Lake Pichola

Pichola was created in 1362 when a banjara grain trader dammed a stream, and Udaipur was later built around it, so the lake is the reason the city is where it is. Of its four islands, two carry the great palaces: Jag Niwas, the white marble summer palace of 1746 now operating as a hotel, appearing to float on the surface, and Jag Mandir, older, where Shah Jahan sheltered as a rebel prince. The City Palace runs along the eastern shore in a long facade of balconies and towers. Boats leave from the palace jetty at intervals, and the ghats on the western side are used for washing and bathing.

History

The lake was created in 1362 and named after the nearby village of Picholi, one of several lakes made around Udaipur by building dams for drinking water and irrigation. It has four islands: Jag Niwas, where the Lake Palace stands; Jag Mandir, with its palace; Mohan Mandir, from which the king watched the annual Gangaur festival; and Arsi Vilas, once an ammunition depot and a small palace built by one of the Maharanas to watch the sunset (Wikipedia, Lake Pichola).

The landscape

• Jag Niwas - the white marble island palace appearing to float.
• Jag Mandir - the older island palace with its stone elephants.
• The City Palace facade - the long shoreline front of balconies and towers.
• The ghats - working steps on the western shore.

When to go

October to March; the lake depends on monsoon rains and has run dry in drought years, most severely in the early 2000s. Sunset from the western ghats or a boat is the classic hour.

Before you go

Water levels vary sharply with the monsoon and the lake has been empty in bad years. Jag Niwas is a hotel and closed to non-guests. Boat trips are timed and ticketed through the palace.

Nearby

The City Palace stands on the shore; the Monsoon Palace is on the ridge above.

Key facts