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Lake Pichola

Published on June 06, 2025

Lake Pichola is the shining heart of Udaipur, a beautiful city in Rajasthan, India. It's not just a lake; it's a mirror reflecting grand palaces, old temples, and the blue sky, making Udaipur truly feel like the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East." This amazing body of water is more than just pretty to look at; it's deeply tied to the history, culture, and daily life of Udaipur. To understand Udaipur, you must understand Lake Pichola. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over the Aravalli hills or enjoying a boat ride at sunset with the lake glowing golden, the feeling is unforgettable.

How Lake Pichola Came to Be: A Story of Need and Vision?

The story of Lake Pichola is quite interesting because, unlike many natural lakes, it was made by people. It wasn't always a grand lake. Its origin goes back to the 14th century, around the year 1362. At that time, a simple Banjara (nomadic tribesman) named Pichhu Chola built a small lake. He did this mainly to help with farming and to provide water for his cattle. He built a small dam across a stream, creating a small water body. This early, humble beginning gave the lake its name, Pichola.

Centuries later, the area caught the eye of Maharana Udai Singh II, a powerful ruler of the Mewar kingdom. He was the king who founded the city of Udaipur. In the mid-16th century, after the fall of his previous capital, Chittorgarh, to the Mughal emperor Akbar, Maharana Udai Singh II was looking for a safer and more beautiful place to build a new capital. He found this peaceful valley, protected by the Aravalli hills, and saw the potential of the small Pichola lake.

It is said that a holy man advised Maharana Udai Singh II to build his new city in this very spot. The king was greatly impressed by the natural beauty and the existing water body. He decided to expand the small lake that Pichhu Chola had created. He built a larger, stronger dam (called a bund) and made the lake much bigger. This expansion was a huge project, showing the king's grand vision. The lake then became the central point around which the new city of Udaipur began to grow.

Over the next 400 years, many rulers who came after Maharana Udai Singh II added to the lake's beauty and importance. They built grand palaces on islands in the lake, strong stone walls along its edges (called ghats), and beautiful gardens. Each addition made Lake Pichola more magnificent, turning it from a simple water source into a royal centerpiece. They made sure the lake was deep enough and wide enough to serve the city's needs and also to be a grand setting for their royal homes.

udaipur tour package

Why Lake Pichola is So Important: More Than Just Water ?

Lake Pichola is much more than just a pretty lake. It plays many important roles for the city of Udaipur:

Water Source: For centuries, it has been a main source of drinking water for the city and for farming in the area. Even today, it helps supply water, though the city's needs have grown.
Protection: The lake acted as a natural defense. The palaces built on its islands and along its edges were hard for enemies to reach, making the city safer.
Center of Royal Life: The lake was the heart of the royal family's daily life and special events. Boat rides were common, and festivals were celebrated with grand displays on the water.
Economic Importance: In modern times, Lake Pichola is a huge draw for tourists from all over the world. This brings money to the city and provides jobs for many local people, from boatmen to hotel staff.
Cultural Symbol: The lake is a symbol of Udaipur's beauty and royal past. It's featured in many paintings, stories, and movies, showing its deep cultural meaning.

Amazing Places on and Around Lake Pichola

The beauty of Lake Pichola is made even greater by the stunning buildings that sit on its waters or look over them. These places tell stories of kings, queens, and a rich history.

Lake Palace (Jag Niwas): This is perhaps the most famous building on Lake Pichola. It looks like it's floating on the water. Built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II, it was first a summer palace for the royal family. Imagine escaping the summer heat in such a cool, watery retreat! Today, it is a super luxury hotel, the Taj Lake Palace. Staying here is like living in a dream, with amazing views of the lake and the City Palace. Its white marble walls shine brightly, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Jag Mandir: This is another beautiful island palace on the lake, older than the Lake Palace. Its construction started in the early 17th century. Jag Mandir is famous for a special historical event: it was here that Prince Khurram (who later became the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) took shelter when he was rebelling against his father. It is said that the beauty and peace of Jag Mandir inspired him to build the Taj Mahal. The palace has a grand entrance, beautiful gardens, and lovely courtyards. It's a popular spot for events and offers wonderful views of the City Palace and the surrounding hills.
City Palace: While not on the lake, the massive City Palace complex stands majestically on a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. It's the largest royal complex in Rajasthan and was built over many centuries by different rulers. From inside the City Palace, especially from its upper terraces and balconies, you get breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Pichola, the island palaces, and the entire city. The palace's design is carefully linked to the lake, with many windows and balconies made to enjoy the watery views. The City Palace is a grand structure of courtyards, gardens, and smaller palaces, all connected to the life of the lake below.
Mohan Mandir: This is a small, charming temple located on a tiny island in the northern part of Lake Pichola. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II and was mainly used by the king to watch the Gangaur festival celebrations. It's a simple yet beautiful structure that adds to the picturesque scenery of the lake.
Arsi Vilas: Another small island in Lake Pichola, Arsi Vilas was built by Maharana Arsi Singh II. It was designed as a small palace for the king to watch the sunset over the lake. More importantly, it was also a place for bird watching. Even today, it remains a good spot for spotting various bird species that visit the lake.
Gangaur Ghat: This is one of the main and most lively ghats (steps leading down to the water) on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola. It's famous for the Gangaur festival, a celebration of spring, marriage, and love, where beautifully dressed women carry idols to the lake. The ghat is a popular place for locals and tourists to gather, enjoy the lake views, and take boat rides. The old havelis (mansions) around it add to its charm.
Ambrai Ghat: Located across from the City Palace, Ambrai Ghat offers some of the most stunning views of the City Palace and the Lake Palace, especially at sunset. It's a favorite spot for photographers and couples. The calm waters and the illuminated palaces at dusk create a truly magical scene. Many cafes and restaurants are nearby, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the ambiance.
Bagore Ki Haveli: This old mansion is located right on Gangaur Ghat, close to the lake. While not directly on an island, its close proximity means it has great views of the lake. It has been turned into a museum that shows the royal lifestyle of the past. In the evenings, it hosts a popular cultural dance show that highlights Rajasthani folk traditions, making it a lively spot near the lake.
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace): Perched high on a hill overlooking the city and Lake Pichola, this palace offers a grand, sweeping view of the entire lake system and the surrounding Aravalli hills. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, it was originally intended to be an astronomical center and a monsoon retreat. While it's a bit further away, its elevated position provides a different perspective of Lake Pichola's vastness and beauty.

The Lake Pichola Experience: A Journey Through Time

Experiencing Lake Pichola is a highlight of any visit to Udaipur. The most popular activity is a boat ride. You can take a boat ride during the day to see all the palaces and ghats up close, learning about their history from local guides. However, the sunset boat ride is truly special. As the sun dips below the Aravalli hills, the sky turns into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, and the palaces on the lake begin to glow with lights. This creates an incredibly romantic and unforgettable atmosphere.

For photographers, Lake Pichola offers endless opportunities. Every angle, every time of day, presents a new picture. The reflections of the palaces in the calm water are particularly captivating. The peace and quiet on the lake, away from the city's noise, allow you to truly relax and feel connected to the history and natural beauty of the place.

Walking along the ghats, you can see local life unfold. People doing their daily chores, children playing, and vendors selling their goods all add to the vibrant tapestry of life around the lake. The air is often filled with the sounds of temple bells, traditional music, and the gentle lapping of water.

Protecting the Lake: Challenges and Efforts

Like many urban lakes, Lake Pichola faces challenges, mainly from pollution and changes in water levels due to rainfall. The city's growth has put pressure on this historical water body. However, there are ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Lake Pichola. Local groups and government bodies work to clean the lake, manage waste, and educate people about its importance. Maintaining the lake's health is crucial not only for its beauty but also for the ecosystem it supports and the livelihoods it provides.

udaipur tour package

Conclusion: The Enduring Charm of Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is more than just a body of water; it is the soul of Udaipur. From its humble beginnings as a small tribal pond to its transformation into a grand royal lake, its history is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. The magnificent palaces that adorn its islands and shores, the vibrant ghats that buzz with life, and the serene beauty it offers at every turn make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you are seeking history, romance, peace, or stunning views, Lake Pichola delivers an experience that captures the imagination and leaves a lasting impression. It stands as a timeless symbol of Udaipur's royal heritage and its unique charm.