Lake Pichola: A Serene Jewel of Udaipur

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is renowned for its scenic beauty, regal architecture, and tranquil ambience. At the heart of this stunning city lies Lake Pichola, one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in India. This artificial lake, which stretches across the heart of Udaipur, is not just a source of water but also a captivating destination that offers mesmerizing views, cultural significance, and a glimpse into the royal history of the region.

In this article, we go deeper into the history, tourist attractions, and best ways of exploring Lake Pichola Udaipur as it is always part of a good Udaipur itinerary.

The History of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola was constructed in 1362 AD by a local inhabitant, Pichhu Banjara, primarily for irrigation purposes. However, with the passage of time, it became an essential part of the city's water system and emerged as an icon of Udaipur's beauty and heritage. The lake was extended during the rule of Maharana Jagat Singh II in the 16th century, which made it one of the city's most prominent landmarks.

It has been named after the Pichola Village that it was initially constructed near. Presently, it spreads over about 4 square kilometers and encompasses a few of the most marvelous palaces, temples, and ghats of Udaipur. Many people look upon it as the lifeline of Udaipur, for the serenity of the picturesque scenario that stands for the city.

Attractions around Lake Pichola:
Lake Pichola is not just a serene body of water; it is surrounded by some of the most iconic attractions that draw visitors from across the world. The entire lake area is imbued with a sense of royalty and offers stunning views of Udaipur's architectural marvels.

1. City Palace
The City Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Udaipur and lies over Lake Pichola and is visible from almost every corner of the lake. This massive palace complex goes back to the 16th century and includes Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural styles. The palace is a treasure trove of history, art, and luxury. Visitors can walk through its many courtyards, museums, and galleries, all while enjoying a splendid view of the lake from various vantage points.

2. Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir, also known as the "Lake Garden Palace," is an exquisite palace located on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Built during the 17th century, this majestic structure offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding areas. The palace has a unique charm, with its beautiful courtyards, intricately carved marble elephants, and serene surroundings. Jag Mandir served as a retreat for the royal family, and it is also believed to be a place of refuge for Mughal Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) during his rebellion against his father, Emperor Jahangir.

3. Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace)
Perhaps the most famous and most luxurious palace over Lake Pichola is the Taj Lake Palace, which is, in fact a five-star hotel. The white marble palace shines out of shimmering waters like a pearl within the lake waters, making this one of the most photographed hotels across the globe. Once the residence of Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace exudes both opulence and charm. While the access to the Lake Palace is restricted to the guests of the hotel, a boat ride ensures a closer view of this architectural wonder for visitors.

4. Gangaur Ghat
Located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, Gangaur Ghat is very lively and vibrant. It is the ghat where locals collectively carry out the rituals of the Gangaur Festival, an important festival of Rajasthan. The ghat is ornamented with colourful structures and can easily be photographed. Even its visitors can enjoy boat rides passing by the ghat for further soaking into the hustle and bustle of local life, and looking at the beauty of the lake.

5. Pichola Lake Boat Ride
One of the most visited and captivating ways to behold Lake Pichola is by taking a boat ride. Such boat rides offer one beautiful scenic views, palaces, and the tranquil charm of the lake. Several choices are available to the tourists from shared boat rides to luxury, private boat experiences. The sun-set boat ride is a sight to behold where the sinking of the sun beyond the hills behind golden rays gilds the entire lake.

This boat ride also offers a chance for those visiting to stop at Jag Mandir Palace and take some time to explore this beautiful island memory in itself. The calm waters, married with the historical backdrop of Udaipur's palaces, create an atmosphere that is both romantic as well as serene.

Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola
The best time to visit Lake Pichola is in the winter months, between October and March. At this time, the weather is pleasant, and you can easily explore the city and take a boat ride on the lake without the scorching heat of the summer months. The evenings are particularly magical when the setting sun paints beautiful hues across the sky and the lake's surface, creating a picture-perfect moment.

The weather in Udaipur becomes extremely hot during the summer months of April to June, making it a little unbearable for sightseeing. The off-season does, however, offer less crowd and hotel rates that are relatively lower. Thus, it can be a great choice for those looking to save a few bucks.

How to Reach Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is located at the heart of Udaipur. It can be reached by a variety of modes of transportation.

By Air: The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, about 22 km from the lake. You can take a taxi or use local transport from the airport to reach Lake Pichola.

By Train: Udaipur Railway Station is well connected with other major cities of India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the lake.

By Road: Udaipur is easily connected with all the major cities in Rajasthan and India through roads. In case you are already at Udaipur, then reach Lake Pichola using the local buses, auto-rickshaws or even the local taxi service.

Things to do at Lake Pichola
Boat Ride: No doubt the best option for viewing Lake Pichola. Watch out the scenes of Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and hills as well as the temple of this lake.

Photography: Lake Pichola is a photographer's hotspot due to the scenic beauty and historical landmarks located near it. It captures the stunning palaces, vibrant ghats, and sunset views perfectly; there are so many photogenic places around the lake.

Shopping and Exploring: Explore the local markets like Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol Bazaar, which are close to Lake Pichola, for shopping traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

Sunset Views: The sunset views of Lake Pichola are not to be missed. The lake mirrors the colours of the sky, and it becomes a very serene and magical view that should not be missed.

Conclusion
Lake Pichola Udaipur is not just a lake; it is a living testament to the grandeur and beauty of Rajasthan's royal heritage. Lake Pichola offers an unforgettable experience for each and every visitor due to its historical significance, architectural gems, and serene surroundings. Be it the tranquil waters that you navigate by boat, or the exploration of the palaces on the shores of the lake, or simply being immersed in the vistas of this wonderful lake, a visit to Lake Pichola is sure to be one of the most memorable aspects of your Udaipur tour.