Lake Pichola is in Udaipur. Entry is From about ₹400 (day) / ₹700 (sunset) for Indian visitors. It opens boats run through the day; sunset is the prized slot. Weather permitting. The best time is A sunset boat ride. When the palaces glow over the water.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Created | 14th century |
| Named after | Picholi village |
| Islands | Jag Mandir & Lake Palace |
| Best for | Sunset boat rides |
| Location | Udaipur, Rajasthan |
Lake Pichola is the shimmering centre of Udaipur. Created in the 14th century. Later enlarged by the Mewar rulers. Palaces, ghats and temples line its shores.
Two islands sit on the water: Jag Mandir. A garden palace once used as a royal retreat. And the Lake Palace, now a famous hotel. A sunset boat ride past them is Udaipur's signature experience.
Sources: Rajasthan Tourism · Lake Pichola — Wikipedia.
What makes it special, and what to look for.
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lake created | 1362 CE | Wikipedia |
| Enlarged | 1560, by Udai Singh II | Wikipedia |
| Length | 4 km | Wikipedia |
| Width | 3 km | Wikipedia |
| Max depth | 8.5 m | Wikipedia |
| Surface area | 696 ha | Wikipedia |
| Islands | Jag Mandir & Jag Niwas | Wikipedia |
| Jag Mandir begun | 1551 | Wikipedia |
| Jag Mandir done | by 1652 | Wikipedia |
| Lake Palace built | 1746 | Wikipedia |
| Fed by | the Sisarma & hill streams | Wikipedia |
| Ghats | line the east bank | Wikipedia |
| Best experience | a sunset boat | Wikipedia |
Lake Pichola was created in 1362. A Banjara tribesman dammed it. Udai Singh II later enlarged it.
The lake runs 4 kilometres long. It is 3 kilometres wide. It reaches 8.5 metres deep.
Two island palaces float on it. Jag Mandir is one. The Lake Palace is the other.
Jag Mandir was begun in 1551. It was finished by 1652. Prince Khurram once hid there.
The Lake Palace rose in 1746. It sits on a four-acre island. It is now a famous hotel.
A sunset boat ride is the highlight. Palaces glow over the water. It is Udaipur's signature scene.
The lake is Udaipur's soul. Palaces crowd its shores. It gives the city its romance.
Udai Singh II enlarged it. He founded Udaipur beside it. The lake shaped the whole city.
Jag Mandir shelters a garden palace. Marble pavilions crown it. Prince Khurram once hid there.
The Lake Palace floats nearby. It is now a famous hotel. It seems to rest on the water.
Boats leave from the City Palace jetty. Sunset is the prized slot. It sells out fast.
In dry years the lake shrinks. Boat rides may pause then. Check the water on arrival.
The lake defines Udaipur. Palaces ring its shores. It gives the city its fame.
It is man-made, not natural. A dam holds its waters. Kings enlarged it over time.
Two islands carry palaces. One is a garden retreat. One is a floating hotel.
Ghats line the eastern bank. The City Palace rises above. Temples step to the water.
Boats leave from the palace jetty. Sunset is the best ride. Book it early in the day.
In drought the lake falls. Boat trips can pause. Check the level when you arrive.
Sources: Rajasthan Tourism · Lake Pichola — Wikipedia.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: Rajasthan Tourism · Lake Pichola — Wikipedia.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1362 | The lake is created. |
| 1551–1652 | Jag Mandir is built. |
| 1623 | Prince Khurram shelters here. |
| 1746 | The Lake Palace is built. |
Sources: Rajasthan Tourism · Lake Pichola — Wikipedia.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Boat ride | From about ₹400 (day) / ₹700 (sunset) |
| Lakeside views | Free from the ghats |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Boats run through the day; sunset is the prized slot. |
| Weekly closing | Weather permitting. |
| Best time to visit | A sunset boat ride, when the palaces glow over the water. |
| How long to allow | One to two hours suits most visits. |
Sources: Rajasthan Tourism · Lake Pichola — Wikipedia.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Boarding | Boats depart from Rameshwar Ghat, inside the City Palace |
| Views | Free from Ambrai and Lal Ghat |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Udaipur from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Plan around India's seasons. A sunset boat ride. When the palaces glow over the water.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Udaipur to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Udaipur guide for the best areas.
It sells out — reserve ahead.
In dry years boat rides may pause.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | From about ₹400 (day) / ₹700 (sunset) |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free from the ghats |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Lake Pichola with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
Day rides start around ₹400 and sunset rides around ₹700. Usually from the City Palace jetty.
Jag Mandir. A garden palace, and the Lake Palace, a luxury hotel.
Sunset, when the palaces glow over the water.
From Rameshwar Ghat, inside the City Palace complex.
Yes — the sunset boat ride is Udaipur's signature experience.
Boarding: Boats depart from Rameshwar Ghat. Inside the City Palace; Views: Free from Ambrai, Lal Ghat.
You can also visit City Palace. Udaipur, Udaipur guide, Rajasthan guide.
Stay in Udaipur. See our Udaipur guide.
Keep exploring around Udaipur.