Pichhola Boat Ride
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Boat Ride on Lake Pichola,
Udaipur
 One of the many
little boats that chug around the lake.
  We hopped on a lake boat, moved away
from the shore – this part of the palace dominating
our vista, and then more of the massive building came into
view.
This from a city website is simply too
good not to use, as is :- Pichola Lake is one of the
most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart
of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur.
In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period
of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended
to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.
The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur, he enlarged this lake. He also constructed a dam made in stone that falls under the 'Badipol' region on the shore of this lake. Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone. Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), "If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die' ". The beauty of Lake Pichola attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur. Love it, Love it. Off we chugged.
One of the islands on the lake is The Lake Palace was built between 1743 and 1746 for the Maharana Jagat Singh II (62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar) as a summer palace. The naturally formed foundation covers four acres, the palace was built in white marble and features stunning architecture. It was initially called or Jag Niwas after its founder. It is now a hotel with 83 rooms and suites where patrons can enjoy yoga and spas….. The hotel operates posher boats to pick up guests. Rooms range from £350 to £5,300 (all include a butler), breakfast is an extra £33 pounds per person......
We then started toward Mohan Mandir (a temple) in happier times saw the king watch the annual Gangaur festival celebration from this lovely little building. The Gangaur festival is richly celebrated by the female folks of the state. This is a festival, which celebrates love and marriage and is dedicated to Goddess Gauri. The married women worship the goddess for the prosperity and well-being of their husbands. The unmarried women worship for finding a good husband in the future.
Looking far right is the Daiji Bridge pedestrian bridge (that is supposed to make the area look like Venice).
As we turned left we could see the full extent of The City Palace (actually eleven palaces in one).
In the far distance on top of the hill there is a building called the Monsoon Palace (or Sajjan Garh Palace), built in 1884 so royalty could watch the monsoon clouds forming. The shore opposite the palace.......
...........well known for posh hotels and eateries. We carried on with our circuit, heading left.
To our right Arsi Vilas, small island palace that became an ammunition depot, originally built by one of the maharanas of Udaipur to enjoy the sunset on the lake. Now it provides refuge for lake residents such as tufted ducks, coots, egrets, terns, cormorants and kingfishers.
We saw a crowd of baby ducks enjoying a bobble together.
Our final island building and our destination to see a garden, Jag Mandir (suites start at £350 per night including breakfast)
We saw something glinting away to our left – a lake hoover.
To enable a large number of devotees to visit the Karnimata Temple and other historic sites on the Machhala Hill, the Udaipur Ropeway was built in 2008.
Posh people and guests land at the Badipal Guest Jetty, we are not........so.
We pulled up to visit the garden to the impressive elephants (with chaps painting the wall) and a fancily dressed guard.
ALL IN ALL LOTS TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH RELAXING AND SCENIC |
