The rush life of the city can be tiresome and leave us out of breath. Not to worry, our India, enriched with bio-diversity has some of the most beautiful escapes. The lakes of India are one of them. Sitting by a deep blue lake, surrounded by the lush greenery and the chirping of birds in the background seems like heaven on earth.
1. Dal Lake
Otherwise known as the jewel of Srinagar, Dal lake is the second largest lake in the District Jammu and Kashmir. While covering an area of 18 square kilometers, this lake is a vast sheet of water reflecting the beautifully designed balconies of the houseboats and the snow-clad peaks of the Pir-Panjal mountains. The blossoms of the lotus adorn the lake giving it the name- Lake Of Flowers. A Shikara ride while wandering through floating pads of lily and lotus in the Dal lake is a must.
2. Pangong Lake
Nestled in the Himalayas, spanning the eastern Ladak and western Tibet, is the world’s highest saltwater lake situated at the height of 14270 feet. The turquoise blue water enveloped by the mountains is a sight for sore eyes. The lake is known for changing colors from blue, green to even reddish. This lake also gained popularity for the climax scene of the movie 3 Idiots was shot here. The ecosystem here allows us to witness the rare species of Marmot. Pangong Tso is nature at its best. It will never fail to amaze you by its beauty and tranquility.
3. Vembanad Lake
This lake is the crown of God’s Own Country, Kerala. With an area of 2114 square kilometers, it is the largest and the longest among lakes in India. Vembanad lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters and is the fastest developing backwater tourist spots. It is home to several migratory birds like Egret, Heron, lark, Siberian crane, etc.. This lake is an epitome of natural beauty and allows you to experience the true serenity in the arms of nature. It is a treat for sunset chasers. One can book a sunset cruise and enjoy the orange hues touching the backwater paradise at its rawest.
4. Chilika Lake
This serene lake is the largest saltwater lagoon in Asia, located in the state of Odisha. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. One can see birds like sea eagles, greylag geese, Purple Moorhens, and many others. It is one of the world’s largest breeding colonies for flamingos, making it a total package for bird-watchers. Chilika Lake Sanctuary is the single largest habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins in the world. The more you talk about this lake, the less it feels. Large aquatic and non-aquatic floral systems, the small islands spread all over the lake, the rarest of animals and birds here make this lake one of the most popular ecotourism destinations.
5. Loktak Lake
No matter how many lakes you see, this tranquil lake is going to take your breath away. Loktak is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, and one of the most beautiful lakes in India, sitting in the lap of Manipur state. This lake gives us a picturesque and panoramic view of the mountains and the plains. The floating Phumdis here give the lake its name as The Floating Lake. They are circular-shaped masses of vegetation, creating an illusion that someone has put green plates on the lake. The Loktak lake houses the only natural floating island situated on a river in the entire world. The Keibul national park on this floating island houses some of the rarest animals like the barking deer, the Indian python, and the brow-antlered deer. The enchanting beauty of this lake leaves us startled and makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in India.
6. Gurudongmar Lake
Also known as the mysterious lake, the Gurudongmar lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is situated at a height of 5430 m in the state of Sikkim. The phenomenon that makes it a mysterious lake is that during the winters, the entire lake is frozen except some portion of the lake never freezes. The legend says that Guru Nanak while returning from Tibet, touched the lake to unfreeze it and help the locals with the water problem. The journey to this lake through the mesmerizing roads is an unforgettable one. The enchanting scenic beauty and the Himalayan winds engulf you, leaving a blissful impression on your mind.
7. Sattal Lake
Sattal Lake is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Nainital district in Uttarakhand. The canopy of oaks and pines envelop the lakes, giving them a beautiful turquoise green color. It is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted lakes untouched by the hands of urbanization. The unique biodiversity allows us to spot some of the most exotic birds, butterflies, and mammals. The mesmerizing and majestic scenic beauty of the lake leaves us with a lifetime of experience.
Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.
-Wallace Stevens
A serene walk around the lake with the rhythm of earth playing in the background might help us discover the truth within. These moments will bring us closer to nature and the wonders of it.
Also read: My Udaipur Travel Diary
