LAKE PICHOLA, UDAIPUR
Lake Pichola, also known as the "City of Lakes" or "Venice of East"
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| Pichola Lake |
Lake Pichola, situated in Udaipur city (known as the City of Lakes or Venice of East) in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is an artificial freshwater lake created in the year 1362AD, named after the nearby Picholi Village. Talking about the dimensions of Pichola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.
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| Maharana Udai Singh |
This lake has two main islands situated on it, The Jag Niwas and The Jag Mandir.
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| Jag Niwas |
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| Jag Mandir |
The Jag Niwas which is also known as The City Palace or Lake Pichola hotel, is located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. It has been converted into a heritage hotel. During night time, the view of the lake from the palace is quite enchanting, as the reflection of lights falling on the lake make it even more enthralling.
The Jag Mandir is one of the oldest and one of the most fascinating palaces on the 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 of sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone.
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 of sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone.
12 stone palace or Barah patharon ka mahal is another impressive structure worth visiting deriving its name from the 12 stones used to make it. There is also a museum depicting the history of the island.
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| Mohan Mandir |
 Arsi Vilas |
Last one is Arsi Vilas which was built to enjoy the sunset on the lake. It also has a sanctuary catering to A variety of birds, including tufted ducks, coots, engrets, terns, cormorants and kingfishers. It once served as an armoury.
"Just staring at the lake as if I'm gonna compete with the fishes swimming."
. . . .Facing a sun-kissed glow, I was sitting at Sun n Moon Cafe, Udaipur ; having a strong cup of tea after a long busy day. I got catched in that moment with the sounds of water lapping in 'Pichola Lake'. After some time, I heard a bunch of people giggling and capturing nature's beauty. I turned around and saw that mom and brother were having a nap. . . . .
#travelblogger #udaipur #goodvibes #photography #lostinthemoment #naturesbeauty #chilling
#hottea #cafe #sunkissed #hills #picholalake
BOATING IN LAKE PICHOLA
A trip to Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride in the serene lake, especially during sunset. The boating tickets are available at City Palace and are priced at Rs. 400 to 600 for Adults and Rs. 20 for children. For sunset cruise, the tickets are priced at Rs. 700 for Adults and Rs. 400 for children.
The sunset view from the boat is truly magical, as are the changing colors of water from blue in the morning to golden in the noon and orange during sunset. During night, the reflections of palace lights on the water is another sight that is sure to leave one spellbound.
HOW TO REACH LAKE PICHOLA
Located in the Udaipur city of Rajasthan, Lake Pichola can be reached by tonga, auto rickshaws or taxis. Local buses also ply from various parts of the city to the lake.
Lake Pichola is well connected by air, rail and road. The nearest airport in Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Airport, located 20 kilometres away from the city center. Flights from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Jaipur operate to and from this airport.
A number of state run buses by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private tour operated buses connect Udaipur to a number of cities by road.
10 REASONS TO VISIT LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR
1. Sunset boat ride:
The best and the most scenic way to enjoy Lake Pichola is to take a sunset boat cruise or a boat ride on its waters.
2. Arsi Vilas and Mohan Mandir:
Arsi Vilas is a small palace and an island where the royalty of Udaipur used to watch sunsets and is now a small bird sanctuary where you can spot birds like ducks, egrets and kingfishers.
3. Jag Mandir:
A place where many destination weddings or movie
shootings take place, Jag Mandir Palace is a large lake garden palace where you
can enjoy a quiet stroll and catch good views of the lake. There is a
lakeside restaurant and bar here to enjoy a fancy evening. Make reservations in
advance. There is a small museum open for all. The trip to Jag Mandir provides
ample photo ops.
4. Gangaur Ghat:
A historical main ghat on the waterfront of Lake
Pichola, Gangaur Ghat is one of the main attractions of visiting Lake Pichola.
It is the main highlight of the old city area on the banks of Pichola, The
ghat is always buzzing with tourists and locals.
It is the main site for the Gangaur Festival and
Jal Jhulni Festival. Take memorable pictures on the ghat and sit on ghat steps
to enjoy the beautiful sunset views from there.
5. Vintage walking tour:
A walking tour around Lake Pichola to its major
attractions like City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Gangaur Ghat and other sites is
a refreshingly entertaining experience.
A guided tour will help you understand the
historical significance of all landmarks near the lake, the old city and will
cost you anywhere between Rs 1300 to Rs 4000.
6. Lakeside cafes and restaurants:
Whether you’re honeymooning in Udaipur, touring
with friends and family or just solo backpacking, a dinner or breakfast at one
of Lake Pichola’s charming cafes and restaurants is a must.
Rooftop dining experience while gazing at the
changing colors of the lake is an unforgettable experience. Best choices
are Upre, Jheel’s Cafe, Ambrai, Raas Leela and Vantage restaurants.
7. Shopping spree:
A little for the shopaholic traveller. There are
numerous shopping spots and markets around Lake Pichola that you would love.
Some of the must-visit shopping destinations are
the Tibetan Market, Chand Pole, Hathi Pole, Bada Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and
Artisan’s Boutique. Shop for juttis, kurtis, jewellery, handicraft items,
fabrics, and unique souvenirs.
8. Natini Chabutra:
A Chabutra is a raised platform in a courtyard
where many activities can be performed. Natini’s Chabutra was built to honour
Natini – a tightrope walker and has an interesting legend behind it.
Maharaja Jawan Singh promised her half of Mewar if
she tightrope walked across the lake. But while she was about to finish, the
rope was cut off and when she drowned, she cursed the lineage of the king, and
apparently all six Ranas after he was adopted, there was no direct descendent.
9. Swaroop Sagar Bridge:
The ornamental bridge connects Pichola to Swaroop
Sagar which then connects to Fateh Sagar Lake. Take a stroll on the bridge
during the evenings. All lit up in dim yellow lights, the walk will be one to
remember.
From a distance, it looks like a bridge over the
waters of Venice. Take a solitary walk to capture some great images or to step
away from all the tourist buzz in the main city areas.
10. Photographic expedition:
During your visit to Udaipur, take
extra time to photograph the various colours of Lake Pichola. Whether the light
blue waters during the sunrise, the strong blue gold during the day and the
majestic orange during evenings or the pitch black night waters reflecting
shiny palace lights, the lake is a photographer’s muse.
True to the words written by Rudyard Kipling in his Letters of Marque (1899), "If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'"
One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The fascinating beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.
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