Udaipur, the picturesque city of lakes in Rajasthan, is known as the ‘Venice of the East’. The reigning Rajputana dynasties have made various artificial lakes in the city over the years. Lake Pichola is Udaipur’s crown jewel and most popular attraction.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is one of the top things to do in Udaipur for tourists. Gliding slowly across the calm blue waters surrounded by magnificent palaces, temples, hills and bathing ghats on all sides makes for a surreal experience. This blog post offers a detailed guide on the Lake Pichola boat ride for tourists planning a trip to Udaipur. We will discuss the lake’s history and significance, the boat ride route, the famed Jagmandir Palace, what to see during the journey, the types of boats available, timetables, tickets, do’s and don’ts, and more to help you plan your visit.
History and Significance of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola, situated in Udaipur city in Rajasthan, is an artificial freshwater lake that was built in 1362 AD. It was built by a Banjara tribesman known as Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha.
Pichola holds great historical significance, having been created to meet the water supply needs of Udaipur city and its neighboring areas. It served as an important lifeline for the citizens at the time it was built.
The lake derives its name from the Banjara man Pichhu Banjara who constructed it. As per legend, Pichhu Banjara was grazing his cattle when he met a saint who advised him to build a dam in order to provide water supply to the people of Udaipur suffering from water scarcity at that time. Pichhu Banjara followed the saint’s instructions and created the lake, which was named Pichola after him as a sign of gratitude for his noble efforts.
Over the centuries, Lake Pichola has retained its importance and charm. Its glistening waters, picturesque backdrop of the grand City Palace complex, and the lake palaces situated within make it an iconic jewel of Udaipur.
The Boat Ride Route via. Lake Pichola
The boat ride on Lake Pichola provides a scenic tour of the lake and its islands, starting from the Rameshwar Ghat in the old city area near the Lake Palace Hotel. The boats travel in a circular route around the lake, making stoppages at the key attractions.
The ride begins by passing along the east bank, providing views of the Lake Palace Hotel and Jag Niwas island, before crossing over to the west bank. Here you can see the mansions of Udaipur’s nobility along with bathing and washing ghats.
The boats then head towards the Jagmandir Palace, an exquisite marble palace built on an island by Maharana Karan Singh in 1620. The boats make a stop here allowing you to tour the palace and its gardens.
After Jagmandir, the boats start the return journey, passing by the Mohan Mandir, a charming temple built on Jag Island in the 17th century. The final leg of the journey takes you along the villages of Mansapur and Ambamata as you make your way back to the starting point at Rameshwar Ghat.
The complete round trip takes around 60-90 minutes depending on the boat type and number of stoppages. During this leisurely ride, you can experience the lake’s natural scenery and heritage up close.
Historical Significance of Jagmandir Palace
Jagmandir Palace is an architectural marvel located on Jagmandir Island in Lake Pichola. Built in 1620-1622 AD by Maharana Karan Singh II as a royal summer retreat and pleasure palace for the royal family, it is renowned for its regal opulence and intricate stone carvings.
The palace served as a sanctuary for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his exile from Delhi. This association with Shah Jahan adds a layer of historical prestige to the palace, as it is believed to have influenced the design of the iconic Taj Mahal.
No wonder, the palace boasts of an elegant fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The external façade boasts breathtaking views of Lake Pichola, carved stone columns, archways, and chhatris. The palace’s interior features a sizable courtyard encircled by stone pavilions with ornate arches and pillars.ornamental arches.
Jagmandir Island Palace: The Jewel of Udaipur
The Gul Mahal, a lavish hall with paintings and mirrors, the Bara Patharon ka Mahal with its marble stonework, and Kunwar Pada ka Mahal, the royal princes’ residence wing, are some of Jagmandir Palace’s main attractions. The palace gardens are beautifully landscaped with flowering trees, fountains and marble elephants. An interesting feature is the royal baths or hammams used by the royals. From the palace terraces, one can get panoramic views of Udaipur city and Lake Pichola – an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
What I loved the most is how the jagmandir island palace boasts the sculpture of eight elephants adorning the entrance and faces the Lake Palace. 🐘 Located amidst the pristine clear blue waters of lake pichola udaipur rajasthan, its serene ambiance is a perfect escape. ⛴️ Tourists here indulge in a royal dining experience with a menu offering a taste of Rajasthan’s culinary delights.
What to See During the Ride
Lake Pichola offers picturesque views of Udaipur’s iconic attractions during the boat ride. Here are some of the highlights:
- Breathtaking views of the lake itself, especially during sunrise and sunset when the waters glisten beautifully. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills that make for an idyllic setting.
- Jag Niwas, now a luxury hotel, appears like a majestic white palace rising from the blue waters of the lake. Catch glimpses of its striking architecture.
- Jag Mandir Palace, built on an island in the lake, is an elegant marble masterpiece. Marvel at its exquisite carvings and paintings as you pass by.
- Gangaur Ghat comes alive with interesting local life. See women washing clothes and people bathing.
- The Machla Magra hills on the outskirts of the city give a green backdrop.
- Keep an eye out for migratory birds such as egrets, storks, coots, kingfishers, and ducks breeding on the lake’s banks.
- The natural beauty, historic structures, and active local culture along the shoreline provide plenty of visual stimulation during the boat cruise.
Types of Boats: Cruising the Royal Waters of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola offers various boating options to choose from based on your interests and budget.
Shikaras These are small, colorful wooden boats that usually seat 4-6 people. Shikaras are a traditional and iconic symbol of Udaipur. They are mainly used for shorter rides around the lake. The boats are rowed manually by experienced oarsmen. A shikara ride typically lasts 30-45 minutes. | Motorboats These are larger motorized boats that can accommodate around 15-20 passengers. Motorboats offer a faster ride around the lake compared to shikaras. The ride lasts around 60-90 minutes covering key attractions like Jag Mandir palace. |
Luxury Cruise Boats For a premium boating experience, luxury cruise boats are available. These boats have comfortable lower and upper decks, with amenities like onboard dining and commentary. The cruise lasts 2-3 hours and offers pickup-drop services at hotels. Luxury boats can accommodate 25-50 passengers. | Speedboats Speedboats offer a thrilling fast-paced ride on the lake for adventure seekers. With a capacity of 4-6 people, a 20-30 minute speedboat ride zips past top attractions. |
Where to Board the Boats
The City Palace complex in Udaipur is the most popular boarding point for the boats. This is a convenient starting place because it is immediately next to Lake Pichola and is generally crowded with tourists. Tickets can be purchased at the City Palace ticket desk before proceeding to the boat boarding area
Alternatively, you can board from the northern shore of Lake Pichola, near Fatehsagar Lake. Though a little further off of the major tourist area, this is nevertheless conveniently reachable by cab or autorickshaw. The city core may be reached in fifteen to twenty minutes, with decent connectivity.
Some of the larger luxury boats offer pick-up and drop-off services directly from your hotel. This premium service allows you to avoid traveling to the departure points. However, it comes at a higher cost. For budget travelers, opting for self-transport and boarding at City Palace or Fatehsagar Lake is the best bet.
The key is choosing a boarding point based on convenience and proximity to your location. Given the small size of Udaipur city, all the departure points are well connected.
Boat Ride Timings, Tickets and Duration
The boat rides on Lake Pichola operate daily from morning to evening, with the first boat departing at 10 AM and the last boat at 6 PM. This gives visitors ample time to plan a leisurely boat tour.
Ticket Prices
- Regular adult ticket: INR 400
- Child ticket (5-12 years): INR 200
- There are combo deals available that club the boat ride along with entry tickets to City Palace and Jagmandir Palace. This can help save some money.
Booking Tickets
It is recommended to book tickets directly at the ticket counter at the City Palace complex or through the Rajasthan tourism website. This helps avoid long queues and disappointment in case rides get fully booked on certain days.
Ride Duration
The complete circular boat ride takes around 45-60 minutes at a relaxed pace. This allows visitors to soak in the lake views and capture photographs. The boats make a stop of around 15-20 minutes at Jagmandir Palace.
Do’s and Don’ts During the Lake Pichola Boat Ride
From the moment you step onto the boat, every corner unfolds a new chapter of beauty and history. Feel the gentle breeze caress your skin as you soak in the majestic views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the iconic Lake Palace. ⛵️✨
- Do arrive early to avoid long queues for tickets, especially during peak seasons. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Do carry sun protection like hats, sunglasses and apply sunscreen since much of the ride is under open sun.
- Make sure to bring your camera and extra batteries/memory cards to capture the breathtaking views.
- Do keep children close and don’t let them lean over the boat sides unsupervised. Life jackets are recommended for kids.
- Don’t litter or throw anything into the lake. Help preserve the beauty and cleanliness.
- Don’t engage in reckless behavior like jumping into the lake for a swim. The waters can have hidden dangers.
- Don’t get too close to the edge of the boat while taking pictures. Move carefully and watch your step.
- Don’t speak loudly, play music, or create noise pollution. Be respectful of the peaceful serenity and other tourists.
- Don’t forget to tip the oarsmen at the end if you enjoyed their service. A small token is appreciated.
- Above all, do follow instructions from the boat staff and local authorities for a smooth and safe ride.
Lake Pichola: A Historic Boat Ride Through Rajasthan’s Most Scenic City
Lake Pichola is definitely one of Udaipur’s most renowned attractions, providing guests with an unforgettable boat trip experience. The picturesque lake, surrounded by palaces and temples, has a rich history spanning centuries. A boat ride on Lake Pichola is a must-do activity that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the lake and its islands while learning about their history.
The boat trip brings you by Jag Mandir Palace, an architectural wonder that represents Mewar’s regal legacy. You can appreciate the palace’s magnificent sculptures while enjoying unobstructed views of the lake from its terraces. In addition to the palace, the boat cruise provides panoramic views of the City Palace complex and its surrounding hills.
Don’t miss the chance to capture the ethereal hues of sunset painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, casting a spellbinding spell over the lake city. 🌅✨ Let each ripple in the water weave a story of its own, as you create unforgettable memories amidst the timeless charm of Udaipur.
As you embark on the boat ride, remember to follow the do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Avoid leaning over the edge, littering in the lake, making loud noises, and standing in the boat. Instead, sit back, relax and soak in the tranquil beauty all around you. Don’t forget to capture lots of pictures for memories!
To truly experience the allure of Udaipur, a boat ride on Lake Pichola should be on the top of your itinerary. The ride will not only acquaint you with the city’s history but also leave you mesmerized by its natural and architectural splendor. So come aboard and let the lake take you on an unforgettable journey!
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