Udaipur! The land of mysteries and wonders, royals and thunders. A small historical city situated in South Rajasthan, Udaipur was once the capital of Mewar. Dubbed as one of the most iconic tourist destinations on Earth, it is known globally for its picturesque lakes and mesmerizing landscapes. Famous under its nom de plume of “the Venice of the East”, “the City of Lakes” and “the Land of Maharajas”, it is encircled by man-made freshwater lakes that endow its true identity.
Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful water bodies in Udaipur, named after the nearby village Picholi. It was built in 1362 AD by a Banjara during the kingship of Maharana Lakha. It was initially built as a reservoir to suffice the basic needs of the residents of Udaipur. However, its impeccable beauty and mesmerising landscape later compelled the authorities to declare it as a heritage site.
Things to Do at Pichola Lake
Pichola Lake has four mind-boggling islands, which further add to the beauty of this man-made marvel. They are:
1. The Taj Lake Palace
This beautiful palace-turned-hotel was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II, and hence, was commemorated as Jag Niwas. This palace dwells an extraordinary pulchritudinous. Developed by the Taj Group of Hotels, this 5-star property is a majestic plight for the tourists. Its exquisite interiors and heritage aesthetics put your imagination to test.
If you’ve ever dreamt of sipping over a cup of coffee, relaxing in the cocoon of your bed, boats sailing right outside your windows and balcony, then you must book a royal retreat to this palace. It will burn a hole in your pocket, but trust me! It’s an experience worth a lifetime. Do add it to your bucket list, as your visit to Udaipur is incomplete without visiting The Taj Lake Palace.
2. The Jag Mandir Island
The Jag Mandir Island is an exhibition to the alluring beauty of white marble. It was named in the honour of the then Mewar emperor, Maharana Jagat Singh. The magnificent white marble building was a summer resort for the Maharanas, primarily used for royal feasts and celebrations, besides a secret getaway for their aristocratic guests.
There are private boats available at the ghats to sail you through the lake to absorb some of the beauteous views of the lush green Aravali Ranges. You may even book a table to enjoy a royal meal right in the lake while savouring the dazzling palatial beauty under the moonlight. Don’t miss the chance to witness the lakeside sunset, as I bet it will be the best sunset view on your itinerary!
3. Mohan Mandir
Mandir (in Hindi) means a Hindu Temple. A pious place where a lot of ceremonies, including the Vivah-Pheras (marriage ceremonies), are held. But, surprisingly, Mohan Mandir has no significance with the divine status.
It is a huge monument situated amidst the Pichola Lake. Though the architecture resonates the Hindu worship, the Maharanas used this island to watch the celebration of the Gangaur festival. Today, it’s a hub for the locals to celebrate Gangaur, which involves lighting up of diyas in addition to some astonishing firework.
4. Arsi Vilas Island
The Arsi Vilas Island falls last in the count of the four islands. This exotic island at the west coast of Pichola Lake sustains a beautiful palace that was built by Maharana Arsi Singh. It was intended to get a splendid view of the sunset. Besides, it served as the sanctum for nesting the arsenal of the Maharana’s royal army.
Now, the Arsi Vilas Palace has been transformed into a bird sanctuary that homes a horde of rare and migratory bird species. Hence, it is heaven for the ornithophiles. Many aspiring photographers and bird lovers visit this palace to achieve the best shots of the rarest and most beautiful birds on Earth.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit?
Loiter around the streets of Jagdish Chawk, Chand Pol, Ambrai Ghat, and Lal Ghat to experience the vibes of the old city. Visit the local market to shop souvenirs, traditional bandhani dresses, artistic antiquities, silver oxidized jewellery, precious to semi-precious stone jewellery, old age paintings, Kandhel (cloth or paper lanterns), leather bags/wallets and mojris (traditional sort of shoes). There are ample things to take back home that sustain a piece of Udaipur in them, for life.
If you think that’s not enough, then head straight to a boat ride. Indulge in the tranquility of nature and mesmerize your senses with a boat trip in Pichola Lake. Catch the awe-inspiring beauty of the Aravali Ranges, while taking a gander at the majestic royal islands and a peek into the traditional activities happening at the ghats.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the best restaurants nearby that serve you with yummy food and a colossal view of the lakes. For the sake of brevity, I have penned down some of the best places to visit near Pichola Lake that’ll leave you in awe.
- Trident Udaipur at Haridas Ji Ki Magri.
- The Oberoi Udaivilas at Haridas Ji Ki Magri.
- The Leela Palace at the Pichola Lake.
- Upre 1559 – The Rooftop Hotel outside Chand Pole.
- Ambrai Restaurant at Ambrai Ghat.
- Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery at Ganghaur Ghat.
- Cafe Satori at Gadiya Devra Marg.
- Sun N Moon Rooftop Cafe and Restaurant at Ganghaur Ghat.
Best Season to Pay a Visit
The beauty of lakes multiplies during the rainy season. The lush green hillocks and rippling waters of the lake seem to be a scene right out of a storybook. It takes the charm of the lakes to the next level. Besides a gorgeous view of clouds touching and floating over the Pichola Lake, you will get to witness small waterfalls streaming from the Aravali Ranges. The overflowing lakes and the water rushing through the canals embedded with the petrichor will entice your senses. Soaking my feet in the freshwater lake at the Jheel’s Café and enjoying the scrumptious snacks with a hot drink is all that I love to do during the rains.
Winter is one of my favourite seasons to visit Udaipur. Have a good time over a combo of chilling breeze and a cup of hot coffee at the banks of the Pichola Lake. Relish some kachoris and poha with crispy hot jalebis for breakfast. Go for a misty morning walk at the Pichola Paal to observe chirping birds, locals performing yoga, vibrant youth holding energetic sports, and ladies chit-chatting over a hot cup of tea.
Places to Visit Around the Pichola Lake
1. City Palace Udaipur
City Palace is one of the major attractions in Udaipur. Built approximately 400 years ago, this palace has been home to many rulers of the Mewar Dynasty. Currently, it serves as the home to His Highness Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, the present king of Udaipur, and His family. It could easily take you a day to scamper around this enormous monument, which is enriched with the brave Rajputana history.
Bhim Vilas, Durbar Hall, Fateh Prakash Palace, Laxmi Vilas Chowk, Manak Mahal, Museum, Sheesh Mahal, and Chini Chitrashala are some of the significant places to be covered in the gigantic City Palace. Please, do not take exit if you haven’t been to these places!
After a tiring day of touring around the palace, a candlelight dinner by the lake is a must. Sheesh Mahal caters you with both rooftop dining and dining by the shore. Enjoy some tantalizing recipes with the view of sparkling lakeside restaurants and city lights.
2. Doodh Talai/Dudh Talai
A pristine pond adjacent to the Pichola Lake, Dudh Talai is one of the favourite picnic spots for the residents of Udaipur. It is a part of the old city – a high point to take a glance at the entire city’s skyline. The Karni Mata temple is one of the best attractions that will steal your heart. It is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Karni Mata, situated on the hill made of white stone.
Leisure activities such as ropeway, musical fountain garden, sunset point, and Tonga rides further add to the charm of the place. And this not it! There are rooftop restaurants and a bunch of food kiosks at the foothills that serve hot, lip-smacking desi food to satiate your hunger.
3. Old Architectural Buildings
The bank of Pichola Lake is filled with a horde of beautiful, artistic heritage buildings called havelis. These havelis are home to many locals of Udaipur. Some of these historic buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and cafes. They serve all sorts of cuisines, starting from traditional to continental.
But the food isn’t the only reason to pay a visit. You can unwind yourself with a soothing massage at the best spas in the city, situated right on the streets of Ganghaur Ghat and Jagdish Chowk. And guess what? They don’t come with a hefty price tag!
The Final Word
Visiting Udaipur and skipping a visit to the Pichola Lake would be a heinous crime! The tour of the regal beauty of the city is incomplete without spending time at this lake. So, why to take the risk? Edit your itinerary and toss in a ride to Pichola Lake.
