Discover The Timeless Beauty Of Lake Pichola In Udaipur
Welcome to the magical world of “City of Lakes” Yes, we are talking about Udaipur which is the hidden gem of our Rajasthan packages. This is a place where you can uncover the history, rich culture and natural heritage. As we all know Udaipur is surrounded by several beautiful lakes attracting visitors with its blue waters and scenic views, one such human-made lake that sits in the middle of Udaipur city is Lake Pichola, built around the year 1362 AD.
Named after the nearby village of Picholi, Lake Pichola is one of the most prominent tourist sights in Udaipur. The history of Lake Pichola in Udaipur is intertwined with the cultural and royal heritage of the Mewar dynasty, flanked by islands, palaces, temples, mansions, ghats, and restaurants. Lake Pichola in Udaipur has something for everyone.
The captivating views of sunrise and sunset from the lake are something that shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting Lake Pichola in Udaipur. With dimensions of three miles in length, 2 miles in width, and a depth of 30 feet, Lake Pichola has 4 main islands named Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas.
Jag Niwas is home to Lake Palace which is now transformed into a heritage hotel whilst Jag Mandir is home to the prominent Lake Garden Palace. Mohan Mandir served as the place from where the king used to notice the Gangaur festival celebration which is held annually.
Once a bullet station, Arsi Vilas has a small beautiful palace that was changed and constructed by one of the Maharanas of Udaipur to relax at the same time as enjoying the sunset on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. A sanctuary consisting of numerous birds such as tufted geese, cormorants, coots, egrets, terns, kingfishers, etc..
History Of Lake Pichola In Udaipur
The history of Lake Pichola in Udaipur fascinates the traffic with its allure and enthralling grandeur, Lake Pichola in Udaipur is an artificial lake constructed in the year 1362 AD and is also one of the famous 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 charming Lake Pichola in Udaipur has drawn Maharana Udai Singh so much that he inaugurated the city of Udaipur at the banks of this lake. Maharana Udai Singh is credited with enlarging the lake further by building a dam at the coast of the lake.
As per the history of Lake Pichola later, multiple islands, palaces, temples, mansions, and bathing ghats have been developed in the surroundings of the lake over some time, making it even more beautiful.
One of the most famous attractions near Lake Pichola in Udaipur is the Lake Palace which sits in the middle of the lake, constructed on Jag Island. Mohan Mandir, constructed by Jagat Singh between the duration of 1628-1652 and Jag Mandir are other islands that are really worth a visit. City Palace is another well-known tourist allure in the lake environment. Arsi Vilas which is a bird haven and Sitamata Game Sanctuary on the western part of the lake are other attractions around Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Decorative arch bridges at various locations further adorn the lake. These bridges are constructed at locations where the lake limits so that the water can reach the banks. The history of Lake Pichola is always remembered as it is the heritage of the royalty. And for a royal stay, you can visit some of the best hotels near Lake Pichola.
Places To Visit Near Lake Pichola
1. City Palace
Located in the centre of the Aravalli hills, Udaipur offers its tourists the tremendous grandeur of three interconnected lakes and expanded hills. This is one of the best places to visit near Lake Pichola.
The city boasts multiple sights including the very popular City Palace, which showcases a rich exhibit of artefacts of the mediaeval span and European technology. The City palace in Udaipur affords a beautiful view of Lake Pichola, which is one of the most important and oldest lakes in Udaipur. For a better stay, you can visit the Leela Palace Hotel, which is one of the best hotels near Lake Pichola.
2. Shilpgram
This is one of the best places to visit near Lake Pichola Udaipur. Spanning over 70 acres, it’s far set towards the backdrop of the Aravalli hills and is enclosed by natural beauty. Shilpgram serves as a residence ethnographic museum to depict the existence of the folks and tribal people of the West Zone. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do at Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
To encourage and showcase rural arts and crafts, these complex abilities are from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, each authentically assembled using traditional architectural mastery from their respective regions.
3. Ambrai Ghat
Ambrai Ghat, situated in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is a scenic waterfront on the banks of Lake Pichola. This tranquil spot offers a dazzling view of the City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Sajjangarh Palace. Ambrai Ghat isn’t truly a well-known place for visitors but also a desired spot for many locals for pleasure and socialising, particularly in the evenings while the town lighting adds to its charm.
4. Jagdish temple
The Jagdish temple is located in the centre of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. Formerly referred to as the Jagannath Rai temple, it’s now called Jagdish-ji temple. The environment of the mysteriousness of the temple is calm, with the air economising chants and prayers that echo spirituality. This is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur and one of the best things to do at Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
5. Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is a traditional Rajasthani villa situated at the waterfront of the majestic Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan. In the 18th century, it was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. This historical palace is prominent for its wealthy artistic history and architecture of the Mewar region.
Renovated and restored, it now performs as a museum showing costumes, modern-day artwork, and ancestral Mewar artwork. The backdrop of Lake Pichola provides its vintage enchantment and serenity. Visiting this place is another best things to do at Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Udaipur
Lake Pichola Hotel
This beautiful city of Udaipur, which is also called a city of lakes, has a luxurious stay named Lake Pichola Hotel that offers a perfect escape for travellers from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located on the serene island of Bramhapuri on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, the Lake Pichola hotel is furnished with modern facilities, and has skilled professionals, giving tremendous value for money.
Lake Pichola Hotel delivers a full range of new-age amenities for a lavishly comfortable stay. Each hotel room is designed with the charm and grace of traditionalist architecture and fixtures, and Rajputana-style furnishing, making it one of the finest hotels near Lake Pichola. Here the staff is very friendly and happy to accompany you to your every need and are completely dutiful to making your stay in Udaipur, a truly outstanding experience.
At Lake Pichola Hotel, your convenience is on top priority and you are treated with exceptional customer service and hospitality. Lake Pichola Hotel has clean, spacious rooms that are well-decorated and designated to meet your needs. Lake Pichola Hotel has a lovely restaurant that delivers fine International cuisines and authentic savours of Rajasthan. At Lake Pichola Hotel you can enjoy your meal staring across Udaipur’s skyline. Lake Pichola hotel is one of the best hotels near Lake Pichola.
Entry Fee And Timings Of Lake Pichola
Entry Fee and Timings of Lake Pichola: There is no entry fee to visit Lake Pichola. But, for a boat ride in Lake Pichola, it costs around Rs. 400 for Adults and Rs. 200 for Children. There is a Sunset boat ride, and the ticket fee costs around Rs.700 for Adults and Rs.400 for children.
Timings of Lake Pichola are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm any day of the week. For Boating the opening time is 10:00 am, and the closing time is 5:00 pm.
Best Time To Visit Lake Pichola
Monsoon season is best to visit Udaipur from July to September and winter months from October to February are considered as the best time to visit the lakes as the weather is quite pleasant. The best time to visit Lake Pichola is during evening hours as the view of sunset from the lake is truly dazzling. If you are wondering how to reach Lake Pichola, don’t worry there are multiple options available for you to make your journey easy and at the same time memorable.
Suggested Read: Best Restaurants In Udaipur
Why is Lake Pichola famous?
Lake Pichola is famous for its spellbinding sunsets
What is the cost of boating in Lake Pichola?
It costs around Rs. 400 for Adults and Rs. 200 for Children.
Can we visit Lake Pichola at night?
Timings of Lake Pichola are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week.
Can you swim in Lake Pichola?
At Lake Pichola, there are countless activities available to you. One of them is swimming. So, yes you can swim in Lake Pichola.