About Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Lake Pichola, the oldest and one of the largest lakes in the city of Udaipur, is a must-visit tourist attraction. This freshwater lake was built in 1362 by Pichhu Banjara during the reign of Maharana Lakha. The lake comprises many islands, including Jag Niwas, which is home to Lake Palace – one of the best hotels in Udaipur. Other attractions that tourists staying at hotels near Lake Pichola flock to include Jag Mandir on the namesake island, Arsi Vilas, Mohan Mandir, Gangaur Ghat and City Palace, among many others. Along with sightseeing, there are many other things like shopping, dining, and fun activities that keep tourists occupied during their stay in Udaipur.
Shopping and Dining around Lake Pichola
Tourists staying at hotels in Lake Pichola area easily get acquainted with ethnic charm and exquisite workmanship on exploring shopping venues near this landmark. From juttis and colourful textiles to oxidised silver jewellery and Pichwai paintings, there are so many things that tourists can buy here. They can also go on a shopping spree at Tibetan Market, Bada Bazaar, Hathi Pole, Bapu Bazaar, Chand Pole, emporiums around Chetak Circle, shops near City Palace, etc.
Whether they want to relish the local spicy laal maas or wish to enjoy a fine dining experience, tourists have options galore near this breathtaking tourist attraction. Some of the popular dining options are Oladar Village Restaurant & Café, Sun N Moon, Millets of Mewar, Khamma Ghani, Tribute, Restaurant Harigarh, Rainbow, and Raaj Bagh. Other popular ones include White Terrace, Shamiana, Cafera Bollyfood, Savage Garden, The Hungry Psycho Lounge & Café, Jhumar, Yummy Yoga and Sunset View, to mention a few.
Places to Visit in and around Lake Pichola
Tourists staying at hotels around this lake can spend an entire day exploring attractions on its islands and along its shore. In fact, boating is one of the best ways of exploring Lake Pichola and nearby sights. Moreover, the stunning Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Arsi Vilas, City Palace, Swaroop Sagar Bridge, Gangaur Ghat, Ambrai Ghat, chabutaras, and havelis, including Bagore ki Haveli provide tourists a glimpse into the regal past of this city. Besides, tourists can also visit Jagdish Temple, Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Jungle Safari Park, Vintage Car Museum, Maharana Pratap Smarak, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal and Nehru Garden, to name a few. All these sights are within a 5-kilometre radius of this freshwater artificial lake, which is also not too far from the immensely popular Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Sajjangarh Biological Park and Rajiv Gandhi Garden, among others.
How to Reach Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is a prominent tourist attraction that is connected to different parts of Udaipur by various modes of transport, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, buses and tongas. The lake is around 10 minutes’ drive from the railway station, which is located at a distance of 3.2 kilometres. However, Lake Pichola is around 27.5 km away from Maharana Pratap Airport and it takes up to an hour to reach hotels near Lake Pichola, Udaipur.