A Guide To Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur - Updated 2024

Updated Apr 08, 2024

| 4 min read

Fateh Sagar Lake occupies an area roughly 1 square kilometre (0.3 square mile) in size in the City of Udaipur. The pear-shaped jheel (झील), which is warmly embraced by the surrounding Aravalli foothills, is one of four inland bodies of water in India’s City of Lakes. The tranquil blue surface of Fateh Sagar Lake in Rajasthan is almost hypnotic. The lake’s outline is visible from Moti Magri Road, and one can’t help but wonder at the feats of engineering that facilitated its birth. The lake’s foundations were laid in 1678 AD, but it took another 200 years for a 800-meter (2,625 feet) dam to be built that widened its dimensions. Fateh Sagar Lake is fed by runoff, inlet channels, and overflow from Masonry Dam nearby. A guide to Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur should answer key questions about places to see and things to do when you arrive.

Things to do/ Highlights

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Take a boat ride to Nehru Park

Three small islands dot the lake surface, and the largest of these is developed into what is known as Nehru Park, known for its verdant landscaped gardens. Groups and families can take a ferry and bring a picnic for a luscious afternoon in the island garden. It’s not difficult to see why Udaipur is nicknamed “Venice of the East” when you step onto the site. All of its 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares) are occupied by grasses, flowering plants, and trees. The green cover is broken at key places by marble fountains of interesting shapes. At night, Nehru Garden shines like a bejeweled goddess with its colorful lights.

The botanical garden has other diversions for visitors. The boat-shaped food court in Nehru Park is a curiosity for tourists. It is also a decent place to get a meal. While the adults have their fill of local favorites, the children can enjoy themselves observing the animals and birds in the park’s very own mini-zoo.

Head to the public park for rest and recreation

The Government of Rajasthan developed one of the smaller islands into a public park. The main features of the island are water-jet fountains. You only need to take a boat from the shore for free recreation. Seeing a water-jet mountain lit at night is worth the short trip to the island so consider timing your visit for the nightly spectacle.

Visit Udaipur Solar Observatory

The third island is home to Udaipur Solar Observatory, a prominent government scientific research center in Asia. The solar observatory was constructed in 1976 and patterned after the Big Bear Lake observatory in Southern California. The observatory is known to produce solar observations of astounding clarity and accuracy. Aside from favorable skies, the observatory’s location on the lake gives it the advantage of less air turbulence from ground heating. The observatory is being managed by the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.

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What to eat

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Niranjan.gohane used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Dal bati churma

Dal bati churma is Rajasthan’s national dish. The dal is a mix of local spices and lentils. Bati are crispy wheat dumplings roasted over firewood, while churma is typically made with ghee (clarified butter), crushed bati, and sugar. They recommend eating the classic combo with onions and lemons.

Laal maas

Rajasthan’s meat curry is made from mutton with a sauce mix of yoghurt and chillies. Eat the thick and garlicky gravy with chapatis (unleavened flatbread) or rice for an unforgettable meal.

Kachoris

If you want a simple but sumptuous snack, look for kachoris at food stalls, diners, and restaurants at Fateh Sagar Lake. They are deep-fried but rich with yummy stuffings. They should always be served steaming hot and full of flavor.

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Travelers tips

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laxmilalkumawat used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Average boating fees

Pedal boats and motor boats are available for hire on the lakeshore, which is studded with boating stations. With these, you can reach the islands and enjoy the attractions they hold. You can pick the service that suits your budget. Typically, foreigners must pay INR 60 to 125 (USD 0.84 to 1.75) for a boat ride. Meanwhile, Indian nationals get a ticket for INR 15 to 30 (USD 0.2 to 0.4). For a motorboat, you have to be prepared to pay INR 100 (USD 1.40) for children and INR. 200 (USD 3) for adults.

Nehru Garden fees

Northwestern India is very pleasant between September to March and ideal for a weekend at Nehru Garden. The island garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm and requires an entry fee. For Indian nationals, the fee for children is INR 15 (USD 0.2), while the fee for adults is INR 30 (USD 0.4). For foreigners, the fee for children is INR 60 (USD 0.8) and INR 125 (USD 1.75) for adults.

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How to get there

Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abhishek727 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

By car

From the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, the trip to Fateh Sagar Lake takes about 40 minutes by car or taxicab. From Udaipur Railway Station, expect to be on the road for about 20 to 25 minutes. A cab service is the best option for first-timers in Udaipur who are not yet familiar with the city’s routes.

By bus

Public transport by bus is a popular notion in Udaipur City. Deluxe buses are very comfortable and they are facilitated by the governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. If you are staying in any of these locations and want to check out Fateh Sagar Lake, find out bus schedules to and from Udaipur and set your itinerary for a day tour.

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