is the most interesting island on the lake with an area of 1.2 hectares. It houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is one of the best solar observatories in Asia. The observatory was established in 1975 by Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar, a renowned solar physicist. The observatory uses a solar telescope to study the sun and its phenomena such as sunspots, flares, eclipses, etc.
You can reach these islands by taking motorboats from various points around the lake. The motorboats are available from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and charge Rs. 30 per person for Nehru Park, Rs. 15 per person for Second Island, and Rs. 60 per person for Third Island.
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Boating at Fateh Sagar Lake
Boating at Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the must-do activities when you visit Udaipur. It is a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. You can also spot some wildlife such as birds, fish, and crocodiles on your boat ride.
There are different types of boats available at Fateh Sagar Lake for your boating pleasure. You can choose from regular boats, motorboats, and speedboats depending on your preference and budget.
The regular boats are rowing boats that can accommodate up to 4 people and charge Rs. 80 per boat for 30 minutes. The motorboats are powered boats that can accommodate up to 6 people and charge Rs. 200 per boat for 30 minutes. The speedboats are fast and thrilling boats that can accommodate up to 8 people and charge Rs. 400 per boat for 15 minutes.
Boating at Fateh Sagar Lake is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, there are some tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind while boating at the lake:
1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for boating. Avoid wearing heavy or loose clothing that can get wet or cause discomfort.
2. Avoid boating during peak hours or weekends when it can get crowded and noisy. Try to go early in the morning or late in the evening when it is less busy and more peaceful.
3. Book your boat tickets in advance online or from the ticket counter near the lake. This will save you time and hassle of waiting in long queues or bargaining with the boatmen.
4. Follow the safety instructions and rules given by the boatmen and the authorities. Wear life jackets, do not lean out of the boat, do not litter or feed the animals, etc.
Events at Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is not only a natural and cultural attraction, but also a lively and vibrant destination that hosts some of the most spectacular events in the world. Throughout the year, you can witness and participate in various events that take place at the lake, such as:
Hariyali Amavasya Mela: This is a fair held during the monsoon season in July or August. It celebrates the greenery and fertility of the land and attracts thousands of people from nearby villages and towns. The fair features various stalls, games, rides, food, and cultural performances.
World Music Festival: This is a musical event featuring artists from different countries and genres. It is held in February every year at various venues in Udaipur, including Fateh Sagar Lake. The festival showcases the diversity and harmony of music and culture in the world.
Udaipur Lantern Festival: This is a celebration of lights and colors held in November every year at Fateh Sagar Lake. It marks the end of Diwali, the festival of lights, and invites people to light up lanterns and release them into the sky. The festival also features live music, food, and fireworks.
These events are not only entertaining and enjoyable, but also educational and enlightening. They give you a chance to learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of Udaipur and Rajasthan. They also give you an opportunity to interact with the local people and experience their hospitality and warmth.
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Weather at Fateh Sagar Lake
The weather at Fateh Sagar Lake varies according to the seasons and months. The lake experiences four seasons: summer (April to June), monsoon (July to September), winter (October to March), and post-monsoon (October to November).
The best time to visit Fateh Sagar Lake is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during this time and the sky is clear and blue. You can enjoy boating, sightseeing, photography, and other activities at the lake during this time.
The worst time to visit Fateh Sagar Lake is from April to June when the weather is hot and dry. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 40°C during this time and the sun is harsh and bright. You can feel dehydrated, exhausted, and uncomfortable at the lake during this time.
The monsoon season from July to September is also not a good time to visit Fateh Sagar Lake as the weather is humid and rainy. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 35°C during this time and the sky is cloudy and grey. You can face problems such as waterlogging, flooding, landslides, insects, etc. at the lake during this time.
However, there are some advantages of visiting Fateh Sagar Lake during different seasons as well. For example:
Summer: You can witness some amazing sunrises and sunsets at the lake during this time. You can also enjoy some summer fruits such as mangoes, watermelons, etc. at the lake.
Monsoon: You can see some beautiful rainbows and waterfalls at the lake during this time. You can also attend some monsoon festivals such as Hariyali Amavasya Mela at the lake.
Winter: You can see some migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, ducks, etc. at the lake during this time. You can also enjoy some winter delicacies such as gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding), bajra roti (flatbread), etc. at the lake.
Timings at Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for visitors. You can enjoy the beauty and charm of the lake during these hours. However, the timings of the lake may vary depending on some factors, such as:
Holidays:
The lake may be closed or have different timings on some public holidays, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, etc. You should check the official website or contact the authorities before visiting the lake on these days.
Festivals:
The lake may be open for longer or shorter hours on some festival days, such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, etc. You should check the local news or social media for updates on these days.
Weather:
The lake may be closed or have reduced timings on some days due to bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, storm, fog, etc. You should check the weather forecast or call the helpline number before visiting the lake on these days.
Maintenance:
The lake may be closed or have limited access on some days due to maintenance work, such as cleaning, repairing, renovating, etc. You should check the notice board or ask the staff before visiting the lake on these days.
Fateh Sagar Lake looks different and beautiful at different times of the day. You can choose to visit the lake according to your preference and mood. For example:
Morning: You can visit the lake in the morning to enjoy the fresh and cool breeze and the calm and peaceful atmosphere. You can also see some birds and animals waking up and starting their day at the lake.
Afternoon: You can visit the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the bright and sunny weather and the lively and vibrant ambiance. You can also see some people and activities happening at the lake.
Evening: You can visit the lake in the evening to enjoy the stunning and romantic sunset and the colorful and festive mood. You can also see some lights and music playing at the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Fateh Sagar Lake is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to some other nearby attractions that you can visit during your trip to Udaipur. Some of these attractions are:
Saheliyon Ki Bari:
This is a garden with fountains and statues that was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in 1710 AD for his queen and her maids. The garden is a symbol of love and friendship and has a relaxing and soothing environment.
Maharana Pratap Memorial:
This is a statue of Maharana Pratap, a legendary warrior and ruler of Mewar, who fought against the Mughals in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 AD. The statue is made of bronze and stands on a hill overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake.
Moti Magri:
This is a hill with a fort that was built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 AD as a defense against invaders. The fort has a museum that displays some weapons, armors, paintings, and artifacts related to Mewar history and culture.
Sukhadia Circle:
This is a roundabout with a fountain that was built by Mohan Lal Sukhadia, a former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, in 1968 AD as a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The fountain has three tiers and is illuminated with lights at night. The circle also has some shops, restaurants, and stalls that offer various items and services.
Fateh Sagar Lake is not only a beautiful and popular attraction in Udaipur, but also a source of pride and joy for its people. It is a place where you can experience nature, culture, history, and fun all in one.
If you are planning to visit Udaipur soon, make sure to include Fateh Sagar Lake in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
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We hope this article has helped you learn more about Fateh Sagar Lake Udaipur and inspired you to visit it soon. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below.
Thank you for reading Tripoto’s guide to Fateh Sagar Lake. We hope you have a wonderful and safe trip.
