pichola lake – A boat ride on the Lake Pichola is a must while on a visit in dusk to Udaipur

PICHOLA LAKE

AT

UDAIPUR

Pichola Lake is one of the most gorgeous and pleasing lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, 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. 

Surrounded by hills, gardens, temples and havelis, Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful lakes in India and a much sought-after tourist attraction in Udaipur. The famous Lake Palace hotel is situated in the middle of Lake Pichola and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. A boat ride on the Lake Pichola is a must while on a visit to Udaipur. Tourists can enjoy scenic views of the majestic City Palace complex and beautiful havelis that line the lake side.

Lake Pichola reflects the cool grey-blue mountains on its rippling mirror-like surface. The lake is now 4km long and 3km wide, but remains shallow and dries up completely during severe droughts. The City Palace complex, including the gardens at its southern end, extends nearly 1km along the lake’s eastern shore.

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.

By Air

The Maharana Pratap International Airport or the Dabok airport is 25 km from the lake. It is 22km east of Udaipur on the National Highway 76. Spread over 504 acres it is an International airport.

By Train

Trains are run by the Indian railways to the Udaipur city Railway station from all the major railway stations of the country.

By Bus

Buses are available for Udaipur tourism at regular intervals from the national capital New Delhi to Udaipur .These buses are run by Rajasthan Tourism Department.