Udaipur is called the City of Lakes because it is built around a chain of man-made lakes, including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar and Udai Sagar, created by Mewar's rulers between the 14th and 20th centuries for water in a dry region. Several are linked by channels. It's also called the Venice of the East.
Key facts
- Main lakes: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar, Doodh Talai, Udai Sagar, Badi
- Lake Pichola: created in the late 14th century, enlarged by Udai Singh II
- Fateh Sagar: rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh in the late 19th century
- Other nicknames: Venice of the East, White City
Udaipur sits in the dry Aravalli hills, yet it’s famous for water. The lakes aren’t an accident.
Made by kings
Mewar’s rulers built dams across streams and enlarged basins to store monsoon rain. The lakes gave the city water, cooled it, and protected it.
- Lake Pichola — created in the late 14th century by a Banjara (trader) during Rana Lakha’s reign, later enlarged by Udai Singh II, who founded the city on its banks in 1559.
- Fateh Sagar — first built in the 17th century, rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1880s after a flood.
- Udai Sagar — built by Udai Singh II.
- Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar and Doodh Talai link Pichola and Fateh Sagar.
- Badi Lake — built in the 17th century, outside the city.
A connected chain
Channels link Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar and Pichola, so water flows between them. In a good monsoon, when Fateh Sagar overflows, the city celebrates.
Other nicknames
- Venice of the East — for its lakes and lakeside palaces.
- White City — for its white marble and lime-washed buildings.
Explore them all in our lakes of Udaipur guide or on a Lake Pichola boat ride.
Frequently asked questions
How many lakes are there in Udaipur?
There are seven main lakes in and around the city, and several more nearby, including Jaisamand.
Are Udaipur's lakes natural?
No. They are man-made, created by building dams and enlarging natural basins.
Why is Udaipur called the Venice of the East?
For its lakes, ghats and palaces rising from the water.
