Lakes in India can be tourist places too. They are amazing man-made reservoirs and wetlands in India. The views of these lakes are delightful and mind-boggling as they display charm in many different colors and varieties.
Here is a list of 20 important lakes of India that you should include in your bucket list.
1. Pangong Tso Lake, Leh Ladakh
Pangong is a very famous place in Ladakh. Every year tourists come here to see the beauty of this place. Pangong lake is an endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at 4350 meters. 60 percent of Pangong lake lies in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
The most amazing part of this unique lake is that it never remains blue throughout the year. Sometimes it changes from azure to light blue, and from green to grey too. Each shade is a picture worth a thousand memories here.
This place is famous for its tourist spot. Pangong lake temperatures range from -5°C to 10° C. Due to this, the place freezes completely during the winter months. Tourists often plan the trip to specifically enjoy the snowfall.
2. Chandratal Lake, Lahaul-Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake is often referred to as the most wonderful lake located at an altitude of about 4300 meters in the mighty Himalayas. This stunning lake is based on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the Lahaul region of Lahaul and Spiti district and at the source of the Chandra River.
The lake looks like a moon and that’s why the name of this lake is Chandra Tal. The lake looks like a lake of the moon and it’s coming from its semilunar shape.
3. Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar
The spectacular Venna lake is a man-made lake in Mahabaleshwar. Here you will find people riding rowboats and paddleboats. There are a lot of games for children such as merry-go-round, horse riding, and toy trains. Apart from it, the lake area is famous for street foods such as corn, bhelpuri, and fresh fruits like mulberries, strawberries, and salty carrots.
4. Vembanad Lake, Alleppey
The lake lagoon is located in the district of Alleppey in the South-India state of Kerala. It is the longest lake in the country and the largest lake in Kerala and it is accessible from Kottayam, Kuttanad, and Kochi. The lake is extremely beautiful and once tourists visit the place, they never forget its views and beauty.
Vembanad is a special lake of Kerala; it has one or two high-altitude wetlands in India that have been designated as Ramsar sites.
5. Dal Lake, Srinagar
Dal Lake is the jewel of Srinagar. It is spread over 15 km and it is also the biggest lake of Jammu and Kashmir. The beautiful Dal reflects the snow on trees and on other places too and the colorful Shikaras and Gondolas float around the lake.
Other attractions of Dal Lake include the island of Char Chinar, Nahin Lake, Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat, Hazratbal Shrine, and Mazar-e-Shura Cemetery.
6. Chilika Lake, Puri
Chilika lake is recognized as the largest saltwater lake in Asia. It is an amazing place and appears like a paradise on earth. A bunch of birds, seashore, and blue water make this lake look more attractive. This is an excellent place for couples on their honeymoon.
7. Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Pichola Lake is an artificial lake located in the heart of Udaipur. The lake was built by the Banjaras during the ruling times of Maharana Lakha. The main beauty of this lake is lofty hills, heritage buildings, and bathing ghats. This is the best place for those who love nature and peace. Pichola lake’s visit is incomplete without a boat ride. So make sure to take it.
8. Saputara lake, Saputara
It is among the most important lakes of India and it is famous for the beautiful, serene, lush green, and colorful garden on both sides. The floating boat, chirping birds, and a beautiful sunrise make it more marvelous. A huge statue of Lord Shiva can be seen here.
9. Naini Lake, Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station that offers a pleasant climate away from scorching summers in the plains. At the same time, people also come here to enjoy the cold weather, especially snow.
Naini lake is surrounded by seven different peaks, namely Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda. The lake is divided into two sections, the northern part called Mallital and the southern Region called Tallital.
10. Manasbal Lake, Anantnag
Manasbal is the shortest traveled tourist spot. It is very close to the village on three sides. The lake is an unknown treasure in the northern state of India. During July and August, marvelous lotus flowers bloom on the periphery of the water body, and the crystal clear waters of droplets give instant mellowing commodities.
11. Sattal Lake, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for beautiful landscaped mountains and waterfalls. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and it is home to the seasonal Himalayan birds. Sattal is a mysterious and hidden gem in the deep oaks and pines. It is known as the little gateway to and from Uttarakhand state to other states of India.
The unique part of this lake is that it has seven interconnected lakes, located at a height of about 1370 meters. The names of these seven water bodies are Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal, Sita Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Panna Tal, Purna Tal, and Sukha Tal.
12. The Mirik Lake, Mirik
Mirik lake, also known as Sumendu Lake, is in West Bengal. Though not large enough when compared to the other lakes, it has some charm. This lake has an 80-foot bridge running over it for people who don’t wish to walk around. Boating on the lake and horse riding are some fun activities for tourists.
13. Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal
This lake is popular for its serene glimpse. It is situated in the southern part of India and is widely known for porcupines and lilies that enhance the beauty of this lake. However, you need to acquire the permit to be here to witness the typical shenanigans and the tropical weather.
14. Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad
Situated in Hyderabad, it is more like a treat and a delight to the visitors. Hussain Sagar is known as a mini historical site and it is famous for long holiday trips. Tourists plan and target this place to enjoy with their families.
15. Ooty Lake
Ooty is among the most beautiful places in India. The lake lies at a distance of approximately 2km from Ooty coy in the lush green hills of Nilgiris district. The view of the lake and breeze will refresh your mind. This wonderful lake is spread over an area of 65 acres and its foundation was laid down by John Sullivan, the collector of Coimbatore in 1824.
16. Renuka Lake, Nahan
Renuka Lake is renowned for its cultural history as it is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful lake is located 38 kilometers from Nahan. It is perfect for the people who are attached to nature and seek peace and solace. The lake’s beauty, surroundings, and flowers make the view more amazing. This amazing water body is the reminder of shapes in the form of a reclining woman and hence is considered to be an impersonation of Goddess Renuka.
17. Pulicat Lake
This wonderful lake is located at the boundary of two states- Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This is the largest second lake in this Indian country. This fantastic destination serves pure and naturally amazing views and displays Pulicat Bird Sanctuary.
18. Suraj Tal Lake, Spiti
This lake is an eye-catching place for photography. This lake is around 65 km from Keylong. The lake is fully covered with thick glaciers of Baralacha Pass. However, the charming beauty of this place is enough to make the drive seem worth the effort.
19. Loktak Lake, Manipur
This is one of the best lakes in India for spending holidays with family. This lake is just a few hours away from the city. The Loktak Lake in northeastern India is one of the most original and changeless water bodies. The water flowing in this lake and the Phumdis are developed and known best for changing their shapes and location from time to time during the year.
20. Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur
It is also among the beautiful lakes of India. Udaipur tour would be incomplete without visiting Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake is surrounded by hills and looks more elegant in the monsoon. Just stop at this lake, take a quick boat ride, have a cup of cold or hot coffee, take some selfies and your trip will become extraordinary.