The most beautiful lakes to visit in India include Dal Lake in Srinagar, Vembanad in Kerala, Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Gurudongmar in Sikkim, Chilika in Odisha and Loktak in Manipur. Each offers something different, from houseboats and shikaras to migratory birds, floating islands and high-altitude views close to the Himalayan peaks.
This guide covers 10 lakes across the country, with the facts that matter for planning a trip. We have corrected a few common claims in this 2026 update, such as which lake is the longest and what makes Loktak unique.
Quick facts: 10 beautiful lakes in India
| Lake | State or UT | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Dal Lake | Jammu and Kashmir | Shikaras, houseboats, floating gardens |
| Vembanad | Kerala | Longest lake in India, backwater houseboats |
| Lake Pichola | Rajasthan | Lake Palace and Jag Mandir islands |
| Gurudongmar | Sikkim | One of the highest lakes in the world |
| Bhimtal | Uttarakhand | Largest lake in Kumaon, island aquarium |
| Chilika | Odisha | Irrawaddy dolphins, migratory birds |
| Loktak | Manipur | Phumdis and a floating national park |
| Upper Lake (Bhojtal) | Madhya Pradesh | 11th century lake, Bhopal’s water source |
| Wular Lake | Jammu and Kashmir | One of the subcontinent’s largest freshwater lakes |
| Damdama Lake | Haryana | Weekend boating near Gurugram |
10 most beautiful lakes to visit in India
1. Dal Lake, Srinagar
Dal Lake is the most visited spot in Srinagar and the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. Its open water covers about 18 sq km. Cedar-wood houseboats line the western shore, and shikaras, the narrow canopied boats, work as water taxis.
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The lake’s floating gardens, called raad in Kashmiri, grow vegetables and lotuses, which bloom in July and August. Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, both Mughal gardens, overlook the lake, and the small island of Char Chinar is a popular stop.
2. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Vembanad is the longest lake in India, at about 96.5 km, and the largest in Kerala. It touches Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts and was named a Ramsar wetland in 2002 as part of the Vembanad-Kol Wetland.
Houseboat cruises from Alappuzha are the main draw. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of Kerala’s best-known boat races, is held on a part of the lake.
3. Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake that dates to 1362 AD. Maharana Udai Singh II later enlarged it and founded Udaipur on its banks. The City Palace stands on its shore at Bansi Ghat.
Two islands make it special: Jag Niwas, home to the Lake Palace, now a heritage hotel, and Jag Mandir. Evening boat rides offer the best views of both.
4. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Gurudongmar sits at around 5,150 m in Mangan district, North Sikkim, making it one of the highest lakes in India and the world. It is about 190 km from Gangtok, reached via Lachen and Thangu Valley.
The lake is sacred to Buddhists and is named after Padmasambhava. It stays frozen from November to mid-May, so plan for late spring or autumn, and check permit rules with Sikkim Tourism before you go.
5. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand
Bhimtal is the largest lake in Nainital district and the Kumaon region, at about 1,375 m. It is around 22.5 km from Nainital.
An island in the middle of the lake has an aquarium that you reach by rowing boat. An old temple on the dam’s banks was built by a Kumaon ruler in the 17th century.
6. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika is a brackish water lagoon spread across Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts. It is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second-largest coastal lagoon in the world. Its area ranges from about 900 to 1,165 sq km depending on the season.
It is home to India’s only known population of Irrawaddy dolphins and is the country’s largest wintering ground for migratory birds. December and January see the most visitors.
7. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak, near Moirang, is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is famous for phumdis, floating mats of vegetation and soil that drift on its surface.
The largest phumdi holds Keibul Lamjao National Park, described as the only floating national park in the world. It is the last natural home of the endangered sangai deer, Manipur’s state animal.
8. Upper Lake (Bhojtal), Bhopal
Bhopal’s Upper Lake, locally called Bada Talab and renamed Bhojtal in 2011, is credited to the Paramara king Raja Bhoj and dates to the 11th century. It covers about 31 sq km and supplies drinking water to around 40% of the city’s residents.
Together with the nearby Lower Lake, or Chhota Talab, it forms the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site. A statue of Raja Bhoj stands by the water, reflecting Bhopal’s identity as the City of Lakes.
9. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Wular Lake, near Bandipora, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Indian subcontinent. Its area changes with the seasons, from about 30 to 189 sq km. The Jhelum river flows in and out of it.
It was named a Ramsar wetland in 1990 and is an important habitat for fish and birds, with mountain views on all sides.
10. Damdama Lake, Haryana
Damdama Lake near Sohna in Gurugram district is a reservoir created after a dam built by the British was commissioned in 1947. It fills mainly with monsoon rain and sits among the Aravalli hills.
It is a popular weekend spot from Delhi NCR for rowing, kayaking, rock climbing and nature walks.
Tips for visiting lakes in India
- Check the season: high-altitude lakes like Gurudongmar freeze in winter, while Chilika’s bird season peaks in winter.
- Use licensed boat operators and wear life jackets.
- Do not litter, as many of these lakes are protected Ramsar wetlands.
Find more destination guides in our Travel and Lifestyle sections.
Further reading: Lake Pichola, Chilika Lake, Damdama Lake.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the longest lake in India?
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the longest lake in India, at about 96.5 km.
Which is the largest brackish water lake in India?
Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second-largest coastal lagoon in the world.
Which lake in India has floating islands?
Loktak Lake in Manipur has floating islands called phumdis. Keibul Lamjao National Park sits on the largest one.
What is the best time to visit Dal Lake?
Many travellers prefer the warmer months for houseboat stays. If you want to see the lotuses on the floating gardens, go in July or August.
Sources: Wikipedia: Vembanad, Wikipedia: Chilika Lake, Wikipedia: Loktak Lake, Wikipedia: Dal Lake.
