Lake Pichola

Lake in Udaipur

must-see attraction

Address: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Visit duration: People typically spend 1 to 2 hours here

About Lake Pichola, Udaipur

Like most Rajasthan cities with a nickname, Udaipur is called the City of Lakes. The name is befitting since the city houses serene lakes that attract thousands of tourists all year round. One such lake is Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola was artificially created in the year 1362 which is before the foundation of Udaipur city. It is as long as 3 miles with a 2-mile width and 30 feet depth. The lake is nestled in the lap of the Aravalli Range and has an enthralling beauty with a serene surrounding.

History of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola

It is a hearsay that this lake was made by a tribesman, called banjara in the local language. His name was Pichhu Banjara and he used to transport grain. It was named Pichola after a nearby village named Picholi. The beauty of the lake was so captivating that in the year 1559, the ruler of the land Maharana Udai Singh established Udaipur on the banks of the lake.

Over the years, the lake has been enlarged by building a dam on its shore. Several islands that house palaces, temples and mansions have also been built on the lake. These structures have further enhanced the beauty of the already mesmerising Lake Pichola.

The islands of Lake Pichola

The four islands were built on Lake Pichola by Maharana Udai Singh for different purposes. Each lake has a magnificent palace.

• Jag Niwas

  
  

  Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II between 1743 and 1746, this island houses a lavish palace called Lake Palace. This breezy island that is nestled right at the heart of the lake, served as a summer retreat for the royal family. The palace now has been transformed into a heritage hotel with 80 luxurious rooms.

  
  

  The architecture of the Lake Palace is alluring with stained glass motifs. There are beautiful fountains and parks around the palace making it a breathtaking sight.




• Jag Mandir

  
  

  This is one of the two natural islands on the lake, this island has a palace of the same name. The construction of this palace started in the 1500s by Maharana Amar Singh.

  
  

  It is believed that it is this palace that inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan had taken refuge in this palace when he had rebelled against his father. This palace was used by the royal family as a summer retreat and also as a place for guests who visited Udaipur. The palace on this island is also known as the Garden Palace.




• Mohan Mandir

  
  

  This is a comparatively smaller island compared to the other Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. It was built between 1628 and 1652 in the northeast corner of the lake. It is from the palace on this island that the royal family used to observe one of the greatest festivals of the land called Gangaur.




• Arsi Vilas

  
  

  This small island served as an armoury. At the present moment, the island is a sanctuary that shelters a number of birds of different species.

Facts and tips about Lake Pichola

• Udaipur City Palace is located close to Lake Pichola. You can appreciate the beauty of the lake from the City Palace as well.


• Many mansions built on the islands of Lake Pichola are now used as hotels for tourists. One mansion that now houses a well-maintained museum is the Bagore ki Haveli.


• If you wish to get in-depth knowledge about the history of the lake, you can take a walking tour of the City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and Bagore ki Haveli around the lake.

Other attractions near Lake Pichola

• City Palace - 200m
• Jagdish Temple - 400m
• Bagore Ki Haveli - 50m

FAQs about Lake Pichola

1. Is Lake Pichola a natural waterbody?

No, Lake Pichola was built in the 1500s by a tribesman.

2. What is the name of the bridge on Lake Pichola?

The bridge on Lake Pichola is called Swaroop Sagar Bridge. It connects Lake Pichola to a small lake called Swaroop Sagar.

3. How can you take boat rides on Lake Pichola?

From the City Palace, you can take a boat and travel to other parts of the island. The timing of the boat rides is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The ticket costs ₹400 for adults and ₹200 for children. The sunset boat rides are costlier and are priced at ₹700 for adults and ₹400 for children.