Lake Badi

Lake Badi is an artificial freshwater lake situated in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The lake was built in the village of Badi, about 12 km from Udaipur, by Maharana Raj Singh I (1652–1680) to counteract the devastating effects of a famine. He named it Jiyan Sagar after his mother Jana Devi. The lake covers an area of 155 km2 and has an embankment 180 m long and 18 m wide, graced by three artistic chhatris (kiosks or pavilions). During the drought of 1973, Lake Badi supplied water to the people of Udaipur. Devoid of any commercial activity, Badi Lake provides a view of a never-ending expanse giving a serene and calm atmosphere to visitors. The lake is among the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. One can reach Lake Badi by taking regular buses or hiring taxis from the city.