Fateh Sagar Lake

The basics

Measuring a surface area of about 1.5 square miles (4 square kilometers), Fateh Sagar rivals Udaipur’s other main lake, Lake Pichola, in its beauty. Visitors come year-round for speedboat and sightseeing cruises around its three islands, to contemplate its mountain backdrop, and to take horse-and-carriage rides and leisurely walks along its shores.

Fateh Sagar is a popular stop on private Udaipur tours, most of which include private return transport and time to wander up and down the banks or enjoy a boat or horse-drawn carriage ride. Alternatively, you can pedal along the lake’s shores on a bike tour or watch the sunset over its waters on a guided evening walk. Some multi-day tours that will take you around Udaipur and Rajasthan cities stop here.

Things to know before you go

• Fateh Sagar is a must-visit for sightseers and anyone wanting to escape the bustle of central Udaipur.
• Visitors can catch lake cruises from several shoreline boating stations.
• Life jackets are supplied on boats—be sure to wear one.
• The lake’s eastern banks are the busiest, and you’ll find food stalls and eateries offering fabulous waterside views.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Fateh Sagar from central Udaipur is on a city tour incorporating a private vehicle and driver-guide. Tuk-tuks and cabs also ferry independent travelers to the lake in about 15 minutes from Udaipur City train station. Udaipur is also an approximate 12-hour road journey from India’s capital, Delhi, via the NE4 or NH48 highways. Direct trains and flights to Udaipur are also available from Delhi and other Indian cities, including Mumbai.

When to get there

The best time to visit Fateh Sagar is September–March, when the weather is comfortable and average maximum temperatures top out at 78°F (26°C). For a side of global music, come for winter’s Udaipur World Music Festival, when concerts enliven the lake’s eastern shores.

What to see around Fateh Sagar

Don’t miss a boat ride around Fateh Sagar’s three islands. Most dock at two, including the largest, Nehru Park, which boasts palm-laden gardens and a boat-shaped restaurant perched over the water. Afterward, visit the hilltop Maharana Pratap Memorial, where a statue of the 16th-century king, Maharana Pratap, heralds Insta-worthy views of the lake.