Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The lakes in North East India are splendid pieces of nature that remain unexplored. Their rich culture and history magnify these mystical landscapes even further. These lakes are enveloped by mountains and abundant greenery. Every lake has its own captivating story. From tranquil wetlands to high-altitude mountain lakes, the lakes are refreshingly unique. These water bodies are a respite for the diverse wildlife in the region, making it perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers.
9 Lakes In North East India
The lakes in northeast India are exquisite. They serve as more than just bodies of water. Each of them is a living ecosystem. Here are the best 10 lakes in North East India:
1. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Photo: ch_15march / Wikimedia Commons
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. It is known for its famous Phumdis floating islands. These islands are made of decomposed plant material, soil, and other organic matter. The Phumdis make the lake look unique and visually stunning. Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world, is located within the lake. Loktak Lake serves as an important fishery for local communities. Boating and fishing have also become popular among tourists. The calm waters paired with the surrounding hills serve as an excellent spot for relaxation and capture breathtaking photographs.
Location: Moirang, Manipur
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Keibul Lamjao National Park, INA Memorial Complex, Sendra Island
2. Tsongmo Lake, Sikkim
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Tsongmo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake sitting at a high altitude. It is located at an altitude of 3,753 meters in East Sikkim, India. It remains frozen during the winter season. The color of the lake changes with the seasons. During summer, its color is beautiful bright blue and snowy white during winter. The locals also deem the lake sacred. It is also home to many yaks decorated in colorful wool, which serve as a tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy yak rides alongside the extravagant views. In contrast to the pristine scenery of the lake, the journey to the lake offers incredible views along the winding mountain roads.
Location: East Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Nathula Pass, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
3. Deepor Bil, Assam
Photo: Natureboy94 / Wikimedia Commons
Deepor Bil is a special wetland near Guwahati. It is a large freshwater lake in Assam and a bird sanctuary. It spans around 40 square kilometers and is an important biodiversity hotspot. During the winter season, many migratory birds visit the lake. You might see bar-headed geese or spot some rare storks. The lake is an important wetland ecosystem as it contains many species of aquatic plants and fish. The lake is best experienced when one goes for a boat ride to explore the lake while bird watching at the same time.
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Zoo, Saraighat Bridge
4. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
Photo: Prof. Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, is a stunning man-made reservoir that stands as a representative of the beautiful lakes in North East India. Although the lake was created to increase the dam’s water capacity, it is far more than just a reservoir nowadays. With the lake surrounded by enormous green hills, it is considered a truly outstanding tourist destination. This lake is particularly famous for hosting watersports such as kayaking and boating. The views of sunrise and sunset over the lake are simply incredible. Due to the calm atmosphere of Umiam Lake, many people set out to the lake not only to enjoy water activities but also for a serene picnic by the water’s edge.
Location: Near Shillong, Meghalaya
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Nearby Attractions: Lum Nehru Park, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum
5. Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura
Photo: Mr Nimai Debbarma / Wikimedia Commons
Rudrasagar Lake stands out among the lakes in North East India with its stunning Neermahal Palace. The palace was built in 1930 by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma of the Manikya Dynasty. It is located right in the center of the lake. Neermahal has features of both Hindu and Mughal architecture. The lake is also famous as a bird-watching site with numerous migratory birds coming to the lake in winter. It is also Ramsar Wetland Site. Tourists can go on boat trips to the palace and relish the beautiful calmness of the area.
Location: Melaghar, Tripura
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Neermahal Palace, Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura Sundari Temple
6. Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sangetsar Lake lies at a high altitude and is located close to the Indo-China border. It is also called Madhuri Lake. The lake derives its name from the famous Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a famous scene in the movie Koyla at the lake. The lake was formed due to an earthquake in 1950. Hence, a few tree trunks can still be seen emerging from the water. Sangetsar Lake is a serene and charming place. It is beautifully surrounded by tall marbled mountains. The colorful prayer flags placed around the lake lend it a spiritual aura while making it breathtakingly picturesque.
Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearby Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Bum La Pass, Gorsam Chorten
7. Shilloi Lake, Nagaland
Photo: Murari521 / Wikimedia Commons
Shilloi Lake sits in the Phek district of Nagaland. It is one of the most beautiful lakes one can ever visit. It is surrounded by hills, forests, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Scientifically unexplained, the lake seems to have a humanlike form and is said to be guarded by spirits as per local legends. Sacred and majestic at the same time, few people can say to have drowned in the lake. The calm waters are truly soothing and make it a great location for deep reflection. Moreover, the serene forest is home to numerous vibrant birds and butterflies, making it an absolute paradise for many.
Location: Phek District, Nagaland
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Dzükou Valley, Khezhakeno Village
8. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons
At a staggering height of 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is considered sacred by Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Locals claim that Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake to never freeze completely, so a part of the lake does not freeze completely. Another specialty of the lake is that its surface remains frozen for the first half of winter. Moreover, the lake is surrounded by dazzling snowy mountain peaks which look extremely breathtaking.
Location: North Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Cholamu Lake, Thangu Valley, Lachen Monastery
9. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: JyotiPN / Wikimedia Commons
Sela Lake sits near a high mountain pass. It is 13,700 feet above sea level. It is a small lake but lovely nonetheless and drains into the Nuranang River, a tributary of the Tawang River. It remains frozen during the winter. The landscape looks like a winter dream. The lake has a deep cultural significance for the local Buddhist Monpa community. The snow-topped mountains around the lake enhance its beauty. It is an amazing site to relish nature and a great stopover while heading towards Tawang.
Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Dirang Valley, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Nuranang Waterfall
The lakes in North East India are exceptional spots in nature. They harbor a rich combination of nature and culture. These lakes are splendid in their way. A few are located at high altitudes in the mountains, whereas some host rare species, and others have great cultural significance. These lakes in northeast India are not just water bodies but are living tales ready to be told. Plan your journey with TripXL and explore the hidden gems of North East India.
Cover Photo: Bhaskar Palit / Unsplash
