Lake Pichola - The Iconic Lake of Udaipur

Lake Pichola was originally built in 1362 AD by Pichhu Banjara, a gypsy tribesman, to transport grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha. Impressed by its beauty, Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, enlarged the lake in the 16th century when he established the city on its banks. He also built a stone dam in the Badipol region. The lake's surroundings were subsequently developed by various Maharanas, who built palaces, ghats, and temples along its shores and on its islands, making it the central feature of their royal capital.

Lake Pichola is significant not just as a water source but as the defining geographical and cultural feature of Udaipur, earning the city its title 'Venice of the East'. Its creation transformed the landscape, enabling the construction of magnificent waterside and island palaces like the City Palace and Jag Mandir. It is an outstanding example of historic water management and urban planning. For visitors and locals alike, it is the primary recreational space, central to the city's identity, tourism, and daily life, offering iconic views that are recognized worldwide.