17 Beautiful Lakes in India To Take Your Breath Away
Owing to the vast and varied landscape that India has, we see a number of very different relief systems. Lakes here, whether naturally formed, or man made, are extremely beautiful, calm and serene, which have been given importance from the time of our epics. India is endowed with a large number of lakes, and each one of them exudes a loveliness that can only be understood when you go near to them. Holidify gives you a list of 17 most exotic and beautiful lakes in India which you must visit at least once in your life.
1. Tam Dil, Mizoram
Tam Dil, Mizoram (Source)
A perfect spot for a camping and bonfire night out in the east, the Tam Dil is about 6-8 hours away from the Aizawl and is a serene spot for frequent travellers. A popular fishing and picnic spot for the locals and tourists alike, Tam Dil is the definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in India. Tam dil is located close toKolasib, another popular town in Mizoram.Local folklore attributes a rather unusual tale to the origins of Tam Dil. It was believed that a woman whose husband had passed away, asked her to take care of this conspicuously large mustard plant growing right in the middle of their crop. When the woman remarried, the second husband did not approve of having any reminder of the former husband and pulled out the plant from its roots. The lake is said to have slowly spurted and grown from the very spot the plant was pulled out from.Aizawl.
Read more about Top Fishing Destinations in India
2. Sattal, Uttarakhand
Sattal
Sattal, Uttarakhand (Source)
A beautiful freshwater lake located just in the foothills of the Himalayas and a home to the migratory Himalayan birds, Sattal is a gem hidden in the deeply mysterious oaks and pines and a lesser knowngetaway in Uttarakhand state of India. The seven interconnected lakes are located at a height of about 1370 metres and regular visitors advise a full boat ride around the lake to soak into the peaceful environs. The names of these seven water-bodies are: Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal, Sita Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Panna Tal, Purna Tal and Sukha Tal. One of the more interesting facets is the wide variety of fishes and birds see around this place, especially the rare migratory birds, hence making it a popular spot for birdwatchers as well. Sattal is just 33 km fromKathgodam and Kathgodam is nicely connected by trains with rest of the country. There is a good road connectivity as buses and taxis are easily available for one to reach Sattal from Delhi.
3. Nakki Lake, Rajasthan
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
Mount Abu, Rajasthan (Source)
If offbeat travel is your forte, then Nakki,one of the most beautiful lakes in India should be definitely among your travel wishlist. The Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are a must visit when going to Nakki Lake. You must also visit he Dilwara Jain templeswhile you’re here in Mount Abu. This lake in India is said to have been dug out using human nails and is a major attraction in Mount Abu. This place is also known for having the huge toad sculpture made completely of stone on one corner, which appears to be jumping into the water.
4. Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Prashar Lake
Prashar, Himachal Pradesh (Source)
Prashar, on the first sight, appears to be a blue mirror fixed into the lush green expanse around it. With a decent amount of mysticism linked to it, the lake is said to have an undetermined depth, and also an island floating in the middle of it. Just about 50 kms away from the townMandi, Prashar is a moderately popular tourist spot, but one of the most beautiful lakes in India. Right next to it, is a pagoda like temple dedicated to Sage Parashar worth the pit stop and some interesting myths about the waterbody.
5. Changu Lake (Tsongmo), Sikkim
Changu Lake, Sikkim
Amidst the mountains (Source)
Imagine a paradise in the middle of mist laden hills with just the right amount of sunshine shining through it and lands barren of fresh vegetation but filled with some slow creeping plants and dotted with the most hospitable people in the city. That is just one way to describe how your experience at the Changu lake could be. One of the most beautiful akes in India, Changu is also known as Tsongmoamong the locals. On the way to theNathu La Pass on the India China border, it is a bit difficult to reach owing to the tough terrain, but the drive is worth it. For souvenirs, one can get dressed up in traditional attire and get photographed with the yaks, but not without bargaining.
6. Venna Lake, Maharashtra
Venna Lake, Maharashtra
(Source)
On the way to Mahabaleshwar is the beautiful Venna Lake, which doubles up as a mini vacation spot ideal for some lazing around in the early morning. During the wee hours of the day, this gorgeous waterbody has the clearest undisturbed waters and a view to die for. Fresh local vegetarian produce is sold in the this area and if you’re lucky enough to hitch a boat ride around, consider yourself lucky.Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide
7. Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu
Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu
Beautiful evening (Source)
Truly one of the most memorable southern Indian travel experiences, a trip to the beautiful Berijam Lake is something that will be etched in your heart for a long time to come. About 25 kms long drive into the wilderness, this place is one of the most preserved and maintained water bodies of South India. You need to obtain a permit to be at this place, and without any typical tourist shenanigans like souvenir shops or food outlets, it is a nature traveller’s paradise. With much of the water surface covered in lilies and porpcupines nestling in the bushes and a lot of animal watching to do, Berijam is where you want to be if the silent call of nature beckons you.
8. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak Lake, Manipur
Floating River Islands in Loktak, Manipur (Source)
If backpacking to distant and quieter locations is your thing then, Loktak is just where you should be for your next vacation. Just about an hour away from the city, the Loktak Lake in north eastern India is one of the most pristine and unaltered water bodies. The floating islands exclusive to this waterbody, also called Phumdis are inhabited and known to change shapes and locations at all times during the year. For a serene retreat from the loud city life, Loktak is where you want to be.
9. Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Shikara Rides, Jammu and Kashmir (Source)
Dal Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in India has been dubbed perpetually as ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’ and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. One of the most memorable experiences of those visiting here is the full dayshikara ride, waking up and sleeping to the Azaan with the water just about to freeze and the water reflecting whatever shade the sun throws on it. The Dal experience is complete with a tour of the Mughal Gardens, like the Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh, the Chashme Shahiand the Hazratbal Shrine.
10. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Vembanad lake, Kerala
Houseboats in Backwaters of Kerala (Source)
A lake in God’s Own Country was bound to be one of the masterpieces of nature, right? Vembanad is Asia’s longest lake, and quite possibly, the most beautiful lake in all of South India. On any evening that you wish to visit Vembanad, expect a view of back waters and coconut trees blended seamlessly like an oil painting into each other, regal looking houseboats drifting in the water and the sun setting into the horizon and lending a scarlet hue to the waters.
11.Pichola Lake, Udaipur
Pichola lake, Udaipur
Udaipur (Source)
Pichola lake is a crown jewel in the Royal city of Udaipur. Watching the sunset from the pier, or taking a boat ride around the lake are some of the small and sweet experiences of the trip to Udaipur. No wonder, Udaipur has been termed as one of the most romantic destinations in India. The lake has four islands on it, Arsi Vilas, which is a bird sanctuary and was previously an ammunition depot, Jag Mandir, Jag Niwas and the Mohan Mandir, from where the King saw the Gangaur festival. Sunset is the best time to visit this place for a breathtaking view and serene surroundings that it has to offer.Udaipur Things to Do
12. Manasbal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Mansablal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
(Source)
Closely flanked by villages on three sides,Manasbal is one the lesser frequented tourists spots, and a hidden gem in the northern-most state of India. During the months of July and August, multitudes of lotus flowers bloom on the periphery of the waterbody and when viewed against the clear waters, have an instantly mellowing and calming effect. A true birdwatcher’s delight, the lake has to offer something to a nature lover at all times of the year. The seasonally appearing birds, and the permanent resident birds are all a part of the most diverse range of birds that the state sees throughout the year. One of the bonus attractions nearby is theMughal Garden which was erected by the empress Noor Jahan and to date is as resplendent as when it was created.
13. Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad
Hussain sagar Lake, Hyderabad
Hyderabad (Source)
The Hussain Sagar Lake has often been dubbed as the pride of Hyderabad, for being a perfect mini vacation spot for people of all ages and also because of its perfect maintained and tourist friendly locales. Located in Hyderabad, it is one of the most popular and beautiful lakes in India. The statue of Buddha was carved from a single marble boulder, and it took 200 artists about 2 years to complete. A boat ride is a must to see the statue from up close. A complete tourist package, the laser show in the evening is when the lake’s beauty is at its peak.Hyderabad Travel Guide
14. Pangong Tso, Jammu and Kashmir: One of the most beautiful lakes in India
Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Pangong Tso, Jammu and Kashmir (Source)
One of the most sought after road trips on anyone’s list is one to Leh and Ladakh, and a must visit once you get to the most remotely located paradises there, is thePangong Tso. Definitely the most popular, and one of the most beautiful lakes in India, especially after the movie 3 Idiots, this salt water lake, located at a height of about 4000 metres is a study in beauty. It creates a striking contrast against the white sand, and appears to change colors when seen from different angles in the sunlight and through various hours of the day. Sunset and sunrise are the best times during the day to witness the true beauty of the Pangong, complete against the picturesque rugged mountains.
15. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Wular, Jammu and Kashmir (Source)
One of the richest waterbodies in the state in terms of history and culture, Wular is also one of the largest freshwater lakes in India and Asia. The best way to make in the most out of this experience is to stay in the local homestays in the village by the side of the lake, when one is on an extended vacation. Due to environmental concerns, Wular is a dying lake in India, but the state’s initiatives to salvage it are showing positive effects. A rich variety of birds and fishes are seen at this place, out of which, the fishes found here are the chief suppliers of the state’s demand.
16. Chandratal, Spiti
Chandratal, Spiti Source
A trip to Spiti remains incomplete without a visit to the beautiful yet offbeatChandratal. Literally meaning Moon lake, Chandratal is located around 10 km fromKunzum Pass and is a delight for photographers and nature lovers, being one of the most beautiful lakes in India.
17. Gurudongmar, North Sikkim
Gurudongmar, SIkkim Source
Last, but among the list of most beautiful lakes in India, Gurudongmar is an exotic, yet unexplored place in the northern part of Sikkim. One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar is located at a height of 5,210 metres above sea-level. Associated with few mythological stories as well, Gurudongmar has religious values as well. One can reach Gurudongmar from Lachen in Sikkim via Thangu.
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