Pichola Lake Udaipur

Pichola Lake Udaipur is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.

The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur, he enlarged this lake. He also constructed a dam made in stone that falls under the 'Badipol' region on the shore of this lake.

Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone.

Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), "If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'". The beauty of Lake Pichola attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.

History of Lake Pichola
Mesmerising the visitors with its charm and enchanting beauty, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake built in the year of 1362 AD and one of the popular sightseeing places to visit in Udaipur. It was built by a Banjara tribesman, Pichhu Banjara who used to transport grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha. The captivating lake attracted Maharana Udai Singh so much that he established the city of Udaipur on the banks of this very lake. Maharana Udai Singh is credited with enlarging the lake further by building a dam on the shore of the lake.

Later, several islands, palaces, temples, mansions, and bathing ghats were developed in the surroundings of the lake over a period of time, making it even more attractive. One of the most famous attractions in the lake surroundings is Lake Palace that sits right in the middle of the lake, constructed on the Jag island. Mohan Mandir, built by Jagat Singh between the period 1628-1652 and Jag Mandir are other islands that are worth a visit.

City Palace is another famous tourist attraction in the lake surroundings from where boats ply to other parts of the lake from Bansi Ghat. Arsi Vilas which is a bird sanctuary and Sitamata Game Sanctuary on the western part of the lake are other attractions around the lake. Ornamental arch bridges at various locations further beautify the lake. These bridges are built at places where the lake narrows so that the water can reach the banks.

Attractions of Lake Pichola

Lake Palace
Built in 1740s by Maharana Jagat Singh, Lake Palace is one of the most famous attractions of Lake Pichola. Also known as Pichola Palace or Jag Nivas, this palace sits magnificently on the Jag island. Now a heritage hotel of Taj Group, Lake Palace has over 80 rooms and served as a summer retreat for the Maharanas of Udaipur city. Spanning over 4 acres, the palace covers the entire of the Jag island looking as if it is floating on the waters. The interiors of the Lake palace are as impressive as the exteriors. With stained glass motifs, fountains and parks, the palace is sure to mesmerise everyone with its architectural beauty.

Jag Mandir
Another impressive structure that tourists flock in huge numbers is Jag Mandir that occupies the island with the same name. Jag Mandir also served as a summer retreat and a palace for entertaining the guests of Udaipur city. The construction of Jag Mandir was started in 1500s by Maharana Amar Singh and was succeeded by his son Maharana Karan Singh. It was finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh and hence named after him as Jagat Mandir. In the year 1623, the Mughal emperor Prince Khurram better known as Shah Jahan took refuge of Mewar King Maharana Karan Singh II when he rebelled against Jahangir. Maharana Karan Singh housed him in Gul Mahal of the partially completed Jag Mandir. The palace inspired Shah Jahan to construct the marvellous wonder Taj Mahal.
As one sets foot on the island, elephants carved beautifully in marble white greet them at the entrance. Gul Mahal on this island is a must visit, especially the zenana or women quarters of the mahal. 12 stone palace or Barah patharon ka mahal is another impressive structure worth visiting deriving its name from the 12 stones used to make it. There is also a museum depicting the history of the island.

City Palace
Located on the eastern banks of the Lake Pichola, City palace is a historic structure that was built by 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs over a long period of time starting from the year of 1559. The subsequent generations including Udai Singh II added impressive structures to the palace complex. The proximity to the lake, adds further grandeur to the City Palace. During night time the view of the lake from the palace is quite enchanting, as the reflection of lights falling on the lake make it even more enthralling.

Boating in Lake Pichola
A trip to Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride in the serene lake, especially during sunset. Lake Pichola boating tickets are available at City Palace and are priced at Rs. 400 to 600 for Adults and Rs.200 for children. For sunset cruise, the tickets are priced at Rs.700 for Adults and Rs.400 for children. With a seating capacity of six to eight, the boats are covered with a canopy. The boat ride starting from Rameshwar Ghat, first takes the visitors to Lake Palace. The boat then takes them to Jagmandir where the visitors can spend some time appreciating the scenic views.
The sunset view from the boat is truly magical, as is the changing colors of water from blue in the morning to golden in the noon and orange during sunset. During night, the reflection of palace lights on the water is another sight that is sure to leave one spellbound.