Lake Pichola is a man made lake in Udaipur built in 1362. It is famous for boat rides, island palaces, and sunset views in the city center.
Most visitors come here for a boat ride near City Palace and to see places like Jag Mandir and Lake Palace. The calm water reflects these buildings and gives one of the best views in Udaipur. This guide explains boat ride prices, timings, booking, and the best time to visit so you can plan your trip without confusion.
Quick Information
- Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Area: About 696 hectares (1,720 acres)
- Maximum Depth: Approximately 8.5 meters (28 feet)
- Length: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
- Width: 3 kilometers (1.9 miles)
- Created by: Banjara Tribe (1362 AD)
- Main Attractions: Boat rides, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace
History of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola was built in 1362 by a Banjara tribesman and later expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II to meet water needs of Udaipur.
The lake was a small water body near Picholi village. The rulers of Mewar made it bigger and better, bit by bit. City Palace was built on its banks, and Maharana Udai Singh II added important structures.
The lake became an important source of water for daily use and for royal celebrations and functions, as well as for many political meetings and celebrations. Today, the lake serves as a reflection of Udaipur’s historical and cultural traditions.
What is the boat ride price at Lake Pichola
The price for a boat ride at Lake Pichola starts at approximately ₹200 per person for a shared boat and goes up to over ₹1000 for a sunset or private ride.
- The cost of a shared ride in the morning is between ₹200 and ₹400 per person
- The cost of a shared ride at sunset is between ₹400 and ₹700 per person
- A private boat ride starts at around ₹1,500 and the price increases as the size of your group increases.
- The cost of rides from the Jag Mandir stop is additional.
Prices are subject to change due to demand (higher prices for sunset rides, which are in high demand and therefore easily sell out).
For a complete guided experience, you can also check out this Udaipur tour with boat ride city palace entry that includes a boat ride and palace access.
What are the timings for Lake Pichola boat ride
Lake Pichola boat rides usually run from 9 am to 6 pm with sunset rides between 4 pm and 6 pm being the most popular.
- Morning rides start around 9 am
- Last rides begin before sunset
- Timings may change in monsoon or winter
It is better to reach early during peak season to avoid waiting.
Where is the boat ride starting point
Lake Pichola boat rides start near City Palace at the main government boating point.
- The main boarding point is near City Palace gate
- Private hotel boats may have separate pickup points
- Tickets are checked before entry to the jetty
Reaching early helps avoid long queues.
How to book Lake Pichola boat ride
You can book a boat ride on Lake Pichola at the ticket window near the City Palace or with people who live in Udaipur.
- Buy tickets from official boating point near City Palace
- Book by hotel or travel agent
- Advance booking required for private rides in peak season
Online bookings are limited, therefore the majority of visitors buy their tickets upon arrival.
What are the main attractions around Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is surrounded by palaces, temples, and ghats that show the royal past of Udaipur.
- City Palace showcases royal life through museums and courtyards on the eastern side
- Jag Mandir served as a royal retreat on an island
- Lake Palace looks like it floats on water and is a luxury hotel now
- Mohan Mandir was used by Rulers to watch and enjoy festivals
These places give a clear view of Rajput design and history. Most of them are visible during a boat ride.
What is the boat ride experience at Lake Pichola
- A Lake Pichola boat ride offers views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace with calm water and strong reflections.
- Boat rides run during the day and evening. Sunset rides are the most popular because the light makes the palaces glow.
- You can choose from shared boats or private rides. Some rides stop at Jag Mandir, while others cover the full lake.
- The ride also shows local ghats where people gather for daily rituals. It is one of the best ways to see Udaipur from the water.
You can also compare it with Fateh Sagar Lake Udaipur for a different boating experience.
What can you do at Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola offers many activities, such as boating, palace visits, sunset views, and local shopping near the ghat.
- Take a boat ride across the lake
- Visit City Palace and Jag Mandir
- Watch sunset from ghats
- Explore local markets nearby
- Try food at lakeview restaurants
Many visitors will take a boat ride and visit a palace at the same time. For dining with a lake view, explore the best restaurants near Lake Pichola Udaipur for rooftop and sunset options.
Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola
The best time to visit Lake Pichola is from October to March when weather stays cool and ideal for boating and sightseeing.
- Winter offers clear views and good weather
- Monsoon gives full lake and green surroundings
- Summer is very hot and less comfortable
Sunset time is the best for views. You can also check out the Mewar Festival Udaipur if you want to visit during local celebrations.
How to reach Lake Pichola?
Lake Pichola is in central Udaipur and is reachable by taxi or auto. The nearest airport is 24 km away and railway station is about 3 km.
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport which is located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the lake. From the airport you can take a taxi or a bus to Lake Pichola.
By Train: There is a railway station in Udaipur City approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) away from the lake with railway connectivity to many large cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
By Road: Most cities of Rajasthan and nearby states connect to Udaipur by road. You can reach Udaipur by bus, taxi or your own vehicle. After you reach Udaipur, you can take a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Lake Pichola.
What places are near Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is surrounded by several attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the nearby attractions include the following:
- City Palace: A grand palace complex with museums, courtyards, and gardens.
- Jagdish Temple: A 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located near the City Palace.
- Bagore Ki Haveli: A historic haveli (mansion) turned museum that showcases Rajasthani culture and art.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: Another beautiful lake in Udaipur, located north of this lake.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari: A historic garden with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions, located near Fateh Sagar Lake.
- Dudh Talai: A small lake located near Lake Pichola, offering panoramic views of Udaipur and the surrounding hills.
- Gulab Bagh and Zoo: A large garden with a variety of plants and trees and a small zoo with animals like tigers, leopards, and birds.
Travel Tips
- Since you will spend time walking around the palaces and temples around Lake Pichola, wear some comfortable shoes.
- If you visit during the day, wear a scarf or hat and use sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be very intense.
- If you wish to know more about the history and importance of the places near the lake, it’s best to hire a local tour guide.
- A boat ride at sunrise or sunset is the best way to get the most amazing views.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Read this Rajasthan travel tips for first time visitors to plan your trip better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no entry fee for Lake Pichola, but you need to pay for boat rides and entry to nearby palaces.
Boat ride prices at Lake Pichola range from ₹200 to ₹1000 per person for shared rides and higher for private boats depending on duration and timing.
Swimming in Lake Pichola is not allowed due to safety concerns.
Yes, there are several hotels and guesthouses near Lake Pichola, ranging from budget to luxury options.
The duration of a boat ride on Lake Pichola can vary, but most rides last between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Yes, it is generally safe to visit Lake Pichola at night, but it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and avoid venturing too far from the main tourist spots.
Visit Lake Pichola between October and March when the air feels cool and clear, and sunset light reflects well on the water. Winter evenings give the best boat ride experience, while summer heat and low water levels reduce the overall view.
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