Table of Contents
Lakes are one of the most beautiful gifts of nature. Both natural and man-made lakes can be witnessed in India. Lakes are one of the gorgeous features of India. They make you feel closer to mother nature. Truly the lakes are amazing tourist attractions. They are the most peaceful and still places to spend your time on. Here is the list of the top 11 lakes in India one must visit.
1. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand
The lake is located in the Bhimtal town of the Nainital district. It is the largest lake having a diverse variety of fish species. Being the largest lake in the Kumaon Region. The lake has an island in the middle which is a major source of tourist attraction. You can enjoy various activities here.
How to Reach Bhimtal Lake?
Roadways
The bus station of Bhimtal is well developed connecting it to major cities.
Airways
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport and then you can access local transport.
Railways
Kathgodam Railway Station serves the nearest railway station at a distance of 25 km from the lake.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 47.8 hectares
- Depth:- 18m deep
- Best time to visit:– April – June, and September – December.
- Visiting Hours:– 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Cycling or mountain biking, water ball, and horse riding are enjoyed by tourists and locals. The clean and pleasant surroundings of the lake will make your day really peaceful.
2. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon spread over the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts. Birdwatching is a famous activity here. From native to migratory all kinds of birds are witnessed by visitors. Speed boats, a ride on Cruise, and boating are the highlights to undergo.
How to Reach Chilika Lake?
Roadways
If you want to prefer roadways then many private and state busses run throughout the day.
Airways
Bhubaneshwar Airport serves as the nearest airport and from there you can use local transport for reaching the lake.
Railways
The closest railway station is Balugaon at a distance of 34.5 km.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 1,100 km2
- Depth:- 2.6ft deep
- Best time to visit:- November – February
- Visiting Hours:– 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Chilka Lake is the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. Several islands like Rajhansa Island, Bird Island, Kalijai Island, Breakfast Island, Nalabana island, and Honeymoon Island are loved by tourists while visiting here. Chilka Lake is an awesome place for weekend trips.
3. Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Dal lake is in Srinagar. It is also called the “Lake of Flowers”, “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”, or ‘Srinagar’s Jewel”. With the snow-peaked mountains and colourful gondolas, the view of the lake looks mesmerizing. You can also enjoy various water sports, especially ice skating is loved by many tourists.
How to reach Dal Lake?
Roadways
Jammu railway station serves the nearest station connected to various major cities.
Airways
The Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 21.2 km.
Railways
Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station serves as the nearest railway station for Srinagar.
Highlights
- Area covered:- 22 km2
- Depth:- 6m deep.
- Best time to Visit:- May – November
- Vising Hours:- 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Dal Lake is the second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the famous attractions inside and around Dal lake are the Island of Char Chinar, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat, Chashme Shahi, and Mazar-e-Shura Cemetery.
4. Damdama Lake, Haryana
Damdama is a man-made lake located in the Gurgaon district of India. It is a small lake. It is surrounded by the Aravalli hills. Giving a home to 190 species of migratory and local birds which are major tourist attractions.
How reach to Damdama Lake?
Roadways
Bus stations of Gurgaon and Gurgaon Alwar highway are well connected to various cities.
Airways
Indira Gandhi International airport serves as the nearest airport and then you can access local transport to reach the lake.
Railways
The closest railway station is the Faridabad railway station at a distance of 21 km.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 12.14 km²
- Depth:- 20 ft. deep.
- Best time to visit:- October – March.
- Visiting Hours:- 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Rock Climbing, fishing, rowing camping trip, angling, parasailing, hot air ballooning, nature walk, and boating are amusing things which you can try. Some of the places to visit around the lake are Shiva Temple, Vira Eco Life, and Sohana Hot springs. Also, you can try the delicious Haryanavi food in the various restaurants set up around the lake.
5. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Gurudongmar lake is the highest lake in the world, located in Sikkim. The lake is considered holy by Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Numerous temples can also be seen near the lake.
How to reach Gurudongmar lake?
Roadways
Sikkim road transportation is well developed and bus services can be used to reach the lake.
Airways
Bagdogra Airport serves the nearest domestic airport and from there you can access local transport.
Railways
The closest railway station is Darjeeling railway station connected to most of the cities of Sikkim.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 118 hectares
- Depth:- 5,430 m altitude.
- Best time to visit:- November – June.
- Visiting Hours:- Anytime
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Thangu (Yak Race) is held annually and is a major source of tourist attraction. It’s a good spot to take a break from your daily routine and have some peaceful moments here.
6. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak lake is located in Moriang town of Manipur. It is the largest freshwater lake of India and the largest lake of North- East India. You will be witnessing numerous unique things here. Example: Dancing deer, pumdis, and endangered species.
How to reach Loktak lake?
Roadways
Lake is in Moirang, therefore, you can take busses to reach Moirang. NH3 of Imphal is well connected with Moirang, hence can be a good option.
Airways
Imphal airport is the nearest airport and from there you can use local transport to reach the lake.
Railways
Dimapur station serves as the nearest railway station at a distance of 215km.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 236.21 km2
- Depth:- 4.58m deep.
- Best time to visit:– February – March.
- Visiting Hours:- 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Major sources of attractions that you can visit around the lake are Red Hills (Maibam Lokpaching), Sirohi National Park, Keibul Lamjao National Park, INA Memorial, and Loukoi Pat. Also, don’t forget to visit the Keibul Lamjao National. The only floating National Park in the world.
7. Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan
Pushkar lake is located in the Pushkar town of Ajmer. The Hindu scriptures describe the lake as “Tirtha-Guru” and are one of the sacred pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that taking a holy bath in the lake would wash off all sins.
How to reach Pushkar Lake?
Roadways
Buses from Ajmer Bus stand are easily available for Pushkar, connecting it to major cities.
Airways
Sanganer Airport of Jaipur is the nearest airport to Pushkar. From there you can access the local transport to reach the lake.
Railways
Ajmer Railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of 11km.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 22 hectares
- Depth:- 10m deep
- Best time to visit:– October – March.
- Visiting Hours:- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Camel Safari, Holy dips, Shopping, and Sightseeing are the activities which you can enjoy here. Also, the Pushkar Fir held annually is loved by many tourists. Some of the tourist attractions near Pushkar lake are Varaha Temple, Pushkar Palace, Gayatri Temple, Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, and Gurudwara Sahib.
8. Bhojtal Lake, Madhya Pradesh
Bhojtal lake also knows as the “Upper lake” is in Bhopal. It’s a manmade lake and is situated on the west-central part of Bhopal and is surrounded by human settlements on the east and north, Van Vihar National Park on the south, and agriculture fields on the west.
How to reach Bhojtal Lake?
Roadways
Polytechnic and Kamla Park are the nearest bus stops available for Bhijtal lake.
Airways
Raja Bhoj airport serves the nearest airport for the lake and from there you can access the local transport available.
Railways
Bhopal railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of 6km from the lake.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 31 km2
- Depth:- 5000 m deep.
- Best time to visit:- October – March.
- Visiting Hours:- 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
You can enjoy parasailing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and different kinds of boating activities. Some of the nearby places to visit here are Kamla Park, boat club, and Bhadbhada dam.
9. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Vembanad lake is the longest lake situated in Kerala. You can visit the islands around the lake i.e. Perumbbalam, Pallippuram, and Pathiramanal. The lifestyle and culture followed here are different and interesting to explore.
How to reach Vembanad Lake?
Roadways
Kottayam and Kumarakom are the nearest bus stand available.
Airways
Cochin international airport serves the nearest airport at a distance of 100km.
Railways
Kottayam railway station is the nearest railway station and from there you can access the public transport for the lake.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 2033.02 km²
- Depth:- 39 ft. deep.
- Best time to visit:- November – March.
- Visiting Hours:- Anytime
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
Water hyacinths, bird watching, Vallam Kali, paddy plantation, backwater cruise ride, and traditional way of fishing are the various activities that you can enjoy here. Some of the nearby places of attraction are the Kumarakom tourist village, Vaikom Temple, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, and Kumarakom Museum.
10. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Wular Lake is in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. You will be witnessing many terrestrial birds like Himalayan Woodpecker, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Koklass Pheasant, Alpine Swift, Golden Oriole, Barn Swallow, Himalayan Monal, and Chukar Partridge. Fishes like mosquito fish, rosy barb, common carp, and snow trout are also seen here.
How to reach Wular Lake?
Roadways
Buses from Srinagar are available to reach here.
Airways
Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport of Srinagar serves the nearest airport.
Railways
Sopore railway station is the nearest railway station for Wular lake.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 200 square km
- Depth:- 9,600 m deep.
- Best time to visit:– June – August
- Visiting Hours:- Anytime
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
It’s one of the best places for you to go on a picnic. The sunset and the ambience of the lake are quite mesmerizing. Water skiing, boating, and other water sports are enjoyed by tourists.
11. Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu
Berijam lake is located in the Kodaikanal town of Tamil Nadu. It is a manmade lake. The lake has a rich variety of flora and fauna and is the most favoured picnic spot for locals.
How to reach Berijam Lake?
Roadways
Kodaikanal Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand at a distance of 22km.
Airways
Kodaikanal doesn’t have its own airport but you can reach Madurai airport. It’s the nearest airport to Kodaikanal.
Railways
Kodaikanal Railway station serves as the nearest railway station and from here you can use local transport.
Highlights
- Area Covered:- 24 hectares
- Depth:- 2,165 m deep.
- Best time to visit:– October – March
- Visiting Hours:- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fee:- No entry fee is charged.
You can hire a jeep to travel around the lake or also can enjoy Photography, Fishing, and Strolling. Some of the popular attractions near the lake are the Silent valley view, Pine forests, Guna caves, Vembadi Shola, Pambar Falls, Upper lake view, Pine tree forests, Moir Point and Fairy falls.
All these lakes are evergreen trip destinations. Once you visit them you’ll going to be refreshed and will feel closer to nature again. So don’t think too much just pack your bag and choose any lake to visit too. You are going to love the trip for sure!
(Travel Xamp is now on Telegram. Join our Telegram by clicking here to get all the travel hacks, destinations, blogs, and travel news for free!)