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Diverse natural beauties can be seen in India and the diversity can also be seen in the lakes of India. Major lakes in India are something and they are truly a stunning phenomenon in every sense of the word – from the frozen, high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas to the lush backwaters of Kerala and the swank lakes of Mumbai. In addition, they have spectacular scenic beauty, they are also rich in history and culture. Virtually all of these lakes offer something special to all, whether you’re a nature worshiper, adventure adventurer, or tranquillity seeker.
Top Major Lakes In India
Here’s a list of the major lakes in India:
1. Dal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir
Photo: Dashrathgoyal85 / Wikimedia Commons
Dal Lake, the ‘Jewel of the crown of Kashmir,’ is not only a lake but a cultural icon for Jammu & Kashmir too. Located in the beautiful city of Srinagar, and is one of the most famous lakes in India as a must-visit spot for anyone travelling to Kashmir, making it the South Asian country’s world heritage site that is quite relevant. The lake is famous for its houseboats also known as ‘Shikaras’ which will take you close to the beauty of the lake.
Distance: 12 km
Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹100
Best Time To Visit: March to October
2. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Vembanad Lake is the longest major lake in India and it extends over several districts in Kerala and is one of the finest examples of Kerala’s backwaters. Vembanad is famous for its wide expanses of water and is a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is especially popular with visitors from all around the world.
Distance: 20 km
Entry Fee: ₹200 – ₹500
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Nainital Lake, Uttarakhand
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the beautiful hill station of Nainital in Uttarakhand, Nainital Lake ranks among one of the best lakes in northern India. It has the well-known shape of an eye which is why it is popularly called the ‘Eye of Nainital.’ Surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green forests, the major lakes in India are ideal for nature lovers. In terms of tourist activities, you can enjoy boating, yachting and paddle boating at Nainital Lake and cool the mountain air by taking stunning views.
Distance: In the heart of Nainital
Entry Fee: ₹100 – ₹300
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
4. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Photo: Siddharth Mallya / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most visually stunning major lakes in India is Pangong Lake in the rugged area of Ladakh. Pangong Lake is known for the vibrant blue water changing colours of this blue water, based on the time of the day and the weather conditions, this is one of the most mesmerizing sights in the world. Spread out over 134 kilometres, almost one-third in India and two-thirds in China, the lake is. Pangong Lake is located at a remote location and in association with the beauty of snow-capped mountains, a paradise for photographers and adventure lovers.
Distance: 160 km from Leh
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Sula Lake, Maharashtra
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sula Lake is situated adjacent to the well-known Sula Vineyards in Maharashtra and features a serene ambience within stretching vineyards. Apart from its scenic beauty, the lake is also close to the Sula Vineyards, so it would be just perfect for wine lovers as well. Wine tasting is available here at the vineyards and also boat riding around the lake with good company. It is the perfect place to have a relaxing or romantic getaway due to the pretty views of the hills and the vineyards.
Distance: 230 km from Mumbai
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February
6. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Photo: ch_15march / Wikimedia Commons
In the northeastern state of Manipur is seen Loktak Lake with its floating islands, called phumdis, that are local to that area. They’re these floating islands made of vegetation, that float along with the water, and it makes for a kind of otherworldly landscape. This part of the world’s Tropic of Cancer is a preemptive Migratory Bird Important Site, Loktak Lake is a vital (water supply) resource to the local communities for agriculture and fishing and is home and support to various wildlife (migratory birds).
Distance: 50 km from Imphal
Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹100
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Udhagamandalam Lake, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One such beautiful lake is Ooty Lake found in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. Lush greenery, rolling hills, and dense forests surround its lake shaped somewhat like a long ‘L’, which is the perfect setting for lovers of nature. Visitors can boat leisurely, cycle around the lake, or take a very relaxing walk down the scenic pathways. Ooty itself is a hill station that’s charming because of its colonial architecture, tea gardens and pleasant weather.
Distance: In the heart of Ooty
Entry Fee: ₹10 – ₹50
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
8. Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Sinash / Wikimedia Commons
Kodaikanal Lake in hill station Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is a star-shaped lake that provides refreshments to travellers. With scenic views of dense forests and rolling hills around it, the lake is popular for boating and picnicking. Kodaikanal is one of the most attractive places in Kodaikanal which attracts the domestic and foreign tourists who come here for its peaceful atmosphere and nature’s beauty. There are also some well-maintained parks and gardens in the lake area and comprise perfect places for the day out with family and friends.
Distance: In the heart of Kodaikanal
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹100
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
9. Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
Photo: Utsav Chatterjee / Wikimedia Commons
One of the remotest and purest lakes in the country is Tso Moriri which is in the high altitude region of Ladakh. The lake is filled with water at a height of more than 4,500 meters, and although it’s a hidden gem it’s also probably one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Tso Moriri’s deep blue waters are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and barren lands, therefore it is a surreal and peaceful place to get away from the crowd.
Distance: 240 km from Leh
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50
Best Time To Visit: May to September
10. Upper Lake, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: Robert Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bada Talab, which translates to Upper Lake, is a historical, scenic and popular lake located in the heart of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The largest lake in Bhopal and one of the oldest in India, this lake covers over 36 square kilometres with a history going back to the 11th century. A serene lake with a touch of nature and history, the lake is an ideal mixture of nature and history, with lush greenery and splendid views of the surrounding areas.
Distance: In the heart of Bhopal
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50
Best Time To Visit: October to March
The major lakes in India are vast in number and cater to all sorts of interests like adventure, cultural exploration and peaceful retreats. These lakes have stunning views and will let you experience magnificent moments headed to high-altitude Pangong Lake right up to the lush backwaters of Vembanad. Pack your bags and go out to explore these great lakes and fall in love with the beauty of the natural scenery of India!
Cover Photo: Basharat Shah / Wikimedia Commons
