Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Developed By: Maharaja Udai Singh
Attraction: Island Palaces

The panoramic lake that enraptured Maharaja Udai Singh, Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. It was later enlarged by the founder.

The placid Lake Pichola, has a masonry dam, known as the Badipol, and the lake is now four kms in length and three kms in width. Nevertheless, it remains fairly shallow and actually dries up in severe droughts and one can walk up to the island palaces from the shore.

The sunset over this lake is absolutely blissful. Pichola is encircled on all sides by numerous palaces, marble temples, family mansions, dark hills and rows of bathing ghats, which is thronged by bathers at dawn.

The lake at places narrows down and both its banks almost touch each other. There are islands at regular intervals on the lake, which have either palaces or pavilions on them. The most beautiful and eye-catching are the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas, the exotic islands out in the lake.

Ana Sagar Lake

Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan
Built By: Anaji Chauhan
Built In: 12th Century AD
Attractions: Baradari, Daulat Bagh

The beautiful artificial Anasagar Lake, located to the north of the Ajmer city, was made in 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni, named after the then ruler Anaji Chauhan. This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later, the Mughal emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens was laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer.

The picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, located north of Lake Pichola is overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and Pratap Memorial on the north, was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. Maharana Jai Singh originally built it in 1678 AD, but later heavy rains destroyed the dam. It was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh and hence it got the name.

A pleasant lakeside drive winds along the east bank of the lake. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park- a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Lake Fateh Sagar is a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir constructed in the year 1678 AD, by the rulers of former Mewar State. Although primarily constructed for irrigational purpose, this water body has lately become a second major source of drinking water for the city of Udaipur. The main feeder canal of the lake comes from Madar Tank situated at a higher altitude about 15 km from Udaipur city.

Lake Fateh Sagar is also connected to the adjoining Lake Pichhola through a canal having gates. This (former) lake has somewhat pear-like shape and is surrounded by hills except on its eastern side where a straight masonry dam of about 800-m length is located.

The second island is situated on the northern side and has an installation of solar observatory. The smallest island on the western side near shore supports a jet fountain. The western bank of lake is occupied by marginal agricultural field. The vegetation cover around the lake is scanty. However, several species of plants are found along the undulating roads and hillocks around this lake.

Leaching of nutrients from the catchment area and agricultural activities in the marginal areas of the lake has influenced the nutrient level of this water body. Similarly, incoming silt has also reduced the water holding capacity of this lake.

Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh. Until 1965, it remained the city’s only water supply. It is adorned with an arched gateway, which is believed to have been built by a courtesan. The Tilon ki Pol, the palatial archway at the water’s edge, was built by a local prostitute.

The dismayed king tried to severe it down, but not the one to stay behind, Tilon constructed a tiny temple along the lake, dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan (Krishna, as truth) and ensured the building’s survival. Along the lakeshore and on the islands, is a plethora of little temples and cenotaphs. Arrayed all around the tank, are many small shrines and temples. An extraordinary plumage of birds can be seen here.

Set amidst the strikingly scenic locale of Dungarpur, is the famous Gaib Sagar Lake. It is the famous bird paradise, with trees lined on the pathway of the lake.

The environs are scintillating with mirthful surroundings around the Gaib Sagar Lake, against the background of green hills. The woods and the waters of the lake provide habitat to thousands of ducks of a dozen species, several thousand gray and purple herons, egrets, purple moorhens, white breasted waterhens, bee-eaters and green pigeons.

The famous shrine of Shrinathji lies along the lake. The shrine is a conglomeration of several exquisitely built temples with one main temple. Thousands of devotees throng the place, through out the year

Nestled in the vicinity of the city of Jodhpur, is the astoundingly scenic Sardar Samand Lake. The lake lies 60-kms south-east of Jodhpur off the Jodhpur-Pali route. As one drives to the lake, the picturesque countryside with enchanting villages and smiling folks on the way, offer a spectacular sight. A rendezvous with Chinkara and Black Buck surely adds more fun to the drive.

The placid waters of the Sardar Samand Lake beckon countless varieties of migratory birds as well as tourists who come to savour peace and quietude of the place. Enroute to Sardar Samand from Jodhpur, tourists can look forward to spotting wildlife of the region, especially the Black Buck, Neelgai and Chinkara. The route also passes through the Bishnoi villages - a community renowned for their abiding concern and practice of environmental conservation.

Near the lake stands classy art-deco summer palace of Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Sardar Samand Lake Resort - yet another feather in the cap of Welcome-Heritage Group. The lake resort affords one of the most breathtaking views of the magnificent lake.

A hunting lodge of the royal Jodhpur family, the palace is situated on a hill overlooking the huge Sardar Samand Lake. All original features of the resort have been retained and the sprawling grounds and gardens offer delightful walks. Overlooking the large lake teeming with numerous birds, the place is a virtual aviary.