Sitting beside a deep blue lake and getting lost with its serene beauty and magnificent landscape is one of the beautiful experiences. India is home to many natural and man-made lakes. They are widely recognized for their diverse attributes. Some are freshwater and some are brackish. Natural lakes are of various types based on the quantity of salt in it. The spectacular beauty of the lakes is a treat for the eyes. Besides being a tourist attraction, it is also home to many migratory birds.
From the large assortment of magnificent lakes in India, here are the top 6 that is a must-visit.
1. Chandratal Lake, Spiti
A camper and trekker’s paradise, Chandratal Lake is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes located at an altitude of about 4300 m in the mighty Himalayas. The stunning lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau which overlooks the Chandra River. The name “Chandra Taal” (Lake of the Moon) comes from its crescent shape. This lake is also one of two high-altitude wetlands of India that have been designated as Ramsar sites. Once a tentative residence for Tibetan traders traveling to Spiti and the Kullu valley, it attracts thousands of adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.
2.Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
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 the Pangong 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.
3.Dal Lake, Kashmir
Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an urban lake, the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir, and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists and locals. It is integral to tourism and recreation in the Kashmir valley and is variously known as the “Lake of Flowers”, “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting
4.Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
There are lesser known of the many lakes within the Changtang Wildlife sanctuary. Moriri Tso lake is twin to the Pangong Tso Lake. Located inside the Changtang wildlife sanctuary, this lake offers a scenic place of peace and tranquility. The water body measures about 28 km in length from north to south and about 100 feet average in depth. The lake is surrounded by barren hills, with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Since Moriri Tso lake is the lesser known of the two lakes, the crowd frequency is less too. Pangong lake always has many more people, and is now crowded with little stalls that sell Maggi and tea.
5.Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Among the list of most beautiful lakes in India, Gurudongmar lake is an exotic. It is 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. It is among the top 15 highest lakes in the world and is the second highest lake in Sikkim as well as in India (the first being Cholamu lake at a height of 18000 ft, also located in Sikkim). Associated with few mythological stories as well, Gurudongmar has religious values as well. One can reach Gurudongmar from Lachen in Sikkim via Thangu.
6.Loktak Lake, Manipur
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. It is 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.
