Pichola Lake
Pichola Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by magnificent scenery, lies at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains in southern Rajasthan. The islands and the coastline are lined with royal palaces. The main city of the area is Udaipur, also called the City of Lakes. Here, in 1559, Uday Singh II built his residence on the advice of the hermit Maharana.
General information
After his stronghold at Chittorgarh was looted by moghul invaders in 1568, he shifted his capital here. Among the attractions are a palace and a museum. The summer palace of Sad Jangarh stands on a hill above the lake. Here the ruler’s family used to spend the monsoon season. Several smaller palaces and temples also belong to the complex, as well as picturesque streets, fountains and gardens.
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After Maharana Uday Singh II founded the city, the village of Pichola was flooded, which gave the lake its name. The lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide, but remains shallow and dries up during severe droughts.
.The most famous attraction of Pichola is the palaces on the islands, particularly Jag Niwas, now converted into a hotel. It was built of marble in the 1740s. The beautiful snow-white building seems to float on the crystal clear waters of the lake. Jag Mandir is a red sandstone complex, with cool courtyards and a small museum, located on the island of the same name. It was the hideout of Shah Jahan – it is said that it was this palace that gave the Shah the idea to erect the Taj Mahal.
.The lake is supposedly home to several crocodiles, which are believed to stay near the uninhabited parts of the shore (so do not swim here or wade through the lake).
.Boating
Boat rides (adult/child half hour Rs 200/100, hour Rs 300/150, sunset Rs 500/250; 10.00-17.00): boats depart approximately every hour from the Rameshwar Ghat jetty in the City Palace Gardens. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay Rs. 25 to enter the City Palace grounds. Hour-long trips (including sunset walks) involve a stop at Jagmandir Island.
.Jagnivas Island
The world-famous Lake Palace Hotel on Jagniwas Island covers an area of about 15,000 square meters. It is a luxurious palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754.The building, which was once a royal summer palace, was greatly expanded and converted into the Lake Palace Hotel in 1960 by Maharana Bhagawad Singh. It is now owned by the Indian company Taj. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, with magnificent courtyards, lotus ponds and a swimming pool in the shade of a mango tree. Udaipur has appeared on the international tourist map largely because of this hotel. You may also remember it from the classic Bond movie, Octopussy, where the Shiv Niwas Palace and Monsoon Palace are also filmed. Taj Lake Palace does not accept casual visitors: anyone who is not a guest of the hotel can enjoy its magic only outside the tourist season (for example, in May and June). During this period, the hotel sometimes offers reservations for lunch or dinner.
.Jagmandir Island
The palace on Jagmandir Island, located about 800 m south of Jagniwas, was built by Maharana Karan Singh in 1620 and later completed by his successor Maharana Jagat Singh. After that it remained virtually unchanged until the last few years, when it was partially turned into another (small) hotel. It looks more romantic than the Lake Palace at night with its illuminated lights. The island has an ornate 17th century blue stone tower, the Gol Mahal, with huge stone elephants lined up next to its entrance. The tower houses a small exhibit on the history of Jagmandir; there is a beautiful view of the lake and a garden nearby. In addition to the seven rooms in the hotel, the island has a restaurant, bar and spa that are open to all.
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