The lush greenery, royal palaces and sparkling lakes make Udaipur city one of the best places to visit in the country. It is known as the “City of Lakes”, for its number of mesmerising lakes, out of which Lake Pichola is a major tourist hub. The panoramic views of the lake, palaces and sparkling blue waters add a breathtaking view to the landscape.
Built in 1362 AD, Lake Pichola in Udaipur is an artificial lake that sits right in the middle of Udaipur city. The lake is named after the nearby village of Picholi. It is 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and 30 feet in depth. The lake is flanked by islands, palaces, temples, ghats, mansions and restaurants. Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas are the four main islands of the lake.
From the enchanting views of sunrise and sunset to boat rides and birdwatching, the lake has plenty to offer for visitors. So, let’s dive straight in to learn more about Lake Pichola, how to reach it, and the best things to do around the lake.
Historic Significance of Lake Pichola, Udaipur
The enchanting Lake Pichola is an artificial lake built in the year 1362 AD by a Banjara tribesman, Pichhu Banjara. He used to transport grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha.
The lake attracted Mahrana Udai Singh, who established the city of Udaipur on its banks and enlarged the lake by building a dam on the lake’s shore.
Over time, several islands, palaces, temples, mansions and bathing ghats were developed on the banks of Lake Pichola, offering breathtaking views to the site.
Timings, Entry Fees and Location of Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Timings: Lake timings (8:00 AM- 6:00 PM) and Boat timings (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
- Entry Fee: No entry Fees. The Boat ride charges start from INR 400 for adults and INR 200 for children.
- Location: Pichola Lake, Udaipur, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004.
How to Reach Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Lake Pichola is one of the most famous places to visit in Udaipur and has excellent connectivity with the rest of the city. You can reach the lake by local buses or taxis.
While travelling from other cities, states and countries, you can reach Udaipur by road, rail and air.
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Lake Pichola in Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Airport, located about 23 km away. The airport has connectivity from the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Jaipur. The nearest international airport to reach Udaipur is the Jaipur International airport about 400 km.
If you are taking a flight to Jaipur, then you can add places to visit in Jaipur to your itinerary. For a comfortable stay, you can easily find affordable hotels in Jaipur.
From Jaipur, you can either take a flight, a train or a cab to reach Udaipur.
By Rail
Udaipur Railway Station, at just 2.8 km, is the nearest railway station to reach Lake Pichola. The station connects Udaipur to cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Khajuraho and Sealdah through Vande Bharat, Adi Udz Express, Bdts Aii Udz Express, Mewar Express and Annanya Express. From the railway station, you can take an auto rickshaw to directly reach the lake or go to your lodging.
There are numerous hotels in Udaipur offering pick and drop services from the transit stations for convenient travelling.
By Road
There are numerous state and privately owned buses operating between Udaipur and a number of other cities. You can either take a bus, a cab or rent a car and drive the city toexplore famous places to visit in Udaipur by bus, cab or autorikshaw.
Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Udipur, being surrounded by the lakes and lush greenery, welcomes travellers throughout the year. However, the summer months from March to June are quite hot as the temperature soars up to 40 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to enjoy a boat ride during the day. But if you are looking for fewer crowds and low prices on hotels in Udairpur, this is the best time to visit the city.
The monsoon showers add a lush shine to the lake palaces and surrounding hills overlooking the lake, offering breathtaking views.
During the winter season, the temperature ranges between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for boat rides and sightseeing. The winter skies in Udaipur are clear and crisp, with high vibrancy offering beautiful landscapes for photography.
Therefore, if you are looking to enjoy the best of weather in Udaipur, the monsoon months from July to September and the winter months from October to February are considered the best time to visit Udaipur.
Things To Do at Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Take a Boat Ride: A boat ride in Lake Pichola takes you through the island palaces, creating a sense of amusement, wondering how these massive buildings were built in the lake. Additionally, the panoramic view of the palaces, temples and ghats leaves a permanent impression on the memory.
- Take a Stroll on the Banks of Lake Pichola: The atmosphere around Lake Pichola offers a sense of calm. You can sit on the lakeside and admire the beauty of the lake and the island palaces, or take a leisurely stroll exploring vendors selling traditional jewellery and accessories, delicious local snacks and corncobs. You can also get clicked in the traditional Rajasthani dresses to take a memory back home.
- Visit Jag Mandir Island Palace: One of the famous places to visit around the Lake is the Lake Palace Garden, also known as Jag Mandir. The palace was built byJagat Singh between the period of 1628 and 1652 on Jag Island. Once served as the place from where the King witnessed the Gangaur festival. Lake Palace Garden is a major tourist attraction in Udaipur.
- Visit Lake Palace: Known as the “Jewel of Udaipur”, Lake Palace is now a 5-star hotel operated by the Taj group. One of the regal palaces in India, it is famous for its floating white marble architecture and charming beauty. You can either book a stay or visit the palace for a meal.
- Enjoy Sunset at Arsi Villas: A small, beautiful palace built by one of the Maharanas of Udaipur to relax and enjoy the sunset on the Lake, Arsi Vilas is a popular tourist attraction around the lake. The palace also consists of a sanctuary for various birds like tufted ducks, cormorants, coots, egrets, terns and kingfishers.
- Explore the Royal Lifestyle at City Palace: Built by 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs over a long period of time, starting from 1559, City Palace is one of the breathtaking forts in India. The palace is located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola and houses a museum and different halls offering a glimpse into the royal lifestyle, architecture and craft.
Other famous places to visit in Udaipur near Lake Pichola include Saheliyon Ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajanghar Fort and Bagore Ki Haveli. You can also include these places in your Udaipur itinerary.
Thus, Lake Pichola is one of the most mesmerising lakes of India. Whether you are looking for a break from the daily hustle or want to witness the breathtaking beauty and experience the royal heritage of the city, Lake Pichola and its surrounding, makes Udaipur one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.
For a comfortable and relaxing stay, you can look for hotels in Udaipur on Treebo Club’s website or app.
