11 Incredible Indian Lakes One Have to See to Feel!

India is home to multiple lakes and lagoons that attract a vast number of tourists every year. Ranging from lakes with brackish water to freshwater lakes to lakes with islands, India has it all! If you are planning a trip anywhere across India, Google and you are surely going to find a lake there. Lakes offer you recreational opportunities and even relieve you of your monotony and boredom. From photographers to nature-lovers to couples, these lakes attract all. Here’s a list of the 11 most beautiful Indian lakes that you must visit in your lifetime.

1. Chilika Lake, Odisha

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Located on the East coast of India near Puri, Chilika is the largest salt-water lake in Asia. It presents the tourists with a picturesque landscape and is hailed for its rich biodiversity. During the winter months, migratory birds flock to the site from the distant regions of Russia, Mongolia, South East Asia, and Ladakh. 

Easily accessible from Puri and other parts of Orissa, the lake offers affordable boat rides to the tourists and is known for its tasty seafood spread. . The ideal time to visit this lake is in the winter months of November to February. If you are a bird-watcher, do not wait! With rare, colorful, and endangered birds, the site would surely mesmerize you and present you with the most enriching experience ever possible.

2. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim 

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Located at an altitude of 5183 meters, this freezing, alpine lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Believed to have received its name from the eminent guru Padmasambhava, the lake remains frozen for a major part of the year.

Revered equally by the Hindus and the Buddhists, and hailed by the tourists for its pristine beauty and serene environment, the lake receives a huge footfall during the summer months. The holy water of the lake is believed to have helped issueless couples beget children. 

3. Dal Lake, Kashmir

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Often regarded as the ‘jewel in the crown of Kashmir’, this amazing freshwater lake is known for its mesmerizing beauty and colorful shikaras, or the traditional houseboats. If you are visiting Kashmir, try spending a day in a houseboat and delve into the culture and traditions of Kashmir. Many of these shikaras offer pocket-friendly packages and serve you authentic Kashmiri cuisines, something that your taste buds would crave even after years. The lake has floating gardens or ‘Raad’ that further add to its beauty, especially during the months of July and August, when lotuses blossom in them.

Its shoreline is flanked by beautiful Mughal-era gardens and parks. A visit to the Dal lake is incomplete without a visit to the famous Shalimar Bagh, which offers a mesmerizing view of the lake to the tourists. The lake is mainly visited in the summer months as during winter the temperature drops to -11 degrees Celsius and the lake freezes.

4. Loktak Lake, Manipur

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48 kilometers from Imphal, this largest freshwater lake of Northeast India remains the principal attraction of tourists in Manipur. This vast body of pristine water offers a unique and mesmerizing experience to the tourists. What makes this lake exceptional are its floating islands called Phumdis. On these Phumdis, one sees the small, traditional floating huts (Phumsangs) of the fishing community. 

With facilities for boating and other recreational sports activities, the lake offers the visitors a rich and fulfilling experience.

5. Nakki Lake, Rajasthan

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Situated in the hill station of Mount Abu, Nakki lake is credited for being the largest manmade lake in India. Nestled between the Aravalli ranges, the lake offers a cool respite from the scorching heat of Rajasthan. It witnessed tremendous footfall throughout the year and is known for its crystal-clear water, pristine environment, and scenic beauty. With couples and lovers flocking the site, it is often referred to as the ‘lake of love’ by the locals. It offers boating facilities to the visitors and amazing lodging options to the tourists in its vicinity at an incredibly low price. EaseMyTrip is currently offering jaw-dropping discounts on many of these hotels. Browse through their website and see if any of these suit your taste!

Surrounded by strangely shaped rocks, the lake is also known for its rich biodiversity. The Toad Rock near the lake attracts a vast number of tourists who visit the site to see the large frog-shaped rock that appears to be eager to jump into the lake.

Close to the Nakki Lake, one finds the Gandhi ghat. It is in this icy-cold water of the lake where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed after his assassination. Located close to Dilwara Temple and other prominent tourist sites, the lake is currently one of the most-visited lakes in India.

6. Vembanad Lake, Kerala

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A visit to this lake is incomplete without a day spent in the houseboats. An enchanting picnic spot, it finds huge footfalls throughout the year. Blessed with picturesque beauty, the lake attracts photographers from all over the world. A well-known Ramsar site, it is known for its rich biodiversity. Try treating yourself to Karimeen pollichathu, a traditional fish dish available on its banks, and see if you can ever forget its heavenly taste.

7. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

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If you have planned a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, do not forget to visit Pangong Lake. Situated at a height of 4350 meters, it is the highest saltwater lake in the world. “Pangong Tso '' which means “high grassland lake” in Tibetan, offers tourists a serene landscape marked by breathtaking beauty. Nestled among the rugged and arid mountains, the icy-cold water of the lake keeps changing its color at different times of the day. 

As two-third of the lake lies in China, Indian nationals need to obtain individual permits for visiting the lake. Rules are stringent for foreigners who need group permits for the purpose.

8. Wular Lake, Kashmir

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Situated at the foothills of the Haramuk mountain, Wular lake is the largest freshwater lake in India. Fed by river Jhelum and surrounded by vegetation on most sides, the lake offers a heavenly view to travelers and photographers. A popular sunset point, the lake has a small island, Zaina Lank at its center.

If you have an adventurous spirit, Wular lake is surely going to enchant you. It offers skiing, hiking, and multiple other sports facilities to tourists. The ideal time to visit the site is during the summer months of June to August. 

9. Suraj Tal lake, Lahul Spiti

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Believed to be the lake of the sun god, the lake attracts a vast number of tourists regarding the summer months. Blessed with a pristine environment and dyed blue water, the lake remains a popular choice among trekkers, mountaineers, and motorcyclists from all over the world. 

10. Pichola Lake, Udaipur

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Pichola Lake is the most popular among the lakes in Udaipur, a city that is often regarded as the “city of lakes.” An artificial lake built by a Banjara man, Picchu, has four islands, namely, Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. Tourists visit these islands in huge numbers by boat throughout the year. 

If you are visiting Udaipur, try visiting the lake in the early hours or the late afternoon and treat your eyes to the most enchanting view of the sunrise and sunset from the side of the lake.

11. Kalagarh Dam Lake, Corbett

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An ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts, the lake is known for its scenic beauty and lush green surroundings. If you are planning a vacation away from the daily hustle-bustle, visit the lake as it offers a soothing and pleasant refuge to visitors from all over the world. Try visiting the lake between November and June to make the most out of the trip!   

Conclusion

Want to escape the monotonous life? Planning to seek refuge on the lap of nature? What better can be a way to relieve yourself of your daily burdens than to visit a lake of your choice? Most important lakes in India offer facilities for sports and boating and some even offer you varying other means of entertainment. So do not delay. Pack your bags, book your flight ticket and hurry!