Lake Pichola in the midst of the "City of Lakes", Udaipur

Udaipur is renowned as the "City of Lakes" and the most romantic city of Royal Rajasthan. Its spellbound lakes and palaces make Udaipur as the top destination for travelers all over the globe. The city owns a spectacular gem "Lake Pichola" created in 1362 AD. It is the oldest and largest artificial lake of Udaipur built by Picchu Banjara in 1300 during the reign of Maharana Lakha.

The beauty of Lake Pichola in Udaipur is a treat to the eyes that mesmerizes visitors with its scenic views. Its pristine blue and fresh lake water will surely attract the eyes of the beholder. This artificial lake sits in the middle of Udaipur and spreads in 4 to 5 km with a depth of 30 feet. It has many small beautiful islands within the lake. Not being just a lake, it is the charm, glamour, and real beauty of Udaipur located in the heart of the city.

The enchanting views of islands, mountains, and royal palaces will make you feel at heaven. Pichola Lake surrounds with various temples, enchanting palaces, ghats, and elevated hills on all sides. Maharana Udai Singh was so charmed by the beauty of Lake Pichola that he established the Udaipur city around it. To the eastern bank of the lake, there is the City Palace of Udaipur.

Within the Lake, there are four small islands developed and nourished from time to time, named as:

Jag Niwas

A beautiful Lake Palace located on the Jag Island is the ultimate attraction all over the globe. It was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1740 and has over 80 rooms. The palace was once a summer retreat of maharajas, now formed into a heritage hotel. 

The Taj Lake Palace is well-taken care by Taj Group of Hotels. Its beauty lures the beholder both at dusk and dawn. 

During nights, the illuminating lights of the palace reflect on the water that adds charm to its beauty. While on the daytime, its white beauty shines brightly in the blue water lake. It is considered one of the best romantic hotels in the world. Only the guests of the hotel are allowed to visit inside the palace. 

Jag Mandir

Jagat Mandir, initially built by Maharana Amar Singh in 1500 and later completed by Maharana Jagat Singh. The island is known as Jagat Mandir, named after his name.

Before the creation of Jag Mandir, it was Gul Mahal, where Khurram once take a refuge. He stayed here with his wife and two sons.

Jagat Singh, Son of Maharana Karan Singh later enlarged it into Jag Mandir Palace.

Mohan Mandir

 It is in the north-east corner of the lake built by Maharana Jagat Singh.

Inside the Mandir, there is no deity as it was created by the king to view the festival of Gangaur. Rana Udai Singh used to watch Gangaur festival from this Mandir.

Arsi Vilas

It is the fourth small island and has a small abandoned building. 

One can see beautiful sunset views and a variety of birds in its courtyards.

At present, it is the sanctuary of birds and various birds inhabited there. A variety of birds fly to this Island, such as coots, cormorants, kingfishers, terns, egrets, and tufted ducks. Arsi Vilas is to the west shore of Lake Pichola.

Other Attractions at Lake Pichola 

Within the Lake, there are many other attractions, fine dining restaurants, and buildings along the Lake.

You can also find green hills, many mansions, havelis along the banks of Lake. To the north of the lake is Fateh Sagar Lake that connects Lake Pichola with the bridge.

Hanuman Ghat and many other ghats are to the other shores of Lake Pichola. To the southern part of the lake, there is Machhala Magra from where you can see a glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort.

The City Palace is to the eastern banks of the lake, and one can ply boat ride from there.

Bagore ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is one of the famous places that one must explore and look out at the lake.

Haveli is now turned into a museum and hosts a cultural show every evening.

Swaroop Sagar Bridge 

Swaroop Sagar Bridge connects the Lake Pichola to Saroop Sagar Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake.

The king of Udaipur built this bridge that is situated close to Bagore ki Haweli.

Natini Chabutra

It is a small raised platform in the form of a courtyard to show reverence to a girl Natani. 

Behind the Chabutra, there is an old tale related to a tightrope walker Natani. 

Once Maharana Jawan Singh threw a challenge if anyone walked on a tightrope from one bank of the lake to the other side, he will give that person his half kingdom.

Natini accepted the challenge and was about to reach to the other side of the lake when she got tricked.

The rope got cut off before she could reach the other end of the lake.

She drowned on the river and cursed that the Maharana's Family would never have a male descendant.

The curse claimed to be true as the six succeeding Ranas out of seven were adopted.

History 

The artificial water lake is named after Picholi Village, created in 1362 AD by Picchu Banjara.

Maharana Udai Singh was so delighted with the beauty of this lake and enlarged it by constructing a stone masonry dam in the Badipol region on the shore of the Lake.

The dam was created to transport grains from this dam and to move the animals across.

Various islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries by the rulers.

The lake surrounds with palaces, marble temples, bathing ghats, chabutaras or family mansions built over centuries.

In 1623, Mewar King Maharana Karan Singh II gave refuge to Prince Khurram, Son of Jahangir. 

He stayed in Gul Mahal, and that place was known as Kurram's Palace.

Prince Khurram, later on, dethrones the Mughal Empire and took the title of Shah Jahan.

Later on, Maharana Jagat Singh enlarged the place into Jag Mandir.

Entry to Lake Pichola and Boat Rides

One can ply a boat ride to Lake from City Palace located near the Lake Pichola.

The boat rides are available during the day and evening that gives an amazing experience.

Many private tours, tour operators and hotels also arrange for boat rides, Or else you can book it at Lal Ghat.

It is beneficial to do boating during sunset, as it will enthrall you with its beauty.

The boat rides take you to Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Islands, and other shores of the lake.

Entry Fare For Boat Rides

Daytime Boat Ride

Adults: Rs 400 per person

Children: Rs 200 per person

Sunset Boat Ride

Adults: Rs 700 per person

Children: Rs 400 per person

Timings of the Boat Ride

9.00 AM to 6.00 PM

How to reach Lake Pichola, Udaipur?

One can easily reach Udaipur via flights, roads or by rail.

One can travel on "Palace on Wheels" train to experience the royal feeling.

It connects to all major cities of India and has its own domestic Maharana Pratap Airport. The airport is 22 km apart from the city.

The Lake is in the heart of the city, and one can easily reach there by auto rickshaws, cabs, local buses, taxis or tongas.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Udaipur is during the month from September to March.

It is better to avoid your trip to this beautiful city in the months of hot summer weather.

Monsoon season is very short-lived, so the temperature remains humid and sticky.

From September to March, the weather is suitable and pleasant.