By Rajasthan is a beautiful state of India that attracts tourists with its majestic forts, beautiful palaces, tranquil lakes, and of course, the vastness of the Thar desert. Udaipur is one of the glorious cities of Rajasthan that adorns the sobriquet “City of Lakes”. Rich in culture and heritage, this city has welcomed tourists into its fold and given them many precious moments to cherish forever. One such is Badi lake.
Lake Badi is 12 km away from Udaipur city, which is an artificial lake. It is one of those few Indian Lakes that supply fresh water to the community throughout the year. An embankment of 180 m long and 18 m wide graces the lake’s 155 km² area. Three chhatris dot the lake’s shoreline.
Lake Badi provided water to the people of Udaipur during the drought of 1973. With a view of a never-ending expanse, Lake Badi, devoid of any commercial activity, transmits an air of calm and peace to visitors.
History of Lake Badi
The lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh I (1652-1680) near the village named Badi. As a tribute to his mother Jana Devi, he named it Jayana Sagar. Later it got renamed as this lake after the village it is located in.
The purpose behind this was to mitigate the devastating effects of the famine that had struck the city. It is said that the lake was built between the years 1662 and 1664.
Location
Badi Lake is a great place to visit if you want some time to yourself away from the commercial trappings of tourism. There is a ticketed entrance to the embankment facing lake between 7 AM and 6.30 PM.
The lake exhibits a surreal sight to behold. All sides of the lake are surrounded by hills, the white cottony clouds and clear blue skies mingle with the glittering rays of the sun altogether creating a kaleidoscopic reflection in the water.
You will find that there are a number of places along the road where you can halt to take in the views of this beautiful Lake. Time will seem to stand still as the tranquil aura of the lake mesmerises you.
The elegant white Chhatris or canopies serve as another attraction. Their elegance matches the setting sun. Sitting underneath the wide canopies, one can marvel at the magic of the setting sun or take a closer look at the glistening water of Badi Lake, a feeding ground for Mahseer fish.
Things to do
There can be many beautiful trekking places in India, but very few provide a surreal view of a freshwater lake. Bahubali hill is a place that will excite all those who love trekking.
Bahubali Hill is the best viewpoint of Badi Lake, providing you with spectacular 360-degree views of its picturesque scenery. The trek to Bahubali hills is not too steep nor too rugged. But it is worth it when you get to witness the stunning views of the lake.
Badi Lake is also a popular picnic spot for locals, so you should definitely check it out yourself if you want to experience some local lifestyles.
How to reach Badi Lake
As you read this article, I am sure that your curiosity has been piqued and you have started imagining the beauty of Badi lake. Moreover, to allow your imagination to soar here is some information on how to visit this surreal beauty.
Lake Badi is 12 km away from Udaipur city. It can be reached by private transportation or local tuk-tuks. If you have planned to reach Udaipur by flight, Maharana Pratap Airport is the nearest.
Best time to visit Badi Lake
It is advisable to plan a visit to Rajasthan in the winter months since it is really hot during the summers. The best time to visit this beautiful lake is just after the Monsoon ends. This is the best time because the entire landscape gets covered with lush greenery and the lake gets full to its brim.
Conclusion
Lake Badi is truly a hidden gem in the barren lands of Rajasthan with deserts and cacti all around. So, if you haven’t planned yet to visit this beautiful place, you should definitely put a thought about it. Hence, your time at the lake will create magical memories for a lifetime and get you engrossed and captivated.
