Lake Badi

Welcome to the serene shores of Lake Badi, an architectural and ecological marvel located approximately twelve kilometers northwest of the bustling center of Udaipur. As a scholar of Mewar history, I invite you to look beyond the…

We begin our detailed examination at the primary embankment of Lake Badi. Observe the meticulous stonework of the dam, a hallmark of the Mewar School of Architecture. …

As we depart from the formal stone embankments, the path begins to change, reflecting the transition from the man-made lakefront to the untamed slopes of the Aravalli Range. We are approaching the base of what has become known in…

We are now mid-way through the ascent of Bahubali Hill, and the physical effort of the climb is rewarded by a broadening sensory experience. The air grows slightly thinner and the breeze more insistent as we leave the shelter of…

Standing at the summit of Bahubali Hill, you are presented with one of the most magnificent vistas in all of Rajasthan. From this vantage point, the entirety of Lake Badi, or Jiyan Sagar, is spread out below you like a vast blue…

Descending back toward the lake level, let us pause to consider the deeper historical and technical legacy of the man who created this site: Maharana Raj Singh the First. His reign was a pivotal era for Mewar, characterized by a…

Our final section focuses on the ecological significance of Lake Badi and the dramatic transformation it undergoes during the monsoon season. For the traveler who visits during the rains, the experience is entirely different. …

As our journey at Lake Badi comes to an end, I hope you carry with you a deeper appreciation for this 'hidden gem' of the Mewar region. We have traversed the history of the seventeenth century, explored the technical brilliance…