Lake Pichola Entry Fee – Complete Guide for Travellers

If you are planning a trip to Udaipur, the first place that will steal your heart is Lake Pichola. Known for its royal charm, calm waters, and stunning surroundings, it is the true soul of the City of Lakes. Many travellers often ask about the Lake Pichola entry fee, boating charges, and the best time to explore it. Here’s a complete guide that will help you experience this iconic lake like a local, not just a tourist.

A Short Introduction to Lake Pichola

Standing on the ghats of Udaipur, you’ll notice the shimmering reflection of palaces in the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Built in 1362, this artificial freshwater lake was later expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II, who also founded the city of Udaipur. Over the centuries, it became a royal retreat, surrounded by City Palace, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, and charming ghats like Ambrai and Gangaur Ghat.

Here’s a tip straight from my experience: visit during the golden hour—when the setting sun paints the sky in orange and the palaces glow like they are straight out of a fairytale.

Lake Pichola Entry Fee

One of Lake Pichola's greatest features is that admission is totally free. You can walk along its ghats, enjoy the views, or soak in the local vibe without spending a single rupee.

However, if you want to truly enjoy the lake, you must try a boat ride, which is the highlight of the experience. Here are the latest boating charges:

• Day Boat Ride: ₹400 per adult, ₹200 per child
  
  

• Sunset Boat Ride: ₹700 per adult, ₹400 per child
  
  

Trust me, the sunset ride is worth every penny. Watching the sun sink behind the Aravalli hills while the palaces light up is nothing less than magical.

Lake Pichola Boating Timings

Boating timings are generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the lake is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you love photography, plan your visit in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the golden light during the ride and capture unforgettable shots.

Things to Do at Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is not simply a lake; it’s a full experience. After dozens of visits, here are my favourite activities that every traveller should try:

• Take a boat ride to Jag Mandir and enjoy a peaceful walk in its gardens.
  

• Sit on Ambrai Ghat in the evening for the best city view.
  

• Explore Bagore Ki Haveli for a dose of history and cultural performances.
  

• Walk along the narrow lanes around Gangaur Ghat and enjoy local snacks while watching the lake.
  
  

Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola

I always recommend visiting Udaipur between October and February. The weather is cool, the skies are clear, and the lake is full of life. Early morning boat rides are peaceful, but evenings are simply breathtaking.

Avoid summer afternoons, as the sun can be harsh, and monsoons sometimes make the lake water a bit muddy.

How to Reach Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is right in the heart of Udaipur, so reaching here is easy:

• From Udaipur Railway Station: Around 3 km (10‑15 mins by auto or cab)
  

• From City Bus Stand: Roughly 2.5 km
  

• From Udaipur Airport: 23 km (45‑50 mins by taxi)
  
  

Most hotels and local cabs will drop you directly at City Palace or Gangaur Ghat, the main entry points for boat rides.

Nearby Attractions Around Lake Pichola

Following your stay at the lake, you can visit a number of neighboring attractions:

• City Palace – providing a royal perspective of Lake Pichola.
  

• Jag Mandir – A stunning island palace, accessible only by boat.
  

• Bagore Ki Haveli – Famous for evening cultural shows.
  

• Fateh Sagar Lake – Another beautiful lake just a short drive away.
  
  

Tips for Visiting Lake Pichola

From my own trips, here are some tips that will make your visit smoother:

• Reach 30 minutes before sunset for the best boat ride experience.
  
  

• Carry water, sunglasses, and a camera.
  
  

• Avoid weekends or public holidays if you want fewer crowds.
  
  

• Sunset cruises sell out quickly, so buy your ticket early.
  
  

Conclusion: Why Lake Pichola Is a Must‑Visit

Lake Pichola is not just a tourist spot; it’s the heartbeat of Udaipur. Entry is free, but a boat ride is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re admiring the golden reflections of the palaces or simply walking along the ghats, this place will stay with you long after your trip ends.

If you’re booking with Tejofy, our Udaipur packages include boating, sightseeing, and hotel stays, making your Lake Pichola visit hassle‑free and memorable.