Picture this: You're standing on the edge of a shimmering lake, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The gentle lapping of water against ancient stone steps fills your ears while the silhouettes of palaces and mountains dance on the rippling surface. Welcome to Lake Pichola, the liquid heart of Udaipur, where romance isn't just in the air – it's in every drop of water.
I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on this magical place. After a long journey through the winding streets of Udaipur, I found myself at the lake's edge, completely mesmerized. It was like stepping into a living, breathing postcard. But let me tell you, pictures don't do it justice.
Lake Pichola isn't just a body of water; it's a time machine. Created in the 14th century, this artificial lake has witnessed centuries of history, love stories, and intrigue. As I stood there, I couldn't help but imagine the royals who once glided across these waters in ornate boats, the secret rendezvous, and the grand celebrations that must have taken place.
But enough daydreaming – it was time to explore! I'd heard about a charming place called Bloom Boutique | Lake Pichola and decided to make it my base for this adventure. Let me tell you, it was a decision I didn't regret.
Tucked away at the corner of three lakes – Lake Pichola, Kumrao ka Lake, and Swaroop Lake – this 200-year-old heritage hotel was once a haveli owned by Dr. Chaggan Nath Ji, a doctor and special member of the royal court of Mewar. Can you believe it was even the humble abode of Maharana Bhopal Singh? Talk about sleeping in a slice of history!
As I stepped into my room, I was struck by the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. The charming & antique furniture made me feel like royalty, while the contemporary amenities ensured I didn't have to live like it was still the 19th century. And let's talk about that bed – I later learned it was a cloudbed, and boy, did it live up to its name!
Exploring Lake Pichola's wonders was a breeze from my base at Bloom. The star attractions? The island palaces, of course! Jag Niwas, better known as the Lake Palace, is a white marble wonder that seems to float on the lake's surface. While I couldn't afford a stay (maybe next time, when I win the lottery), just circling it in a boat made me feel like royalty.
Then there's Jag Mandir, Lake Palace's equally enchanting sibling. With its rows of elephant statues and gardens that would make Eden jealous, it's a photographer's dream. Pro tip: time your visit for sunset and thank me later.
Speaking of sunsets, if you do nothing else in Udaipur, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola at dusk. As our wooden boat glided across the golden waters, the city transformed into a 360-degree spectacle that no camera could truly capture.
Back on solid ground, I was drawn to the ghats lining the lake. My favourite? Gangaur Ghat, where an old man regaled me with tales of the colourful Gangaur festival. Mental note: come back in spring to see it for myself.
All that exploring works up an appetite, and Bloom's rooftop restaurant didn't disappoint. As I savoured the fine delicacies of Mewar prepared by their professional chef, I couldn't help but be mesmerised by the panoramic views of Udaipur. From dal baati churma to pyaz kachori, every bite celebrated local flavours.
What made my stay special was the attention to detail at Bloom. The spotlessly clean rooms, the rain shower that washed away my travel fatigue, and the high-speed Wi-Fi kept me connected (though, honestly, I was too busy soaking in the views to spend much time online).
And the location? Perfect. Within minutes, I could stroll to Bagore ki Haveli, the City Palace, or catch a boat to Jagmandir Island. Even the famous Saheliyon-ki-Bari and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace were just a short ride away.
As I packed my bags at Bloom, ready to leave but never quite prepared to say goodbye, I realised something. Lake Pichola isn't just a place – it's a feeling. It's the sense of timelessness, of stories layered upon stories, of nature and human creation in perfect harmony.
I may have left Udaipur, but a part of me will always remain there, skimming across those shimmering waters, chasing the next sunset. And isn't that the mark of a truly magical place? Not only does it take your breath away, but it becomes a part of you, a story you'll tell and retell, each time reliving the wonder.
So here's my advice: go to Lake Pichola. Stay at Bloom for that perfect blend of history and comfort. Trust me when I say its the best hotel near Lake Pichola! Sail on the lake, walk beside it, dream near it. Let it weave its spell around you. Because in a world that moves too fast, Lake Pichola reminds us of the beauty of slowing down, watching the light change on the water, and listening to the whispers of history in the breeze.
And who knows? Maybe you'll discover a bit of yourself while discovering Udaipur's royal history. After all, stranger things have happened in the shimmering heart of Udaipur's romance.
