Lake Pichola, is situated in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan. This artificial lake is a dream come true for nature and peace lovers, with its serene waters flanked by lofty hills, heritage buildings, and bathing ghats.
But hold on to your hats because we’re about to get to the most exciting part – the boat ride! A visit to Lake Pichola is incomplete without hopping on one of the boats and taking in the enthralling views. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a boat ride at dawn or during the evening, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different world of stillness and tranquility. Not to mention, the views are so mesmerizing that they’ll bring out your romantic side (even if you’re not usually the lovey-dovey type).
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be pleased to know that Lake Pichola has a rich past. Built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha in 1362 AD, this lake is 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width, and has a depth of 30 feet. And if that’s not enough to impress you, Maharana Udai Singh was so enchanted by its charm that he enlarged it and constructed a dam on its shores.
There are palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats that were built over the centuries. But the real stars of the show are the heritage buildings such as the City Palace, Mohan Mandir, and the Lake Palace, which is perfectly perched in the middle of the lake like a floating paradise. And if you’re looking for more adventure, why not visit Jag Mandir on Jag Island or Arsi Vilas Island, which is also a sanctuary for different varieties of birds.
But let’s not forget the practicalities. Boat ride tickets can be purchased at the City Palace and cost around INR 400-600 for adults and INR 200 for children. And while the sunset cruise may cost a bit more, it’s worth it for the incredible views. The boats have six to eight seats and are covered with a canopy, and life jackets are compulsory to wear (safety first, folks!). The boat ride starts at Rameshwar Ghat, takes you to the Lake Palace Hotel, then proceeds to Jagmandir for some scenic views. And if you catch a sunset during your ride, be prepared to be hypnotized by the yellow glow of the palaces nearby and their reflection in the water.
Finally, let’s talk about when to visit Lake Pichola. Summers in Udaipur can be scorching, so it’s best to avoid visiting between March to June when the mercury rises to 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoons, from July to September, offer a mesmerizing view of the lake, with temperatures ranging between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. And winters are also an ideal time to visit, with delightful and calm weather. And the best time of day to visit? Definitely the evening, so you can catch that breathtaking sunset view.
So what are you waiting for? Hop on a tonga, autorickshaw, taxi, or local bus and head over to Lake Pichola for an adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to be amazed by its beauty, enchanted by its history, and hypnotized by its views.