22 Most Stunning Lakes in India

India is blessed with some of the most stunning and breathtaking natural assets on Earth. India also is home to several lakes. 

From Kashmir to down south and from Rajasthan to the far eastern states, there are lakes made of both rainwater and fresh water scattered all across the country with their sheer beauty. 

Here is a detailed list of the most stunning lakes in India you cannot afford to miss by any chance!

1. Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir

Wular

Wular is one of the largest fresh water lakes in our country. The vastness and the serenity of Wular would make the visitors totally charmed. In fact the name Wular has its origin in Sanskrit. 

It creates medium to high rising waves during afternoon, these waves are called Ullola in Sanskrit. The corrupted from of Ullola then turned to be Bolor (used by Al Beruni) and then the final word Wular came into existence. 

2. Sattal, Uttarakhand

Sattal

This pristine beauty is a constellation of seven interconnected freshwater lakes located near Bhimtal, a small town of the Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Sattal or Sat Tal is situated at an altitude of 1270 mt and set amidst the dense Oak and Pine forests it the Mehragaon valley. 

The lake is a heaven for migratory birds and is also a very popular tourist destination in the Kumaon region. 

3. Tam Dil, Mizoram

Tam Dil

Tam Dil o the Lake of Mustard is an eye-catching reservoir lake located at around 110 km far from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. One of the major tourist attractions of the state, Tam Dil is a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque fishing reservoir. 

4. Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Nakki Lake

Notwithstanding the scarcity of water in its several parts, Rajasthan has the delight of possessing many beautiful lakes. Nakki Lake in Mount Abu is another lake with sensational beauty. 

The beautiful surroundings including the Toad Rock (resembling a shape of toad) and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace form a spectacular backdrop for the lake. There are several water sporting facilities for the tourists.

5. Loktak Lake, Manipur

Loktak Lake

North-East India is the most unexplored place with beguiling beauty. Loktak Lake is just another gift from this part of our country posing an alluring asset. Lokatak is the largest freshwater lake in the North-East India. 

One of the most interesting features of Loktak Lake is the Phumdis. For these uniquely shaped phumdis (decomposed aqua bodies and plants) the lake is also called the floating paradise. 

6. Pangong Tso, Ladakh

Pangong Tso

It is located at the locked river basin extending from India to Tibet and at an altitude of 14,270 ft. 
The beautiful Pangong Tso offers a spectacular view of the lakeside surrounded by mighty mountain rows. 

The crystal clear blue water of Pangong attracts several migratory birds which are another reason the lake looks so vibrant and youthful. The best time to visit Pangong Tso is the months between May and September.

7. Dal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir


Dal Lake

Favourite of numerable Bollywood feature films, Dal Lake is truly the crown jewel of Srinagar, the summer capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. 

The reflection of the beautiful and quintessential houseboats and shikaras (the narrow Kashmiri boats) enchanting view of the surroundings are surely the most pleasant experience for the visitors.

8. Tso Moriri, Ladakh


Tso Moriri

located at the breathtaking Rupshu Valley among the mighty mountain ranges in Leh, Tso Moriri which is also known as the ‘Mountain Lake’ is India’s one of the most spectacular lakes. 

9. Pichola Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Pichola Lake

The stunningly beautiful Pichola Lake is an artificial one located at the very lovely city of Udaipur. Pichola is the oldest lake in the city and offers a spectacular view of the scenic surroundings on its backdrop. 

The pristine lake is hemmed in by the eminent Palaces, temples and elevated lush green hills from all the sides. The eastern banks of the Lake Pichola are decorated with a dazzling Udaipur City Palace. 

10. Pankang Teng Tso, Arunachal Pradesh


Pangkang Teng Tso

Some 17 km far from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Pagkang Ten Tso is another stunning lake India is blessed with. Interesting fact is that the lake was formed after massive earthquake aeons ago. 

The lake is surrounded by the snow capped mountain peaks and the ever beautiful blue Lapis (Lazuli) flowers. 

11. Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh


Prashar Lake

One of the most beautiful rainwater lakes, Prashar Lake in Himachal Pradesh has everything with it to steal your heart.  The stunning lake which was named after the sacred sage Prashar is a much smaller one in shape and size than the other mountain lakes in the Himalayan region. 

The lake has a unique pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to the sage on its bank. Prashar Lake is encircled by the snow-clad mountains.

12. Palak Lake, Mizoram

Palak Lake

One of the most stunning yet unspoiled lakes in India, Palak Lake (also known as Palak Dil or Pala Tipo) is a natural gem in Mizoram. 

Pala Lake is situated at Lakher region of Chhimtuipui district, one of the remotest and most inaccessible parts of the state making the lake a bit unsung among the visitors. Palak was also formed after an earthquake. 

13. Venna Lake, Maharshtra


Venna Lake

Venna Lake is a piece of enthralling beauty amidst the immense Western Ghats Mountains in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Though profusion of tourists has somewhat spoilt the calmness of the environment, Venna still possesses its awe-inspiring natural beauty to the core.      

14. Tsangu/ Changu/ Tsongmo Lake, Sikkim

Tsongmo Lake

The beauty of Sikkim comes alive at the Tsongmo (also known as Changu and Tsangu) Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in India. Tsongmo is a glacial lake located at the east Sikkim. 

The lake is considered hugely sacred by both the local Buddhist and Hindu people. Though the lake remains frozen during the winter season, it gets heavenly beautiful during the months of May and June. 

The crystal clear sapphire water, the delightful bunch of various flowers like Rhododrendrons, Blue and Yellow Poppies, Primules etc. covering one bank of the lake.

15. Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh

Kolleru Lake

Kolleru Lake is another beautiful lake which lies between Krishna and Godavari river delta.  It is India’s one of the largest freshwater lake and offers a marvelous place for migratory birds which naturally makes this vast water body a beautiful sight for the beholders. 

16. Renuka Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Renuka Lake

The largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, Renuka Lake is one of the most sacred lakes in the state. The beautiful lake was named after the goddess Renuka, the wife of the illustrated sage, Jamadagni, and mother of Parashurama, one of the ten incarnations (Avatars) of Lord Vishnu. 

17. Nainital Lake, Uttaranchal

Nainital

Naini Tal or the Naini Lake is a gleaming gem on the lap of a lush green hilly valley of Nainita town, Uttaranchal. The most prominent scenes on the lake would be hundreds of paddle boats and yachts. 

Dotted with hills and lavish villa. The aerial view of Nainital Lake from the rope-way is certainly breathtakingly beautiful.

18. Umiam Lake (Barapani), Meghalaya

Umiam

Situated just a mere 15 km away from Shillong, Umiam Lake or Barapani (locally called) is a treasure comprising of all the natural beauty around her. 

The surrounding knolls boasting eye-soothing lush greenery gets reflected on the blue tranquil water of this tarn and gives a scenic picture to behold.

19. Chilika Lake, Odisha

Chilika

The largest brackish water lake in Asia, Chilika is the pride of Odisha and one of the most beautiful lakes in India. Chilika Lake has always been photographer’s delight owing to its enthralling beauty.

This hugely expanded lagoon is truly a paradise for thousands of migratory birds. Another chief attraction of this captivating lake is the presence of Irrawadi Dolphins, the flagship species of Chilika. 

20. Vembanad Lake, Kerala

Vembanand

The longest and the largest brackish lagoon in Kerala. The magnificent lake is a popular picnic destination and a heavenly place to lay eyes on the ever beautiful backwater. 

The rows of coconuts trees around the lake and the lovely Kettuvallams (Keralite House Boats) stacked on the water make Vembanad Lake a place to rejoice.

21. Manasbal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir

Manasbal Lake

The deepest lake in India, Manasbal Lake is located at Safapora of Ganderbal district in Jammu & Kashmir. The name Manasbal is said to be derived from the Lake Manasarovar.  The bunch of lotus growing in the middle of the lake is another beautiful sight for the beholders.

22. Chandratal, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Chandratal

Chandratal or the Moon Lake is a natural gem located on the lap of Spiti Valley. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 14,100 ft in the Himalayas and at a distance of 10 km from Kunzum Pass.

Chandratal is surrounded by the stony mountains at one side presenting a magnificent view of the crescent shaped lake (the name came from its crescent shape). The best time to visit Chandratal is in the months between May to October.

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