Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes in Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width, and has a depth of 30 feet.
The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone from it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur, he enlarged this lake. He also constructed a dam made of stone that falls under the ‘Badipol’ region on the shore of this lake.
Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see a glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the northeast corner of Lake Pichola.
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Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination for tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete without a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sunset, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone.
Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), “If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'”. The beauty of Lake Pichola attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.
History of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola was constructed in the year 1362 by Banjara under the patronage of Maharana Lakha. Maharana Udai Singh was truly mesmerized by its charm and founded Udaipur City on its bank. He also enlarged the lake by constructing a dam on the lakeshore. All the other islands, temples, ghats, and palaces developed over a period of time. The four main islands include the Jag Mandir, Jag Niwas, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. In the year 1623, Prince Khurram who rebelled against the Mughal King Jahangir took refuge under Karan Singh II and was housed in the grand palace of Jag Mandir.
According to legends, Maharana Jawan Singh promised a tightrope walker (Natani) that half of Mewar City would be gifted to her if she could cross Lake Pichola over a tightrope. Before she could reach the other end, the rope was cut resulting in her death. While dying, the girl cursed the king‘s family that he would never have a direct heir to the throne. The curse came to be true because the seven rulers who succeeded Jawan Singh were not his own descendants but adopted sons.
Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola
Winter (October to March) is the ideal time to visit Udaipur and absorb the beauty of Lake Pichola. It looks delightfully calm and mesmerizing that is therapeutic to the mind and soul. The days are usually pleasant and the nights are colder. Temperature varies between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. It is advisable to avoid visiting Udaipur during summer (March to June). Summers are scorching hot and the temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius.
Udaipur is regarded as one of the top monsoon destinations in India. The ‘City of Lakes’ is in its full glory during this time of the year. This region receives relatively lesser rainfall during monsoon (July to September). It is the perfect time to get the best view of Lake Pichola which is brimming with emerald water. During this season there are fewer tourists and you also get good deals on hotels and travel packages. The temperature fluctuates between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.
