Rightly justifying its name of the City of Lakes, Udaipur is bedecked with numerous mesmerizing lakes, which await to woo you with its picturesque views and immaculate crystal clear blue waters. Deriving its name from the quaint Pichola village, Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake and is one of the main hotspots for tourists worldwide. Huge and limpid, Pichola Lake bears the reflection of the rolling gray-blue mountains on its pristine waters, making it a sight to behold. Its proximity to renowned tourist locations like City Palace, Jag Mandir, etc, the Pichola Lake Udaipur attracts thousands of footfalls every year.
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All You Need To Know About Lake Pichola
Now without further ado, let’s dive into the detailed guide providing travelers with information on timings, major tourist attractions, ticket prices, ways of commute, and the best time to visit.
How To Reach Pichola Lake Udaipur
By Flight
The nearest airport to Pichola Lake Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Airport, which is located 20 kilometers from the city center. Major airline carriers like SpiceJet, Air India, etc provide comfortable commutes from renowned places.
After you reach the airport, you can book from the various car rental services available at the airport premises to provide a customized and hassle-free commute.
By Train
Udaipur has a railway station to call its own, the Udaipur railway station, which is located a mere distance of 3 km from the lake. The railway station caters to direct and hassle-free commutes from various parts of the country.
By Bus
The nearest bus stop to the lake is Maharana Pratap Bus Stand, which is 3 kilometers apart. There are several state transport buses and private-owned buses provide comfortable commutes from nearby locations.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to plan a visit to Pichola Lake in Udaipur is during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, oscillating between September and March. The weather during this time is soothing allowing you to tread to the best tourist attractions without exhausting yourselves.
If you can ignore the hot and humid weather during the summer months, this is the ideal opportunity to grab some of the best deals on travel and accommodations. This is the perfect time to avoid the rush and long waiting lists.
Lake Pichola Timings And Ticket Details
Location: Rameshwar Ghat, City Palace Complex, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM( Monday-Sunday)
Boating:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lake Pichola Boat Ride: Adults: INR 400 per person; Children: INR 200 per person
Sunset Cruise: Adults: INR 700 per person; Children: INR 400 per person
Book your Private Full Day Udaipur Sightseeing Tour with Optional Guide here.
Major Tourist Attractions In And Around The Lake
Lake Palace
Dating back to the 1740s, the Lake Palace is one of the most renowned places, making it one of the main attractions of Pichola Lake Udaipur. Also known as Jag Nivas or Pichola Palace, the stunning palace is decorated with stained glass windows, parks, and fountains.
Once a summer retreat for maharanas of Udaipur, the palace is now changed to a heritage hotel boasting a humongous 4 acres and consists of 80 lavish rooms. The enticing architectural finesse of the interiors perfectly complements the exteriors of the palace.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is another gem, which attracts tourists in huge numbers, worldwide. The construction was started in the 1500s by Maharana Amar Singh, the Jag Mandir was an ideal place to seek refuge from the summer heat in Udaipur. As you step foot on the island, the visitors are treated with a warm welcome by marvelously carved white marble elephants.
Book your Udaipur Half Day Guided Walking Tour package here.
Mohan Mandir
Mohan Mandir is another gem in Lake Pichola, Udaipur. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh, the stunning structure was constructed in 1628 and completed in 1652. Once served as a place to witness the enchanting Gangaur festival, the historical structure allows its visitors to uncover the royal lifestyle of the Maharajas.
Arsi Vilas
Arsi Vilas is the fourth island of the lake, which was once incorporated as an ammunition depot. The historical monument the Maharanas built to soak in the stunning ambiance created through the golden light falling on the crystal clear lake water is a treat to the eye. The island also houses a bird sanctuary, Sitamata Game Sanctuary which treats you to glimpses of vibrant-winged birds like egrets, tufted ducks, kingfishers., coots and terns, etc, which call it home.
City Palace
The City Palace is a historical monument that gets broader as you take a boat ride along the eastern bank of the pristine Pichola Lake Udaipur. Built and maintained by 22 generations of the Sisodia Rajput family, the City Palace is a stunning exemplar of ancient architecture. Indulge in an enthralling experience to witness the reflection of the lights that decorate the city falling on the crystal clear waters of the lake.
Boat Ride At The Lake
The historical tour of Udaipur’s Pichola Lake is undone without indulging in an enticing boat ride in the pristine waters of Pichola Lake Udaipur. The boat ride allows you to tread some of the hotspots like Pichola Palace, Jag Nivas, Mohan Mandir, Arsi Vilas, and Sitamata Game Sanctuary.
Gangaur Ghat
Gangaur Ghat or Gangori Ghat is the preeminent ghat located along the waterfront of Pichola Lake, attracting visitors to spend a memorable evening. The ghat is a popular hotspot for tourists and locals alike, especially during special occasions like the Jal Jhulni Festival and the annual Gangaur Festival.
Swaroop Sagar Bridge
Swaroop Sagar Bridge is a decorated bridge built by Maharana Swarup Singh II, which connects a smaller lake, Swaroop Sagar to Pichola Lake. Also known as Kumharia Talab, it is a combined waterfront of nearby lakes like Pichola Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake.
Also read: A Guide To 10 Best Places To Visit Near Udaipur
Although numerous lakes in Udaipur attract huge swarms of footfalls every year, Lake Pichola, Udaipur tops the list. Please let us know about your memorable visit to Pichola Lake in Udaipur in the comment section below.
FAQs
Some of the best places near the lake are City Palace, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Jagmandir Island Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and Ambrai Ghat, etc, to name a few of the unending list.
The best time of the day to visit the lake is during the sunrise and sunset. The enchanting ambiance created by the amalgamation of the golden light falling on the pristine waters of the lake creates a mark in your hearts, forever.
Pichola is a favorable option, as the pristine waters and nearby tourist attractions make it a must-visit. Indulge in an enthralling boat ride in the lake to explore the scenic views and the nearby tourist locations.
The Lake Palace is one of the most preferred destinations for visitors looking for a break from daily life or a romantic trip. Flaunting its massive white marble palace, floating on the lake, the lake offers one of the most arresting views of the lake.
The lake is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the boat ride is operational from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit the Hanuman Ghat, located on the Pichola Lake to spend a memorable evening.
