Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan, created in 1362 AD and named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of several contiguous lakes developed over centuries to meet the city's water needs. The lake features four islands including Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir, surrounded by palaces, temples, and ghats. It serves as a central attraction offering scenic boat rides with views of the City Palace and historic island structures.

Visitors can expect a scenic artificial lake surrounded by historic palaces, marble temples, and bathing ghats. The lake offers boat rides providing views of the City Palace on its eastern banks, the Lake Palace on Jag Niwas island, and Jag Mandir palace. The shoreline features ornamental arch bridges at narrow points and multiple ghats. Visitors can observe birdlife at Arsi Vilas island sanctuary and enjoy sunset views from the water or shore. The lake connects to Swaroop Sagar and Fateh Sagar lakes through arched bridges.

Lake Pichola was created in 1362 AD during the reign of Maharana Lakha, named after the nearby Picholi village. In 1560, Maharana Udai Singh II enlarged the lake by constructing a stone masonry dam at Badipol when he founded the city of Udaipur on its banks. The lake was originally occupied by Banjara tribesmen who used it for crossing with grain-carrying animals. Over centuries, several palaces were built on its islands including Lake Palace (1746) by Maharana Jagat Singh II, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir (1628-1652), and Arsi Vilas.

Lake Pichola holds cultural importance as the site of the annual Gangaur festival celebrations, where idols are swung on the lake waters and grand processions reach the lake. The Mohan Mandir was specifically built for kings to watch Gangaur festival celebrations. The lake represents traditional Rajput water management practices and has been central to Udaipur's identity as the 'City of Lakes' for over six centuries.