Lake Pichola Udaipur – History, Boat Ride, Timings & Travel Guide

Lake Pichola Udaipur – History, Boat Ride, Timings & Travel Guide

Lake Pichola is one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Surrounded by historic palaces, ghats, temples, and the Aravalli hills, Lake Pichola plays a major role in giving Udaipur its title as the “City of Lakes.” The lake attracts tourists from all over the world for its scenic beauty, boat rides, and breathtaking sunset views.

---

History of Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola was built in 1362 AD by Banjara tribesman Pichhu Banjara. Later, Maharana Udai Singh II expanded the lake after founding the city of Udaipur. Over time, several palaces, ghats, and structures were constructed around the lake, making it one of the most important landmarks of Udaipur.

The lake was primarily built to meet the water needs of the city and later became a symbol of royal elegance and beauty.

---

Location and Surroundings

Lake Pichola is located in the heart of Udaipur city. The lake is surrounded by iconic attractions such as:

• City Palace Udaipur

• Jag Mandir Palace

• Lake Palace (Jag Niwas)

• Bagore Ki Haveli

• Gangaur Ghat

These landmarks enhance the charm and historical significance of Lake Pichola.

---

Lake Pichola Boat Ride Experience

A boat ride on Lake Pichola is one of the most popular activities for tourists. The ride offers stunning views of the palaces, ghats, and surrounding hills.

During the boat ride, visitors can see:

• City Palace from the water

• Jag Mandir Island Palace

• Lake Palace hotel

• Beautiful reflections of palaces at sunset

Evening boat rides are especially popular due to the golden sunset and city lights.

---

Lake Pichola Timings

• Lake Area: Open throughout the day

• Boat Ride Timings: Generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Timings may vary depending on weather conditions and tourist season.

---

Entry Fee and Boat Ride Charges

• Entry Fee: Free

• Boat Ride Charges: Applicable (charges vary for Indian and foreign tourists)

Tickets for the boat ride can be purchased near City Palace or Gangaur Ghat.

---

Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola

The best time to visit Lake Pichola is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and boating.

Early mornings and evenings are perfect for photography and peaceful walks along the ghats.

---

Things to Do Near Lake Pichola

Visitors can enjoy several activities around Lake Pichola, such as:

• Enjoy a boat ride on the lake

• Visit City Palace and Jag Mandir

• Watch cultural performances at Bagore Ki Haveli

• Walk along Gangaur Ghat

• Enjoy lakeside cafés and restaurants

---

How to Reach Lake Pichola

• By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport is around 22 km away

• By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station is about 3 km away

• By Road: Easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, and local transport

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Lake Pichola famous?

Lake Pichola is famous for its scenic beauty, historic palaces, boat rides, and stunning sunset views.

Is Lake Pichola boat ride worth it?

Yes, the boat ride offers the best views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace and is highly recommended.

How much time is enough for Lake Pichola?

Around 1–2 hours is enough to enjoy the boat ride and explore nearby ghats.

---

Conclusion

Lake Pichola Udaipur is the heart of the city’s charm and royal heritage. With its beautiful surroundings, historic palaces, and peaceful boat rides, Lake Pichola remains one of the top tourist attractions in Rajasthan. A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without experiencing the beauty of Lake Pichola.