Lake Pichola Udaipur (Entry Fee, Timings, Best time to visit)

History

Pichola Lake was built in 1362 AD. It is a hearsay that it was built by a banjara (gypsy) and it got its name from nearby village Picholi, during the reign of Maharana Lakha.[5] Later, Maharana Udai Singh, impressed by the charm of this lake with the backdrop of green hills, founded the city of Udaipur on the banks of the lake and also enlarged the Lake by constructing a stone masonry dam in the Badipol region on the shore of the Lake.

The lake's surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, bathing ghats or chabutaras (a raised platform, normally within a courtyard); some of the famous ones are the Lake Palace (now converted into a heritage hotel) in the middle of the lake also called the Pichola Palace (pictured) or Jag Nivas located on the Jag Island, the Jag Mandir, the Mohan Mandir (in the northeast corner of the lake built by Jagat Singh between 1628 and 1652), the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat) from where boats ply to all other parts of the Lake, the Arsi Vilas Island, which is a sanctuary for birds and the Sitamata Game Sanctuary on the western shore of the Lake.

Technical Details

The Sisarma stream, a tributary of the Kotra River, drains a catchment of 55 km2 from the Aravalli Mountains and contributes to the flows in the lake.[8] The average annual rainfall in the lake basin is 635 millimetres (25.0 in). The lake has a surface area of about 696 ha. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) long and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) wide, and has depth varying from a minimum of 4.32 metres (14.2 ft) to a maximum of 8.5 metres (28 ft). In the heart of the Lake, a palace called the Lake Palace was built, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. This palace built in marble in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar, spreads across the 1.6 hectares (4.0 acres) island and is claimed to be as impressive as the Taj Mahal. At the southern end, a dam was built across the major tributary to facilitate the Banjara tribesman to ford the stream with animals carrying grains. After 1560, Maharana Udai Sing II strengthened the dam (to a height of 15.24 m) when he established the city of Udaipur around the picturesque Lake. Machchala Magra hill, to the south of the city palace complex, is part of the old city wall and the small fort of Eklinggarh and the temple. The fact that the Pichola lake was built by nomadic gypsies testifies that the rulers of Mewar encouraged people to build water harvesting structures.

Islands within

Jag Niwas:- Lake Palace (formally known as Jag Niwas) is a former summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar, it is now turned into a hotel. The Lake Palace is located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India, and its natural foundation spans 4 acres (16,000 m2).[1] Popularly described as the Venice of the East, Udaipur hosts the pristine Lake Palace, curated out of white marble. Jag Niwas, the then Lake Palace, was constructed circa 1743 -1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. The 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar spent a handsome price on building this luxurious palace. The exquisite lake palace was extensively used as a summer retreat for the Mewar Royal family. Currently, IHCL is managing the palace and has done so for the last 50 years. This luxurious palace has attained global fame as several super-hit films, including Octopussy, The Fall, etc., have been shot here.

Jag Mandir Palace:- Jag Mandir, also known as the "Lake Garden Palace," is a stunning palace situated on an island in Lake Pichola within Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. Its construction is attributed to three successive Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of the Mewar kingdom. Maharana Amar Singh initiated the construction in 1551, followed by Maharana Karan Singh, and eventually completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I. It was named "Jagat Mandir" in honor of Maharana Jagat Singh. The palace served as a summer retreat and pleasure palace for the royal family, hosting parties and gatherings. Additionally, it provided refuge to asylum seekers on at least one occasion.

Ghats of Pichola lake

Gangaur Ghat:- Gangaur Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Udaipur, and it can be found on the side of Pichola Lake that faces east. The ghat gets its name from the colorful and lively Gangaur festival, a celebration celebrated with a lot of zeal in the Indian state of Rajasthan. This festival celebrates the merger of the god Shiva and the goddess Parvati and is devoted to the goddess Parvati. During the festival, the Gangaur Ghat is decked up in vibrant decorations, and guests can see traditional ceremonies and processions during the celebration. In addition to providing breathtaking views of the City Palace and the lake, the ghat is often used by those who are interested in photography. Gangaur Ghat is accessible to tourists by road, and getting inside is free.

Ambrai Ghat:- One of Udaipur’s most well-known and beautiful ghats is the Ambrai Ghat, which can be found on the western side of Pichola Lake. The ghat is famous for its breathtaking views of the City Palace, the Lake Palace, and Jagmandir Island. The Maharana Ambrai Singh, who constructed the ghat in the 18th century, is honored with the ghat’s namesake. The ghat is well known for its picturesque sunset views, and tourists may take pleasure in a tranquil stroll along the promenade while appreciating the refreshing wind from the lake. In addition, the ghat is home to a well-known restaurant featuring the food and live music performances typical of Rajasthan. Ambrai Ghat is accessible to tourists by road, and getting inside is free.

Hanuman Ghat:- Hanuman Ghat is a Hindu religious site that takes its name from the deity Hanuman, who is said to have created the lake of Pichola. The ghat is well-known for its complex carvings and sculptures, all of which showcase Rajasthan’s rich history and culture. Since the ghat is home to several temples devoted to various Hindu deities and goddesses, it is a well-known destination for those interested in religious tourism. To better look at the lake and the area around it, guests may take a boat trip that departs from the ghat. Hanuman Ghat is accessible to tourists by road, and there is no charge to get within.

Ambamata Ghat:- Ambamata Ghat takes its name from the Ambamata temple that can be found near where it is found, on the eastern side of Pichola Lake. It is believed that one’s sins can be cleansed by swimming in the lake while standing on this ghat, which is part of the temple dedicated to the goddess Amba. The ghat is well known for its breathtaking panoramas of the lake and the hills in the surrounding area. Ambamata Ghat is accessible to visitors by road, and there is no charge to enter the site.