India-A country of variety is blessed with some of the most stunning lakes. Take a boat ride with Holidaymine to some of the most awesome lakes of India, where you will be seduced by nature and get a glimpse of the most spectacular migratory birds. Keep Rowing! Keep Holidaymining!

Dal Lake, Srinagar

The majestic Dal Lake known as the jewel of Kashmir is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The beautiful Shikaras or houseboats that decorate this lake will make you feel like you are in Venice.  It is lined by gardens built in the Mughal era and many stunning parks. The Mughals, smitten by its enchanting beauty built many verdant gardens around this lake to increase its spectacular beauty. Popular Bollywood movies like Junglee, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kashmir Ki Kali, Jaanwar, Lamhaa, Yahaan, Mission Kashmir, Dil Se, Kabhi Kabhi, Rockstar and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani were shot or have scenes in which Dal Lake forms the backdrop. A visit to this spectacular Lake is a must for the ones visiting Kashmir, if you wish to sight paradise on earth.

Photo Credit: Suman Goswami

Pangong Tso-Ladakh

Clear skies, shimmering water and the bright sun will greet you as you visit the Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh. It is situated at an altitude of 4,350 m above sea level in the northeast of Leh. You will be able to see lush green pasture land with yaks and cows grazing in them. Ducks and gulls can be seen over and above the surface of the Lake. The Lake freezes entirely during the winter season even though its water is saline. The Pangong Tso Lake with its enchanting beauty is sure to satisfy the photographer’s soul!

Photo Credit: Vamshi Krishna

Lake Pichola- Udaipur

Lake Pichola is one of the most picturesque lakes in Rajasthan, making it a popular tourist haven. Its mirror like water will provide you with a sense of peace and tranquility. It is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. The world famous Lake Palace is located on the Jag Island of this tranquil Lake. Enjoy a boat ride on its pristine blue waters as the view of the sunset from this lake is sufficient to captivate any spectator.

Naini Lake-Nainital

The pretty Naini Lake located in Nainital, Uttarakhand shines like a center piece of a necklace and is said to be one of the emerald green eyes of Shiva’s wife. It is a natural freshwater lake dotted with attractive cottages and villas that surround this exotic water body. It is frequented by tourists all year round and one can enjoy a wonderful boat ride in this serene lake. You can sit on the banks of the lake to view the spectacular rising and setting of the sun which sets the skies ablaze with its orange hue.

Photo Credit: Rohit Thakkar

Chilika Lake-Orissa

Asia’s largest Brakish water lake, the Chilika Lake is located in the Coastal region of Orissa. This mesmerizing lake is famous for migratory birds coming from like Siberia in winter seasons. Tall pink flamingos dot its landscape. Part of the lake is protected by the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, which harbors over 150 migratory and resident species of birds. The lake is also home to a diverse range of marine life including 225 species of fish and the Irrawaddy dolphin. It is one of the best places for bird watching.Apart from bird watching you can also take a boat ride in its crystal clear waters.

Photo Source: Flickr

Sukhna Lake-Chandigarh

The beautiful Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh lies in the foothills of the Shivalik range. It is a manmade Lake and is an inseparable part of the Chandigarh city. The golden hues of the sun shimmer in its clear waters adding to it a mystical charm. It is a sanctuary to many migratory birds like the Siberian duck, Storks and Cranes, during the winter months. It comes alive in the evening with tourists, and families thronging the promenade of Lake.

Lohtak Lake-Manipur

The Lohtak Lake in Manipur is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. It is the only floating lake in the world due to the floating heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages of decomposition on it. It is a unique destination for tourists and offers and excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the lake. The several islands located inside the lake are studded with floating phumdis of different geometrical shapes, which usually awes the tourists when they sight this magical creation.

Kodai Lake-Kodaikanal

The Kodai Lake in Kodaikanal is breathtakingly beautiful and is frequented by tourists on a large scale. Its shape is star like if seen from a height and one can drive or trek along this stunning lake. A popular haven for activities you may enjoy fishing and boating in this spectacular lake. You can also enjoy horse riding or cycling on the shores of this lake. The lush greenery around the Kodai Lake is a visual treat and one can enjoy the enchanting sunset from its banks.

Photo Credit: Jozfmathew

Husain Sagar Lake-Hyderabad

The enchanting Husain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia. It features a variety of water sports like boating, yachting, and sailing. If you stand at the water front of the lake in the night, you will be mesmerized by its glittering water. A massive Buddha statue weighing 350 tonnes stands 16 meter tall in the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake. Lumbini Park and the Birla Mandir are important tourist attractions around the Husain Sagar Lake.

Photo Credit: kedarkvaze

Nako Lake-Kinnaur

Nako is a small village situated in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. This village is well known for its enchanting Nako Lake which is a gemstone, untouched by the tourists. It is an oval shaped picturesque lake surrounded by snow fringed mountains. The lake becomes a hub for ice-skating during winter and is famous for boating during the summer time. If you are looking for a serene place to idle away your time Nako Lake is the place to be!