Pichola Lake 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 the Lake Pichola:
The story of the lake’s construction is an interesting one. It was first built by a Banjara i.e. a gypsy man of the name Pichu Banjara. He was tribesman who transported grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha. Later Maharana Udai Singh got smitten by the beauty of the sparkling waters of the lake with the background of rolling hills behind it and decided to expand the lake and also built a dam at Bandipol. He moved his ruling seat to the banks of the lake and founded the city of Udaipur.
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.
Best Time to visit Lake Pichola
Udaipur is quite hot during summers as the temperature reaches upto 40 degree celsius. It is advisable to avoid visiting Lake Pichola from March to June to evade the scorching heat of the city.
Monsoons from July to September and winter months from October to February are considered as the best time to visit the lake as the weather is quite pleasant with temperature ranging between 25 to 35 degree celsius.
The best time to visit the lake is during evening hours as the view of sunset from the lake is truly breathtaking.
