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News

Monsoon Update: मानसी वाकल लबालब, छलकने के लिए तैयार जयसमंद

  • मानसी वाकल बांध हुआ लबालब। जल विभाग मंगलवार को खोल सकता है गेट।
  • जयसमंद छलकने के लिए तैयार। 10 cm पानी की है जरूरत।
  • मदार के दाेनाें तालाब पर लगातार चल रही है चादर। फतहसागर में बनी हुई है आवक।
  • उदयसागर से वल्लभनगर मेंं प्रवाह जारी।

मादड़ी बांध के ओवरफ्लाे हाेेने से पिछले कई दिनाें से पानी की आवक बनी हुई है जिससे जिले का मानसी वाकल बांध लबालब हाे गया है। जलदाय विभाग ने मंगलवार को इसके गेट खोलने की तैयारी कर ली है। गेट को दो या तीन इंच ही खोला जायेगा जिससे पानी बहके गुजरात नहीं पहुंचे और क्षेत्र में नदी का पेटा तर हो जाए। हालांकि अब कैचमेंट में तेज बारिश होने पर बांध के गेट ज्यादा खोलने की स्थिति बनेगी तब यह पानी गुजरात पहुंचना तय है।

इधर जिले की सबसे बड़ी झील जयसमंद भी छलकने काे आतुर है, इसे पूरा भरने के लिए सिर्फ 10 cm पानी की और जरूरत है। इसके अलावा वल्लभनगर बांध भी करीब दाे फीट ही खाली रह गया है। इसके छलकते ही मावली क्षेत्र के बड़गांव बांध में आवक शुरू हाे सकेगी।

कैचमेंट में तेज बारिश से मोरवानिया नदी से आवक बढ़ने पर बड़ी तालाब का गेज 32 फीट के मुकाबले 29 फीट 4 इंच हाे गया है। मदार के दाेनाें तालाब पर चादर चलने का सिलसिला जारी है जिससे फतहसागर में आवक बनी हुई है।

Categories
Places to Visit

How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?

Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and indeed the phrase used is correct. Udaipur has a number of lakes and often people get confused in counting the exact number! Well, the whole city is beautifully lined by various lakes and parts of the city also experience the Ayad river crossing under the several bridges. The vicinity of the city is so tranquil that one might get totally mesmerized by it. So, coming back to the question; let’s find out how many lakes are in Udaipur.

The famous ones:

These lakes are the ones which are the biggest and lie in close proximity from the city center. Not only this, these ones are the most visited by tourists and locals.

  1. Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur after Jaisamand lake. It was built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. Then in 1889, Maharana Fateh Singh built the “Connaught Dam,” near ‘Dewali’ and subsequently the dam enlarged the lake, and hence was renamed after the King Maharana Fateh Singh.

How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
Fatehsagar Lake in monsoon
Attractions at the Lake Fateh Sagar:
  • Boating
  • Food Bazaar
  • Camel and Horse Rides
  • Several parks for recreational activities.
  1. Pichola Lake

Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes in Udaipur. Most of the luxurious hotels are in this area and has the massive City Palace standing on the banks. The Taj Lake Palace resting in the middle of the waters of the Lake Pichola is an eye-pleasing sight. The name ‘Pichola’ has two legends behind it, that you can read here.

How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
Source: MakeMyTrip
Attractions at the Pichola Lake:
  • Boating
  • Visit Jag Mandir
  • Visit Taj Lake Palace
  • Innumerable eateries surrounding the lake
  1. Badi Lake

Situated near the Village Badi, the lake is also called by the name Jiyan Sagar named after Jana Devi, the mother of Maharana Raj Singh who built the lake. It sprawls in an area of 155 sq. km. and the embankment of the lake extends wide in area. It also boasts three beautiful ‘chattris’.

How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
Source: gajendra kumawat
Attractions at the Badi Lake:
  • Boating
  • Badi ‘Paal’
  1. Udai Sagar

Udaisagar Lake is located at a distance of about 13 km in the east of Udaipur. The construction of this lake was started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh. Completed in 1565, the Maharana constructed a dam on Berach River to guarantee ample supply of water in his kingdom and Udai Sagar was the result of this Dam.

How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
Source: My Udaipur City

The lake gets its name from the Maharana who built it.

Other Lakes:

These lakes the branches or links to the larger ones in the city. While these are smaller than the above-mentioned ones they have their equal charm.

  1. Swaroop Sagar

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: udaipurblog

This small artificial lake created by Maharana Swaroop Singh gets its name from him. It is also known as Kumharia Talab. Swaroop Sagar is located near Chand Pol adjoining Rangsagar (which is a branch of Pichola Lake). Kumharia Talab or Swaroop Sagar is connected with Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.

  1. Dhoodh Talai

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: Venuezz

Doodh Talai is a small lake near Pichola Lake. Doodh Talai (meaning milk pond) fulfilled the basic needs of cows that were present in government cow shelters (Raajakeey Goshalas) that met the requirement of milk in the royal kitchen. The freshwater reservoir was primarily meant for the Royal concern.

  1. Purohito ka Talab

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: patrika

‘Purohito ka Talab’ is being developed as a new destination for tourists. It is located at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Udaipur, in Amberi Panchayat which is also known as Mini Jaisalmer. The Reddish-Orange Chattris are a major attraction there.

  1. Goverdhan Sagar

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: Saurabh Patwari Photography

Located on the outskirts of Udaipur this place is less visited by the tourists or locals due to its distance from the city center. However, the local government bodies have worked a lot towards making it a hot-spot. A ship (structure) was also installed in the water to attract people. The people residing in the nearby colonies do come and enjoy evenings at the Goverdhan Sagar.

  1. Madaar (Chota-Bada)

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: Udaipurblog

The Main source of water in Fatehsagar is the Madaar Lake (Chhota). These two water bodies (and must be counted as two different lakes) are known under a single name ‘Madaar’ and colloquially people refer to them as ‘Chota Madaar’ and ‘Badaa Madaar’ meaning small and large Madaar. Water comes from Madar Lake and Swaroop Sagar Link Channel to fill up the lake Fatehsagar.

The nearby ones:

  1. Jaisamand Lake

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: rajasthan direct

Jaisamand Lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia. It is situated at a distance of approximately 51 km from the city of Udaipur. The lake is also known as Dhebar Lake. It was built by Maharana Jai Singh while making a dam on the Gomti River in the year 1685. He kept the name of the lake Jaisamand after his known name; Jaisamand means ‘Ocean of Victory’.

  1. Rajsamand Lake

    How Many Lakes Are There In Udaipur?
    Source: Hemant Paliwal

Located 66 km north of Udaipur, Rajsamand Lake lies between Rajnagar and Kankroli districts. It is also known as Rajsamudra Lake.  The lake was a result of a dam constructed across the river Gomati, Kelwa, and Tali; built by Maharana Raj Singh I in the years 1662-1676. One of the major attractions at the Rajsamand Lake is the array of nine pavilions or ‘nauchowki’ (nine ghats) that are beautifully adorned with pictures of the sun, chariots, gods, birds and detailed carvings.

Aren’t you amazed by knowing about the number of lakes in the whole of Udaipur!!!

Categories
Udaipur Speaks

10 Reasons Why you should visit Udaipur

Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located in the fertile circular valley – “Girwa” to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. The rajvansh of Udaipur was one of the oldest dynasties of the world. In the recent years Udaipur has become very popular destination for people from all over the world! Being born and brought up in Udaipur, it will always be a HOME to me, I have often met people who either start swooning after only hearing the name or they ask me what’s so great about Udaipur apart from the Royalty and the lakes!!! Well this blog is my answer to them…

Udaipur is known as the city of lakes which one can read all about on the net, Here are My top 10 reasons! 

 

1. The Lakes:

fatehsagar udaipur
Photo Via: worldtouristplace.com

Lakes make a perfect backdrop to the romantic setting of Udaipur. Udaipur is truly famous for its beautiful lakes and watercourses. The city is popular by the phrase of ‘The City of Lakes’.  The Picturesque lakes offering fabulous view of the mountains make Udaipur, a dream destination of every tourist. Since ages, these lakes have been providing water to the city dwellers.

Lake Pichola:

Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha.

Lake FatehSagar:

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake got its name from Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made additions to it.

Lake Jaisamand:

Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. Located at a distance of 48 kms from the city of Udaipur, Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar. In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake while making a dam on the Gomti River.

On a 40 Acre Island in the midst of Jaisamand Lake is another resort worth going to stay called Jaisamand Island Resorts, it is the only resort in North West Region of the country to be built on a Private Island of 40 acres. Jaisamand Lake and the Sanctuary are rich in fauna with counts of over 300 bird species. So it is a must stay for all those Bird lovers!

 

2. MONSOONS!!

Monsoon 2013 WInner - Siddhant

Udaipur is at it’s best during monsoons, surrounded by the Aravali ranges on all sides, the rains during monsoons are what make the entire city look lush green. The Temperature drops, the sky stays overcast and the  roasted corn on Fatehsagar , long drives on Rani road  slow drives on Badi lake are just a few things that make you fall in love with this city!!

 

3. EklingNathji Mandir:

eklingji temple
Photo via : rajasthantourismbuzz.wordpress.com

Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part is recognized as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The zenith of the multifaceted idol is known as ‘Yantra that stands for the ultimate reality. The Shivlinga garlanded by a silver snake, acquires the major attraction of people. For one seeking solace, the cool, beautiful and calm surroundings of Ek Ling Nath Ji Temple are a must visit.

 

4. Shilpgram Utsav:

shilpgram day 3
Photo by: Mujtaba R.G.

It takes place in December around Christmas and so I always wait for this Utsav to begin! As the name suggests it actually is an UTSAV, not only the local craftsmen but craftsmen from all over the country participate in it. Shilpgram is a miniature man-made village, so every year during winters there are not only stalls of clothes but also of craft, jewellery and eatables! The entire day just flies once you are here. As the sun sets in the backdrop..the evenings are the best time of the entire day, cold breezes and the typical Rajasthani good of Dal, Bati, Choorma and the Raab!! The hot food served with warmth and lots of love by the people here, accompanied by the Rajasthani folk dancers and folk singers just add to a whole new level of amazement; hearing them just takes you to a whole new world. There are many activities for kids too, but Ladies be sure you wear Flats or Shoes and not Heels!! We wouldn’t want swollen feet now do we!!?? 😉

 

5. Hariyali Amawas Mela/Fair:

Hariyali amavasya

It is one fun-fair which takes place only in Udaipur during monsoons, to be precise in the month of  August! As the name suggests, it is to welcome the rains and the greenery it brings along.

Being a 2 day fun-fair celebrations, it has one day exclusively for men and the 2nd day for women! The entire road right from Fatehsagar till the road of Saheliyon ki Badi, everything stays jampacked and closed for vehicles! The only fair where you still get the village version of a yo-yo called ‘Ullu ka pattha’ No! I’m not abusing!! It’s what they’re called…they are basically water-balloons suspended by a rubber string!

 

6. Gangaur Festival:

gangaur festival

Celebrated till date in the same way as it used to be during Udai Singhji’s reign!! His highness Arvind Singhji Mewar has ensured that this festival has the same essence to it as it did when he was a child! Attending the Gangaur festivities brings back memories of childhood and makes one proud of belonging to Udaipur, to Mewar!! Hats off to him for keeping it alive till now and celebrating it with the same zeal and enthusiasm.

 

7. SILVER:

silver jewellery udaipur
Photo by: Aman Bhandari

Yes u read it right!! Shopping in Udaipur is one of its kind. Silver is the best thing to pick up, you get excellent jewellery and show pieces made of silver in Lal-Ghat area and the entire Palace Road! There are silver pieces which one would not find anywhere else in the world. Then there are Stoles which are famous, you get all kinds of work, whether you want plain, shaded, printed work, Jamawar work etc are just a few to name! For women who love buying borders or old sarees(like me), Palace Road is the place to go! There are awesome tailors in the city area who stitch kurtis, jackets, sherwani’s etc very nicely and very quickly! You get very unique and cute suits and ghagras for little kids and grown ups too, here in the city and jootis too!

 

8. The Erstwhile Royalty:

City Palace, Udaipur
Photo By: Yash Sharma

To get the feel of how the erstwhile Royals lived during the golden years one MUST visit The City Palace! It is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic  Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur. It is often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It was Maharana Udai Singh who initially built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions made by his successors. City Palace has several gates that are known as “Pols”. ‘Bara Pol’ (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that leads to the first courtyard. On passing ‘Bara Pol’, one comes across a triple arched gate, which is known as ‘Tripolia’. Between these two gates, are visible eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. After ‘Tripolia’, one enters the ‘Elephant Gate’ or the ‘Hathi Pol’.

The highest point of this Palace is Amar Vilas which has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. It has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and colored glass. The exquisitly carved work of City Palace cannot be confined in words. To experience the beauty and to capture the real picture of this grand palace it is a must to visit this palace.

 

9. ROMANCE:

pontoon tourism udaipur

In a country less known for its romantic getaways, Udaipur offers tranquil nights, splendid strolls, and an exotic seduction that’s hard to resist, making it an ideally romantic honeymoon destination for newlyweds.

Right from long drives at Rani road and Badi Lake to dining out in places like Jagat Niwas, Sunset Terrace and Ambrai(to name a few) with the perfect view overlooking the Lake Pichola, cool breeze blowing and mouth watering food, one can’t help falling in love with this picturesquely beautiful city

 

10. Jagdish Temple:

Jagdish Temple Udaipur
Photo by: Dimpy Chundawat

This imposing white Hindu temple, with intricate architecture and carvings, is an unmissable landmark in the Lal Ghat area near the entrance to the City Palace. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1961 and houses a black stone idol of Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The highlight there is the evocative Aarti every sunrise and sunset.

Udaipur should not be visited for all the reasons given above…. NO!! Udaipur should be visited for an experience of a lifetime and to make your own reasons to come back!!

 

Article By: Rachita A Bafna

Categories
News Photos

[Pictures] UdaiSagar Overflows 2011

After the Overflow of Lake FatehSagar and Lake Pichola it was now turn of Lake UdaiSagar which is 13 kms in the east of Udaipur to overflow having capacity of 23Ft. and it finally overflowed. Continuing the series of Pictures here we have Pictures of Lake UdaiSagar Overflow 🙂 We hope you all like it.

Photos By Yash Sharma 


Udaisagar Overflow

Happy Monsoon 🙂