Under the gentle rolling hills of the Aravalli mountain range, travelers will find the lake city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Many of the city’s popular tourist attractions provide sweeping views of the surrounding natural landscape. However none compare to Udaipur’s best attraction, Lake Pichola.
Covering 8 square kilometers, Lake Pichola is engulfed on all sides by towering structures both new and old. Havelis built to the water’s edge fight for space next to numerous temples and ghats which residents use on a daily basis. Lake Pichola is the bloodline of the city, providing much of the tourism interest beyond the fascinating architecture of it’s historic buildings. The lake was initially constructed in the late 1500′s as a source for irrigation and drinking water for the local residents. Water runoff from the area mountains provides some of the water in addition to the annual monsoon rainfall. A bad monsoon season can be devastating, both for the shopkeepers and hotel owners, as well as tourists who come in search of a desert oasis. It is common for tourists to cancel trips within India and to Udaipur solely based on water levels.
Tourists can catch glimpses of Lake Pichola and it’s island palaces at various points during a visit to the lakeshore City Palace. But unless you’ve booked yourself into one of many hotels dotting the water’s edge, or the Lake Palace island hotel, the best way to view this iconic landmark is by boat.
Two island palaces provide gorgeous backdrops for memorable photos of the lake. Jag Niwas, built as a summer palace, looks as if it is floating on the water. In actuality it is built upon the lake bed which exposes itself during dry seasons. With the era of princely rulers all but forgotten, the structure has been converted into the well known, and well photographed, Lake Palace hotel. It boasts only the finest of luxuries for it’s guests who arrive via boat during wet season, or by jeep along the lake bed during the aforementioned dry season. Lake Pichola’s other palace delight is Jag Mandir which rests on the island to the south. Construction began in 1615 only to be finished by Rana Jagat Singh. Thus both palaces of Lake Pichola are named after Jagat Singh who ruled from 1628 -1654.
Boat rides around the lake run daily from below the City Palace. Cinema buffs will instantly recognize this area from a scene in the British television series Jewel in the Crown, as not much has changed in the 20 some years since the filming. Two options for tours are offered: a brisk thirty minute cruise around the lake or the same boat ride with an added 20 minute stop at Jag Mandir. The twenty minute layover at Jag Mandir is just enough time to snap Lake Pichola from many different angles as well as to read some of the posted history of this island palace. Both rides depart hourly from 10AM to 5PM. Be aware that a general admission ticket is required to reach the boat jetty below the City Palace unless you are a guest of several lakeside hotels. Catching the first ride or last ride of the day offers the best views along the mesmerizing waters of Lake Pichola.
*Population growth and a booming tourism industry has pushed Lake Pichola to it’s limits. The future of this area and it’s water source depends on responsible use of water along with proper disposal of garbage and sewage. Please consider supporting area accommodations who have not violated local lakeshore encroachment laws.
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