Lake Pichola Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Pichola. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour with Optional Guide

• Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour with Guide

• Ultimate 8‑Day Rajasthan Tour & Golden Triangle from Delhi

• Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver

• Udaipur Sightseeing Tour

There’s no cost to visit Lake Pichola—it’s one of Udaipur’s seven lakes, and the major one around which the city is based. Guided tours are a good way of seeing Udaipur as they take you to attractions that are quite spread out, from the palaces around the shore of Lake Pichola to hilltop sites. Expect to pay upwards of about US$30 for a full-day guided tour.

Yes, Lake Pichola is definitely worth visiting, and if you're exploring Udaipur's palaces and historical sites, you won't miss it. The beautiful Udaipur City Palace is on the northeastern shore of the lake, and the Jagmandir Island Palace is in the middle—you can take a boat out there. Check out the attractions around the lake independently, or opt for a convenient guided tour that includes several of Udaipur's palaces, temples, and gardens.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour with Optional Guide, "As a solo woman traveler I was a bit worried about touring Udaipur alone. However, this private tour turned out to be one of the most wonderful tours I've ever done! I highly recommend it! Please request tour guide Vishal—he is very friendly, courteous, and the most amazing tour guide here. I really liked that there was a pickup and drop-off directly from and to my hotel. It's also worth noting that Vishal is extremely knowledgeable on everything about this lovely city and he speaks fluent English."

The main activities to do at Lake Pichola include boat rides and enjoying the views. The lake is ridiculously scenic, both from the water and from the shore, and the Lake Palace—now a hotel run by the Taj Group—sits on an island right in the middle of it all.

Yes, there are loads of dining options available near Lake Pichola, many of which serve both North Indian and international dishes. Most hotels surrounding the lake have rooftop restaurants offering fantastic views, and there are places to eat within the lakefront City Palace complex, as well.

No, Lake Pichola is not suitable for swimming. It’s not clean enough for most people’s standards, and there are no swimming facilities, beaches, or lifeguards. If you want to swim while you’re in Udaipur, your best bet is to choose a hotel with a swimming pool.

The best time of day to visit Lake Pichola for views is right around sunset, especially on clear days when the light is particularly beautiful. Sunrise visits are also great, especially if you want to take photos of the lake when it’s quietest.

Lake Pichola is a year-round destination, but it’s typically at its prettiest in September, right after the monsoon rains, when water levels are at their highest. For the most pleasant weather, come between October and March, when temperatures are at their coolest. April to June are the hottest months in Udaipur.

Yes, guided tours are available that explore Lake Pichola. Many multi-destination tours of Rajasthan and Udaipur stop at the lake, and some include boat rides. You can also book a boat cruise separately or opt for a combo package that includes dinner and a boat ride.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Lake Pichola. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Udaipur:

• Udaipur City Palace

• Bagore ki Haveli

• Jagdish Temple

• Saheliyon ki Bari

• Kumbhalgarh Fort

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Udaipur.