subject: Lake Pichola The Eternal Charm Of Islands And Palaces Surrounded By Water [print this page] Towards the west of India in the state of Rajasthan is a beautiful city called Udaipur. It is a city brimming with scenic spots wrapped around rolling green hills and serene blue lakes. Tourists coming to Udaipur Shouldnt forget to explore these lakes and their surrounding attractions. And when the sun is ready to set it is the best time to take a leisurely boat cruise, while the world is bathed in orange and red.
Among Udaipurs most popular lakes are the Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and Udai Sagar Lake. As it nestles numerous lakes, Udaipur is fondly referred to as the City of Lakes. The Lake Pichola in Udaipur is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Rajasthan. It is also one of the biggest and oldest lakes in Udaipur.
Lake Pichola is a fresh water lake built about seven centuries ago, in 1362. The name was christened from a neighbouring village called Picholi. The Lake Pichola was built by a Banjara tribesman called Devesh Khandelwal during the times of the Maharana Lakhas rule.
The lake was later expanded and a city was built on its banks by Maharana Udai Singh, where the city was named as Udaipur. About seven contiguous lakes were constructed to supply water needs for crops and drinking for Udaipurs inhabitants.
The beautiful Lake Pichola snuggles two islets known as Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas. These islets were the best spots to capture the captivating panorama of Lake Pichola therefore palaces were built on them.
Jag Mandir was initially a pavilion capped with a dome built by Maharana Karan Singh, and was known as Gul Mahal. Later Maharana Jagat Singh extended the site and constructed a palace called Jag Mandir. It was used by the royal family as a summer resort. Conversely Jag Niwas was the royal summer palace of Maharana Jagat Singh. Completed in white marble this palace was later transformed into an impressive luxury hotel overlooking the beautiful lake.
As you explore Lake Pichola you will come across its dam called Badipol, which spans about three kilometres in width and four kilometres in length. On the east bank of Lake Pichola you will find the magnificent City Palace, which was originally built in mid 16th century. The palace is completed with striking gardens, pavilions, arched gates and terraces, flaunting the past of a glorious kingdom.
Whats more a walk through adventure in Udaipurs Lake Pichola will also bring you to several ghats, a significant symbol of Indian culture. Ghat is a stairway leading to waters, a river or lake, used for bathing and washing. You can capture all these and more wonderful sites while taking a boat ride across the Lake Pichola.
Reserve your Udaipur hotel and start exploring this magnificent city teeming with natural beauty, freshwater lakes and stunning palaces wherever you go. And if you prefer a hotel where you can see the mesmerizing vistas of the Lake Pichola day and night along with its palaces try The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur. This luxury hotel in Rajasthan sits on the bank of Lake Pichola and blesses you daily with breathtaking views of the Aravali Mountain. Rajasthans pulse is embedded in its tastefully designed cosy rooms and suites where you can relish the lifestyle of the royals of a bygone era.
