As soon as we hear the word Udaipur, the first thing that comes to our mind is its lakes as this city is fondly called as the “City of Lakes”. On your next trip to Udaipur, one such under-explored lake is the Doodh Talai Lake, which you must add to your Rajasthan itinerary.In this blog, we will discover the history and legends of this lake in Rajasthan and how it got its name. We will also tell you about the awesome things to see and do there, the best time to visit, and how to get there along with essential travel information like timings, ticket prices, etc.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore Doodh Talai Lake and what makes this a must-visit secret spot in Udaipur.
About Doodh Talai Lake Udaipur
Doodh Talai Lake in Udaipur is located along the popular Pichola Lake. Despite its location along such a popular sightseeing place, Doodh Talai still remains unexplored, since it is not so popular amongst the tourists. But, it is still one of the best places to visit in Udaipur as you can enjoy the views of both the Lakes – Pichola and Doodh Talai, with a backdrop of the Grand City Palace surrounded by the picturesque Aravali hills.The banks of Doodh Talai Lake are beautifully decorated with scenic gardens, jharokhas, and walkways for the people to enjoy leisure time. It is one of the most popular spots amongst the locals to watch a perfect sunset!
Doodh Talai Lake History and Legends
Doodh Talai translates to “pond of milk” and it has a very interesting story behind it. According to a local folklore, a king of Udaipur wished to have a pond of milk for himself. He ordered the construction of a little pond in the center of Udaipur and commanded each family member of the region to pour one large pot of milk into this pond.The next day, when the king returned to see this milk pond, but to his surprise he found a pond of water instead. Some people in his kingdom couldn’t afford a pot of milk, some did not like the idea of throwing away a pot of milk in a pond. When the night came some member of the royal family poured in a pot of milk and many came with some amount of milk which they could spare.
A wise man thought he will pot a pot of water instead of milk and no one would know in a pond full of milk. It’s funny how the majority of people had the same thought which shocked the king when he saw the pond the next morning!
The people started calling this pond “Doodh Talai” to tease and mock the king.
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Travel Guide to Doodh Talai Lake in Udaipur
If you are an offbeat traveler looking to explore the Doodh Talai Lake, here is some necessary information you would need to know.- Doodh Talai Lake Ticket Price
There is no ticket to visit the Doodh Talai Lake. However, the entry fee to visit the Doodh Talai Musical Garden for Indian adults is ₹20, and for Indian children is ₹10. The entry fee for foreigners is ₹30.
The Doodh Talai Lake is open from 9 AM to 10 PM
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Key Attractions at Doodh Talai Lake Udaipur
1. Manikya Lal Verma Garden
The architecture of Doodh Talai Lake is beautified by the presence of Manikya Lal Verma Garden, also known as Doodh Talai Garden. This garden offers perfect views of both the lakes in Rajasthan – Lake Pichola and Doodh Talai. One can reach these gardens by climbing up a few steps; there is also a road for vehicles to reach here. This garden was constructed in 1995 by the Municipal Council of Udaipur. Manikya Lal Verma Garden is surrounded by the Aravali hills and sets a perfect stage for a picnic or watching a sunset.
2. Doodh Talai Musical Garden
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park is another small garden located on the adjacent hillock to Manikya Lal Verma Garden. It is popular amongst the locals by the name “Doodh Talai Musical Garden”. The garden was developed by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur. The main attraction of this garden is of course the “Musical Fountains” which is Rajasthan’s first musical fountain. The glittering lights of the Doodh Talai Musical Fountains shine against the night sky, making it a perfect hangout spot post-sunset.
One of the top things to do in Udaipur taking a ropeway to the hilltop temple of Karni Mata. It is the first ropeway of Rajasthan that starts from the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park takes you to the Karni Mata temple in just 5-7 minutes. The height of this ride is just 500 meters and the ropeway runs with a fixed grip mono cable.This ropeway ride offers stunning views of the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Fort, and the surrounding area with several lakes and hills. The approximate cost for this ropeway is between 50-300 rupees.
Things to Do at Doodh Talai Lake
- Watch a Sunset: One of the best things to do at Doodh Talai Lake is to watch the sunset. The lake offers a breathtaking view of the sun setting behind the Aravalli hills, turning the sky into a canvas of beautiful colors. It’s a peaceful experience, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.
- Photography: Doodh Talai Lake is a photographer’s paradise. The stunning views of the lake, the surrounding gardens, and the picturesque sunset make it a perfect spot for capturing beautiful pictures. Whether you’re using a phone or a camera, you’ll find plenty of amazing shots here.
- Boating: Boating is a popular activity at Doodh Talai Lake. You can rent a boat and enjoy a peaceful ride on the calm waters of the lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. Sunset boat rides are a popular water activity in Rajasthan as they are a great way to relax and take in the scenic surroundings.
- Attend Musical Fountain Show: The nearby Doodh Talai Musical Garden is another must-visit spot. You can enjoy the musical fountain shows in the evening, where water dances to the rhythm of music, creating a magical experience against the beautiful architecture of Doodh Talai Lake.
Places to Visit near Doodh Talai Lake
- Pichola Lake: One of Udaipur’s most famous lakes, Pichola Lake is just a short distance from Doodh Talai. Known for its calm waters and stunning views, you can take a boat ride here to explore the lake and see the beautiful palaces around it, like the famous Lake Palace.
- Gangaur Ghat: Located on the banks of Pichola Lake, Gangaur Ghat is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the views, and watch the colorful festivals and traditional rituals that take place here. The ghat also offers beautiful sunset views.
- Karni Mata Temple: Situated on a hill near Doodh Talai, Karni Mata Temple is accessible via a fun ropeway ride. Once at the top, you’ll get breathtaking views of Udaipur, including Pichola Lake and the City Palace. It’s a peaceful spot with great photo opportunities.
- City Palace: The Grand City Palace is a must-visit when in Udaipur. Located near Doodh Talai Lake, this palace is known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. You can explore the palace’s beautiful courtyards, and museums, and enjoy the view of Udaipur from its terraces.
- Jagmandir: Jagmandir, an island palace on Lake Pichola, is another beautiful attraction near Doodh Talai. You can take a boat ride to this palace and explore its beautiful gardens and royal architecture.
Hotels Near Doodh Talai Lake
From budget to luxury, there are several stay options to choose from in Udaipur. One can even choose to stay in the traditional homestays or the royal heritage hotels. Here is a list of some of the best hotels to stay around the Doodh Talai Lake: - Aranya Vilas by Mertia Hospitality
- Treebo Trend Jhalamaan
- Janak Vilas- A Heritage Boutique Hotel
- Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
- Shiv Niwas Palace
- Aaram Mahal By Pachar Group-Udaipur
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Best time to visit Doodh Talai Lake
The best time to visit Doodh Talai Lake in Udaipur is during the winter months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, boating, and enjoying the scenic beauty around the lake. Summers in Udaipur can be very hot, so it’s not ideal for outdoor activities. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings rain, which makes the surroundings lush and green, but boating might be limited. Winter is the perfect season to enjoy the sunset, take photos, and explore nearby attractions comfortably.
How to reach Doodh Talai Lake
- By Airways: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, which is about 24 km from Doodh Talai Lake. You can take a taxi or cab from the airport to reach the lake in about 30-40 minutes.
- By Railways: The nearest railway station is Udaipur City Railway Station, located just 4 km from the lake. You can easily take an auto or taxi from the station, and it will take about 10-15 minutes to reach.
- By Roadways: Udaipur is well-connected by roads to nearby cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur. You can take a bus or drive to Udaipur and then use local transport to get to the lake.
Doodh Talai Lake in Udaipur is a beautiful and peaceful spot that offers stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Surrounded by gardens, hills, and nearby attractions like Pichola Lake and the Karni Mata Temple, it’s perfect for a relaxing day out. You can enjoy activities like boating, photography, and taking a ropeway ride to see the whole city from above. The Doodh Talai Musical Garden adds to the charm with its evening fountain shows. Overall, Doodh Talai Lake is a must-visit for anyone exploring Udaipur’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
