The 4 must visit lakes of India

Last updated on December 17, 2015

India is home to a good number of picturesque lakes and long rivers, which spread throughout the country from Rajasthan to Assam and from Kashmir to Kerala. Lakes in India are of two categories – manmade lakes and natural lakes. Also, lakes are divided into freshwater lake and brackish water lake. The biggest reservoir in India is the Indira Sagar Reservoir and the India’s largest inland salt lake is the Sambhar Salt Lake. Most lakes in the country are fresh water lakes like the Dal Lake in Kashmir and Sasthamkotta Lake in Kerala. These two water bodies on land are two of the most beautiful tourist spots in India. In terms of pure beauty, Cholamu Lake is the most beautiful. Here’s an insight into India’s most popular lakes-

1) Wular Lake – One of the largest fresh water lakes of Asia and largest one in India, Wular Lake is located in the beautiful Jammu and Kashmir. It is enveloped by huge mountains and measures 24 kms across. The lake’s green water is an important natural habitat to fishes, lots of migratory birds and wildlife. Wular Lake is the main source of income for hundreds of people living near its shores and even in other parts of the Kashmir Valley. They earn their living through fishing in the lake. Other beautiful lakes in the Kashmir Valley are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake

2) Loktak Lake – Largest freshwater lake in north east India, Loktak Lake is located in Manipur. Also, it is known as the only floating lake in the world because of the floating phumdis. The economy of the state owes a lot to this ancient lake. The lakes water is used for hydro power generation, drinking water and even for wildlife. Sangai is found in the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, which is the last refuge of the critically endangered Sangai.

3) Damdama Lake – Located in Haryana, Damdama Lake is one of the biggest natural lakes of the North West. For Delhiites, it’s a great weekend getaway destination. Situated near the famous Aravalli Hills, Sohna Hills is a short distance drive from Damdama Lake and is one of the best places for rock climbing, boating, trekking and bungee jumping. Another famous lake in Haryana is the Sohna Lake, located amidst the Aravalli hills in Chandigarh. Sohna Lake is one of the most visited tourist places in Gurgaon.

4) Dal Lake – Kashmir Valley as we all know is blessed with natural exotic beauty of water bodies and landscapes. The best of those water bodies is the Dal Lake, the second largest lake in the state and one of the most picturesque ones in India. It is the first place people visit when in Kashmir. Leaving the natural beauty of the Lake, it also offers other attractions like the colorful shikaras, floating gardens and comfortable houseboats.

All these lakes can be reached both by their nearest trains and airport. Owing to cheaper fares and online food order in train, most people, however, prefer the former over the latter.