Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake, famous globally for its beauty and the magnificent structures built on its islands and banks. It is one of the oldest and largest lakes in Udaipur. The lake was originally created in 1362 AD by a Banjara (gypsy) named Pichhu, during the reign of Maharan a Lakha, and was later enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1560 by constructing a stone masonry dam, making it the focal point of the city he founded. The lake's surroundings and its four main islands have been developed over centuries with grand palaces, marble temples, and bathing ghats (chabutaras). The most famous island is Jag Niwas, home to the stunning Lake Palace, now the Taj Lake Palace heritage hotel, which appears to float on the water. Another major island is Jag Mandir, featuring the majestic Jag Mandir Palace. The lake is a primary source of drinking water and irrigation for the city. It is fed by the Sisarma stream from the Aravalli hills. The sight of the heritage buildings and the City Palace reflecting in the pristine waters, particularly at sunset, is what earned Udaipur the moniker 'Venice of the East'. The lake is roughly 4 KMS long and 3 KMS wide and connects to other nearby lakes like Fateh Sagar via the Swaroop Sagar Bridge.
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General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 Hours (Primarily for the boat ride and relaxing at a ghat/lakeside cafRs.)Place Type:
Lake, Natural Landmark, Historical SiteEntry Fees:
Access to the Lake and Ghats: There is no entry fee to access the main surrounding areas of Lake Pichola, such as Gangaur Ghat and the walking areas along the banks. These public spaces are free for all to enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
...Access to the Lake and Ghats: There is no entry fee to access the main surrounding areas of Lake Pichola, such as Gangaur Ghat and the walking areas along the banks. These public spaces are free for all to enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
Boat Ride Charges: The main cost associated with visiting Lake Pichola is the boat ride. The cost varies significantly based on the type of ride and the time of day:
Standard Group Boat Ride: Typically ranges from Rs.400 to Rs.800 per person. These rides are usually available from Bansi Ghat (near the City Palace) and include a trip around the main palaces and a stop at Jag Mandir.
Sunset Boat Ride (Premium): This is more expensive due to high demand, generally ranging from Rs.700 to Rs.1000 per person. These rides, usually around 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, are the most popular for their spectacular views.
Private/Chartered Boats: Costs can range from Rs.1500 to over Rs.5000, depending on the size of the boat and the duration.
Island Palaces and Ferry: The boat ride fee often includes the ferry/boat transfer to the Jag Mandir Palace island. However, to visit the Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace), you typically need to be a hotel guest, though some packages or dinner reservations may include a transfer/entry fee. It is crucial to check if the boat ticket includes any landing/entry charges for the islands.Timing:
Regular Timings: Lake Pichola is a natural and public area, so there are no formal "opening" or "closing" times. It is accessible 24 hours a day. However, for the primary tourist activity, the Boat Ride, the operating hours are generally from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM...Regular Timings: Lake Pichola is a natural and public area, so there are no formal "opening" or "closing" times. It is accessible 24 hours a day. However, for the primary tourist activity, the Boat Ride, the operating hours are generally from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, with the last boat ride for the sunset slot often leaving around 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Lakeside cafes and restaurants often remain open late into the evening.
Ideal Visit Time: The most popular and recommended time is the Late Afternoon and Sunset time (between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM). This period offers the stunning transformation of the sky and water, culminating in the golden illumination of the palaces. It is the best time for photography and for experiencing the romantic ambiance.
Early Morning: A visit in the early morning (around 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is also ideal. The water is often calmer, the atmosphere is serene and quiet, and the light is soft, perfect for capturing mirror-like reflections of the City Palace and the surrounding hills. This time is also excellent for bird watching near islands like Arsi Vilas.Special Events:
The Gangaur Festival Celebration: Lake Pichola is the focal point for the grand finale of the Gangaur festival, which is celebrated in March or April. This is one of the most important cultural and religious events in Udaipur. The festival involves a magnificent processio...The Gangaur Festival Celebration: Lake Pichola is the focal point for the grand finale of the Gangaur festival, which is celebrated in March or April. This is one of the most important cultural and religious events in Udaipur. The festival involves a magnificent procession featuring the richly adorned idols of Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and Lord Shiva, carried from the City Palace (Tripolia Pol) to the Gangaur Ghat. The idols are then taken on traditional boat rides on the lake. The water of Lake Pichola comes alive with brightly decorated boats, music, and thousands of devotees and tourists witnessing the royal traditions. This spectacle offers a vibrant display of Mewar's continuing cultural heritage and is the best time to experience the lake's historical significance.Best Photo Spots:
Ambrai Ghat (Near Manikyalal Verma Park): This is arguably the most famous and essential photo spot for capturing the classic Udaipur postcard image. From Ambrai Ghat (on the western bank), you get a perfect, unobstructed, panoramic view of the grandly situated City Palace...Ambrai Ghat (Near Manikyalal Verma Park): This is arguably the most famous and essential photo spot for capturing the classic Udaipur postcard image. From Ambrai Ghat (on the western bank), you get a perfect, unobstructed, panoramic view of the grandly situated City Palace, the Lake Palace, and the Jag Mandir, all reflected in the still waters. This spot is exceptional for both sunrise and sunset photography, and especially for capturing the illuminated palaces at night.
Boat on Lake Pichola: Taking a boat ride offers multiple unique photo opportunities. You can capture close-up shots of the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir, giving them the illusion of floating. Furthermore, the perspective of the City Palace rising dramatically from the eastern bank is best captured from the middle of the lake. The water provides natural foreground and reflections.
Gangaur Ghat: This lively ghat provides great opportunities to capture the local flavour and the intricate architecture of the surrounding havelis and the Bagore Ki Haveli museum. The steps of the ghat and the archways make for excellent frames, especially with the lake and the Lake Palace in the background. It's a wonderful place for portraiture or street photography.
Swaroop Sagar Bridge: The ornamental bridge that connects Lake Pichola with Swaroop Sagar Lake offers a different perspective. From the bridge, you can capture a straight, uninterrupted shot down the length of the lake, often featuring the far-off palaces. It's particularly attractive at night when the bridge and the surrounding areas are lit up.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sunset Boat Ride: The most popular activity is taking a boat ride, especially around sunset. Boats are available from Bansi Ghat (near the City Palace) and Gangaur Ghat. The sunset ride offers magical views of the illuminated City Palace, the floating Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir. The view from the water allows you to truly appreciate the scale and romance of the structures. Standard and private boat rides are available, lasting approximately 1 hour.
Lakeside Photographic Expeditions: Lake Pichola offers endless opportunities for photography. Head to Gangaur Ghat or Ambrai Ghat (across the lake from the City Palace) to capture stunning reflections of the City Palace and the surrounding heritage havelis, especially at dawn or dusk. The narrow lanes leading to the ghats also provide great street photographic opportunities. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Romantic Centerpiece: Lake Pichola is the soul and romantic centerpiece of Udaipur. Its stunning, placid waters, coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli hills and the reflection of the surrounding magnificent palaces, create a world-famous, ethereal landscap...The Romantic Centerpiece: Lake Pichola is the soul and romantic centerpiece of Udaipur. Its stunning, placid waters, coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli hills and the reflection of the surrounding magnificent palaces, create a world-famous, ethereal landscape, cementing Udaipur's reputation as one of the most romantic cities in India.
Home to Floating Palaces: It is famous for housing the two iconic island palaces: the Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), now a five-star hotel, and the Jag Mandir Palace. These structures appear to float on the lake and are visual spectacles that draw tourists from across the globe, having been featured in numerous films and travel literature, including the 1983 James Bond movie "Octopussy".
Spectacular Sunset Views: The lake is renowned for offering the most spectacular sunset views in Udaipur. As the sun dips, it casts a golden glow on the water, illuminating the white marble palaces and the grand City Palace on its banks, creating a perfect and unforgettable photographic moment. Boating during this time is a highly sought-after tourist activity. -
Architecture:
Water Harvesting and Engineering: Lake Pichola itself is an architectural and engineering marvel of its time, created primarily for water harvesting to meet the city's drinking and irrigation needs in the arid climate of Rajasthan. The stone masonry dam (Badipol dam) const...Water Harvesting and Engineering: Lake Pichola itself is an architectural and engineering marvel of its time, created primarily for water harvesting to meet the city's drinking and irrigation needs in the arid climate of Rajasthan. The stone masonry dam (Badipol dam) constructed by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century was a significant feat of civil engineering. This dam was crucial in retaining the water from the Aravalli catchment area. Island Palaces and
Ghats: The main architectural highlights are the palaces and structures built within and on the banks of the lake:
Jag Niwas (Lake Palace): Built in the 1740s by Maharana Jagat Singh II, this pure white marble palace completely covers the island, creating the illusion of a structure floating on the lake. Its architecture features white marble walls, semi-circular steps, carved arches, and elegant courtyards.
Jag Mandir Palace: Started in the early 17th century and completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I, this palace on the island is famous for its Gul Mahal, a structure with Islamic architectural influence, and the colossal white marble elephants at the entrance, all surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Ghats: The banks are lined with elaborate 'ghats' (steps leading to the water), such as Gangaur Ghat and Lal Ghat, which are constructed with local stone and used for bathing, rituals, and launching boats. These ghats feature beautiful arches and pavilions like Natini Chabutra.
Dimension:
Length: Approximately 4 KMS (2. 5 miles)
Width: Approximately 3 KMS (1. 9 miles)
Surface Area: Approximately 696 hectares (1,720 acres) Max.
Depth: Up to 8. 5 meters (28 ft), though average depth is lower.
Islands: Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), approximately 25 KMS away. After arriving, one can hire a pre-paid taxi or a private cab. The lake is centrally located in the city. The drive will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Near Tourist Places:
Other Places Distance (in KMS) from Lake Pichola (Gangaur Ghat) Bagore Ki Haveli Museum 0. 1 Jagdish Temple 0. 3 City Palace 0. 5 Ambrai Ghat 0. 6 (Across the Lake) Doodh Talai Lake and Ropeway 1. 2 Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace) 7. 5 Fateh Sagar Lake 4. 5 Saheliyon Ki Bari 5. 0 Pichola Lake Island Resorts (e. g. Jag Mandir) ~1. 5 (Via Boat) Vintage and Classic Car Museum 3. 0
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Water Quality: While beautiful, the lake water is often polluted. Avoid swimming or consuming the water.
Boat Safety: When taking a boat ride, ensure life jackets are available and worn, ...
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