Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, created centuries ago and later enlarged as the city developed. It is central to Udaipur’s historic core and is one of the lake features that define the urban landscape.

The lake is valued for its lakeside palaces, island pavilions and panoramic views across water and city; main attractions include the white marble island palace, a garden-pavilion island and long palace terraces on the eastern shore. Regular boat services cross the lake and the shoreline walkways and ghats are popular for photography and evening views.

Created in the 14th century and modified over subsequent centuries as Udaipur grew, the lake has been used as a water reservoir and as a formal and ornamental feature around which royal and civic buildings were sited. The lakeshore palaces and island structures were commissioned and expanded by successive rulers.

The lake sits within Udaipur city in southern Rajasthan; it is entirely urban in setting with the City Palace complex on its eastern banks and other historic ghats and hotels lining the shore.

• Boat access: Boat trips connect lakeside ghats and the islands; private and shared launches operate regularly from the main ghats in Udaipur.
• Best viewing: Sunsets and night illuminations are best viewed from the terraces of the City Palace and from boats on the water.

What to See #

• Jag Niwas (Lake Palace): A palace built on an island in the lake that now functions as a luxury hotel and landmark built in white marble during the 18th and 19th centuries; boats ferry visitors to the island.
• Jag Mandir: A small island with gardens and a 17th-century pavilion; accessible by boat and visible from many lakeside points.
• City Palace, Udaipur: A large palace complex along the eastern lakeshore that contains courtyards, museums and terraces with direct views across the water; its façades and balconies are major vantage points for sunsets over the lake.