Top 20 Lakes to Visit in India

If you’re planning a trip to this diversified land with topographical excellence, you can consider checking out some of the most gorgeous lakes of the country:

1. Dal lake, Kashmir 

Reckoned to be the icon of Kashmir tourism industry, Dal Lake is undoubtedly the centre of attraction in Kashmir. The snowcapped mountains stand tall on its three sides calming down the shikara studded waters of the Dal. The lake, also known as the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’, is an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

2. Chhangu Lake, Sikkim 

Also known as Tsomgo or Tsongmo, this frozen glacial lake, blanketed by towering peaks and crisp, cold air, enveloped by an azure blue sky – Chhangu Lake is one of those rare places that dignify the platitude. Tourist attractions at the lake site include joy rides on decorated yaks and mules where kiosks offer variety of food and drinks. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake. 

3. Nainital Lake, Uttarakhand 

Also known as the Naini Lake, it is one of the major attractions of the tourists throughout the year in the Kumaon town of Nainital. Nurtured amidst lush green panoramic hills and pleasantly chilly breeze, the Naini lake is nothing less than fresh out of dreams. The crescent-shaped freshwater lake is a popular destination throughout the year.

4. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim 

Considered as one of the highest lakes in the world, the crystal clear Gurudongmar is a spectacular lake that mirrors the iced mountains enclosing it from all sides. It is extremely popular amongst the tourists because of its religious significance, scenic beauty and admirable treks. The surprising fact about this sanctified lake is that even in extreme winters, a part of this lake never freezes.

5. Chandra Taal, Spiti 

The surreal beauty of the Chandra Taal smacks you in the face, it looks as if heavens have meticulously hand-painted this Kohinoor of nature with their own palette. Beautifully nestled between the mountains of Spiti Valley on Samudra Tal plateau, Chandra Taal is a 2.5 km wide freshwater lake that beckons tourists from all across the world.  

6. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir 

Located in the Bandipora district about 59.3km away from Srinagar, the Wular Lake is one of the largest and oldest freshwater lakes in Asia. The lake has rich flora and fauna and is nestled between the scenic Himalayas and green meadows. There are provisions for water sports, boating in shikaras and fishing. The best time to visit is late afternoon as the light is beautiful for photos.

7. Pangong Tso, Ladakh 

Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. The magnanimous blue of the waters is rightly pitted against the phenomenal arid mountains. The best time to visit Pangong Lake is during summers i.e., from May to September as weather during winter is intense and the lake would be frozen. 

8. Dhankar Lake, Spiti 

Dhankhar Lake is located in Dhankhar village in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a 5 km uphill trek from the Dhankhar village along a barren, muddy and dusty path across the mountain range. If you are longing for a break from the busy city hustle, Dhankar lake is the ideal way out that would make you sit for hours and just soak in its pristine purity.  

9. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand 

Bhimtal Lake is located in the town of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, with a dam built in 1883 creates the storage facility. It is the largest lake in Kumaon region, known as the lake district of India. The lake provides drinking water supply and supports aquaculture with variety of fish species. A boat ride in Bhimtal Lake to the island in the middle of it is quite a ride. 

10. Umiam Lake, Shillong 

Umiam Lake is a reservoir located in the hills 15 km to the North of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya, India. The lake serves as a major tourist attraction for the state of Meghalaya. It is also apopular destination for water sport and adventure facilities. Tourists visit this spot for kayaking, watercycling, scooting and boating.

11. Kareri Lake, Himachal 

Also known as Kumarwah Lake, this is a shallow, freshwater lake that is situated to the south of the Dhauladhar range, about 9 kilometres to the northwest of Dharamshala, in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. Kareri Lake is best known as one of the most mind-blowing trekking destinations of Dhauladhars. The water in the basin is such crystal clear that one can see the lake bed. Majestic mountains, clear blue skies, lush green surroundings and the shimmering waters add to the lure of this popular tourist destination. 

12. Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu 

An astounding landmark of the Kodaikanal city, it is an artificial lake and is also called Kodai Lake by the locals. Kodai Lake is an ideal treat to enjoy your end of the week here, and you can pick the extravagance resorts arranged close by to make the most out of your outing here. It is a special attraction for nature lovesr and photography buffs.

13. Raj Kathog lake, Sikkim 

Kathog Lake known as ‘Kathok Tsho’ is a beautiful lake, located in the west part of Sikkim in Yuksom. Few monasteries nearby like the oldest Dubdi monastery and Tashiding Monastery along with the newly re-established ‘Kathok Wosel Ling’ Monastery located above this lake, surely ask for a visit along with this lake. 

14. Vembanad Lake, Kerala 

The very picturesque Vembanad lake is the longest lake in India, as well as the largest lake in the state of Kerala situated in Alleppey. It is filled with exotic and exquisite natural resources. The flora and fauna of this lake is very lively and it acts as an active ecological hub.

15. Loktak Lake, Manipur 

Loktak Lake in Manipur is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast and is popular for its floating islands that even host a national park. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, one of the most popular tourist places in Manipur lies in the southeastern region of the lake. 

16. Kausarnag Lake, Kashmir 

Kausar Nag or Kausarnag is located in the Kulgam district of Kashmir Valley, a high-altitude lake. Kausarnag is filled with absolute beauty, the beauty of the mesmerising alpine lakes and the eternally peace-giving lakes. Once you visit the destination, the lake has a lot in stock for you. 

 17. Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala 

Ashtamudi Lake is the entrance to the famous backwaters of Kerala and the houseboat rides here are very famous. This place is so beautiful that tourists from different parts of the country and abroad, visit this natural paradise to catch a glimpse of one of many splendours in terms of the population regarding flora and aquafauna with hundreds of species thriving under its waters. A revered tourist destination in the state, Ashtamudi Lake is known for its unique ecosystem and varied offerings.

18. Penga Teng Tso Lake, Arunachal Pradesh 

One of Arunachal Pradesh’s most surreal attractions, Penga Teng Tso is a high-altitude Himalayan Lake like no other. Located in Tawang, Penga Teng Tso is a major tourist attraction also because it offers thrilling adventure activities to the adrenaline junkie. 

19. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand 

It is a popular trekking destination in Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state. Famous as the spookiest lake of the country, when the frozen lake melts, hundreds of skeletons can be seen floating in the water. From scientific to religious, there are a number of theories behind this mystery.

20. Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan 

Located in the small town of Pushkar in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, The Pushkar Lake is one of the most prominent spots of pilgrimage as well as the site of the world famous Pushkar Fair. While the weather and festivities in Pushkar stay alive all year long, the best time to visit the holy town is between November and March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the desert is a whole lot friendlier for those day-long safaris.