Lakes in India: Natural Charm and Serenity Exemplified

Indian Lakes

India is abounded with many water bodies like lakes, ponds, rivers etc. The low lying areas of the earth’s surface where water accumulates from various sources such as rain etc are referred as lakes. Whether it is man made or natural, the lakes in India serves as one of the important sources of water. Depicting the true aspect of the country, the lakes are home to diverse aquatic life.

Significant geographically, the lakes in India are also among the popular tourist attractions. Although the history of the different natural lakes in India is hard to trace, the man made lakes in India do have some historical background, as these were built by the ancient kings. The Indian lakes can be categorized into brackish lakes and fresh water lakes. Astonishingly the lakes vary form one place to other. As for instance, the southern peninsular lakes differ from the lakes in the Himalayas. Popular lakes in India are Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, Nako Lake, Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim, Dal Lake, Bhrigu Lake, etc.

The Indian lakes also bear a religious significance. These calm and peaceful lakes are a treat to the eyes. Apart from their striking beauty, the lakes in India also serve as a major source of water for irrigation and agriculture in India.

While in south of India, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, etc are popular for the lakes, in North India Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh etc are known for the lakes. These lakes brilliantly encourage and facilitate tourism in India. The many wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and the gardens owe their brilliance to these lakes. Another interesting aspect served by the lakes in India are, they offer a plethora of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, angling, etc. The frozen lakes in the winter like that of Chilka Lake or Dal Lake looks amazing!

Indian Lakes Classified

The several classifications into which the lakes in India can be classified are:

  • Urban Lakes
  • Non-Urban Lakes, which include Sacred Lakes/Tanks, Inland Fresh water and Inland Brackish water
  • Ephemeral Lakes
  • Coastal Estuarine lakes

Portraying the rich diversity of India, the soothing Indian lakes display immense charisma. Come and explore here, the lakes in India!

  • Dal Lake: Lying in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Dal Lake is situated at an altitude of about 1,775m. Covering 10 square miles of area, the lake has a length of 6.4 km and width of 4 km. An amazingly beautiful gift of nature to human beings. The most fascinating feature of the Dal Lake is the beautiful ‘Shikara’ and the ‘wooden Houseboats’ with boating facilities. The lake has four parts, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Nagin and Gribal. Parks, gardens, mountains and hotels, surround this popular lake.
  • Pushkar Lake: Nestled within hills and deserts, the beautiful Pushkar Lake is in Rajasthan is located in close proximity to the Pushkar town. Covering an area of 5 km, this sacred river of the Hindus, has 52 palaces, 52 ghats and 400 temples. The Pushkar Lake is visited by numerous pilgrims all through out the year. It is believed that a dip in the holy water of the lake would lead to Moksha.
  • Pichola Lake: The panoramic Pichola Lake is in Udaipur and is abounded by bathing ghats, hills, temples and palaces. Both the banks of Pichola Lake nearly touch each other. The islands on the lakes, located at regular distances consist of pavilions and palaces. Among the famous islands are- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. This massive lake is 4km long and 3km wide, with a depth of about 30 feet. The best time to watch this lake is during the winters, when the lake is at its best. The southern area of the lake has the Machhala Magra Hill, from where the Eklinggarh Fort can be seen. The Udaipur city can be viewed from the east of the lake.
  • Bhimtal Lake: Located in the small town of Bhimtaal, in the Uttarakhand District, Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in the region and is at an altitude of 1370 meters. There is an island on the lake which is considered to be one of the exquisite gems. Nestled within the lush Kumaoun Hills, the Bhimtaal Lake serves as a popular tourist destination, where boating facilities are also available.
  • Hussain Sagar Lake: Asia’s largest manmade lake, Hussian Sagar Lake, is in Hyderabad. The lake came into existence to cater to the water requirements of the region. The cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad are connected by this 24km long Hussian Sagar Lake. The chief attraction of this Lake is a statue of Buddha which is 16 m tall. This single stone statute is considered to be India’s largest statue. Some of the well-known gardens that surround the Hussain Sagar Lake are the Sanjeevaiah Park in the north, Lumbini Park in the south, Indira Park in the east, etc.
  • Vembanad Lake: Covering an area of 200 square km, Vembanad Lake is Kerala’s largest brackish lake. It is situated in Kumarakom that is 15 km from away from Kottayam district in Kerala. This beautiful lake serves as a backwaters destination with facilities for fishing, boating and sightseeing.
  • Chilka Lake: The huge and beautiful Chilka Lake is located on eastern coast of Orissa. India’s largest brackish lake, Chilka Lake has a length of 70km and width of 32km. Two popular islands on the Chilka Lake are Rambha and Barkul. One fascinating feature about the lake is its rich collection of floral system. It is home to distinct variety of aquatic plants and wildlife. The lake is also a spot for eco tourism.
  • Roopkund Lake: Roopkund Lake is in the Chamoli district of the state of Uttranchal. Located at a height of 5029 m, the Lake is a location for Raj Jat Yatra. It is well-known as a mysterious lake, because in the summers, the surface ice of the lake melts thereby presenting a ghastly sight of human skeletons floating on the waters. The lake happens to be a trekking spot.
  • Dumboor Lake: Dumboor Lake is located at a distance of 58 km from the city of Udaipur. Three major places, Udaipur, Gmoti and Agartala are connected by this lake. Every year Poush Makar Sankranti Fair takes place in the banks of this lake. Dumboor Lake has an area of 41 square km and 48 islands. Many sorts of migratory birds can be seen here.
  • Chandartal Lake: Enjoy life at its best at the Chandartal Lake amidst the beauty of the Himalayas. The lake is immensely beautiful and very popular for trekking activities. While some people prefer to trek, others come down to view this lake by Jeep. Whatever be the case, this lake is surely a must visit for every tourist.

From Assam to Rajasthan, Kerala to Kashmir, lakes in India adds to the beauty of the country. A visit to the famous Indian lakes is a must, be it for any reason, religious, adventurous or simply for traveling purposes. Be near the beautiful lakes to experience them at their best. Truly “Lakes in India are Natural Charm and Serenity Exemplified”!