Have you ever dreamt of sitting by a deep blue lake amidst snow-capped mountains, or surrounded by lush greenery? Check out 29 famous lakes in India that are nothing less than heaven. 

Serenity and peace accentuated by glittering water, sparkling reflections, cool air, and breathtaking landscapes – they are everything you have ever dreamt of; absolutely picture-perfect!

29 Famous Lakes In India

You will find a large number of lakes in India and most of them are natural lakes that have been in existence for more than 100 years. Let’s have a look at some of the most famous lakes in India.

Famous Lakes in North India

Let us look at some of the best lakes of north India that are serene, pious, and make up for an amazing experience.

1. Pangong Tso, Jammu & Kashmir – Picturesque Location

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Pangong Tso, the best lake in India, seems like a place from another, far more heavenly, world.
Perfect for: Adventure trips and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Difficult
Best time to visit: May to September, for its glittering water and November to January, for a spectacular frozen view of this huge brackish water lake in India.

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2. Tarsar Lake, Jammu & Kashmir – Paradise On Earth

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Tarsar Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in India with its dramatic settings in the middle of mighty mountain peaks.
Perfect for: Adventure trips
Level of Accessibility: Difficult
Best time to visit: This beautiful lake is accessible only during the summer months – April to September.

Suggested Read: 10 Kashmir Travel Tips That Will Let You Explore This Paradise Freely

3. Manasbal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir – Deepest Lake

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Manasbal Lake is one of the best lakes in India for birdwatching; Also, claimed to be the deepest lake in the country, this serene water body is perfect for kayaking.
Perfect for: Adventure trips and family picnics
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: July to October is when the weather is suitable for water sports and sightseeing.

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4. Dal Lake, Kashmir – Jewel Of Lakes

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Dal Lake, the “jewel” of Srinagar, is one the most famous lakes in India. Owing to its breathtaking beauty, it has become the muse of many poets and movie directors.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: This one of the most famous lakes in India is most visited during July and October.

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5. Damdama Lake, Haryana – Picnic Spot

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Damdama Lake, one of the most famous lakes in India, is known for weekend adventure camps and family outings in the northern region.
Perfect for: Family picnics
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: October to March months are most suitable to visit this beauty among all the largest freshwater lakes in India.

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6. Suraj Tal Lake, Himachal Pradesh – Beautiful Views

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Suraj Tal Lake in Himachal is another stunner in the list of most beautiful lakes in India. It is popular for its chilled, aquamarine water, and is also the third-highest lake in India.
Perfect for: Adventure trips
Level of Accessibility: Moderate
Best time to visit: May to October for the most pleasant weather.

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7. Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh – Mesmerizing Water

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One of the best lakes in India, Prashar lake is simply stunning. Its clear water and shimmering ice attract many adventurers and beauty-seekers.
Perfect for: Adventure trips
Level of Accessibility: Moderate
Best time to visit: July to August are the best months to visit due to the colourful flora surrounding the lake. Or you can choose the winter season when everything around the lake is frozen.

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8. Sattal Lake, Uttarakhand – Boating Paradise

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Sattal Lake is the green beauty of Uttarakhand. Moderately popular, it is one of the major lakes in India, and still far less crowded than Nainital.
Perfect for: Family picnics
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: The climate is pleasant during the summer months of March to June and spring-winter months of September to December (during Winters).

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9. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand – Water Activities

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Bhimtal Lake, one of the largest lakes in India, surely qualifies for a perfect destination for your next vacation with your family or your loved one.
Perfect for: Family outings and romantic escape
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: It would be around summers and early winters, ie. From March to May and then in October and November.

Suggested Read: 11 Beautiful Places To Visit In Nainital For An Incredible Vacation

Famous Lakes Of East India

East India is famous for its mountains, weather, and lakes that are the epitome of beauty. Let’s see some of the best lakes in east India.

10. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh – Paradise Lake

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Sela Lake is one of the most famous lakes for its snowy background during the winter season. Located off the way from the world’s second-highest motorable road, it’s a destination one can’t miss. After all, it is called Paradise Lake, for some definite reason.
Perfect for: Adventure trips and romantic escape
Level of Accessibility: Difficult
Best time to visit: Summer months from March to July and early winter months like November is best suited.

Suggested Read: 23 Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh: Explore This Unexplored And Underrated Gem In 2021

11. Changu Lake aka Tsongmo, Sikkim – Pristine Views

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Changu Lake is one of the major lakes in India, in the north-eastern region. Its stunning beauty, along with, northeast’s pristinity, makes it one of the best escapes one could have.
Perfect for: Adventure trips
Level of Accessibility: Difficult
Best time to visit: The lake is stunning all over the year. During summers, you will get a sparkling water, during winters a frozen lake and in early winters, a partial sheet of ice and glistening water.

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12. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Mysterious Lake

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Gurudongmar Lake is the second-highest lake in the country, at an altitude of 17,000 feet. What makes us keep it on the list of most famous lakes in India is not just its beauty; it’s the rare phenomenon where the entire lake freezes, except a mysterious little corner.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Very Difficult
Best time to visit: During summer months for sheer beauty and during winter months for frozen magnificence. i.e. November to June.

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13. Loktak Lake, Manipur – Serenity Redefined

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One of the largest freshwater lakes in India, Loktak is surely famous for its floating vegetation i.e. phumdis.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: November to March for its pleasant winters.

Suggested Read: 13 Enchanting Places To Visit In Manipur In 2021 For A Rejuvenating Holiday

14. Tamdil Lake, Mizoram – Popular Picnic Spot

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A popular picnic spot in Mizoram, Tamdil lake is famous for its various activities for families. Quite a stunning place, it is one of the biggest lakes in the area.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Moderate
Best time to visit: December to February is the right time to visit this famous lake in India.

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15. Chilika Lake, Orissa – Birdwatching Spot

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The picturesque lake of Chilika is one of the major lakes in India for birdwatching and sightseeing.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: November to February for its slightly cool and pleasant weather.

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Famous Lakes Of Central India

Lakes are an important part of the ecosystem and they also make for an extremely beautiful and amazing sight. Some of the best lakes in central India that must be visited are listed below. Let’s have a look.

16. Upper Lake, Madhya Pradesh – Exquisite Beauty

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Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal, is the largest freshwater lake in India which is man-made. A source of drinking water to most of the citizens, it is known for its exquisite beauty.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: July to February because spring and winters are in full bloom there.

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Famous Lakes Of West India

West India is home to some of the best lakes that are beautiful, magnificent and breathtaking. We have listed some of the best lakes of west India for your next trip.

17. Nakki Lake, Rajasthan – Marvelous

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Nakki Lake is a beauty! One of the largest lakes in India, this man-made lake is surrounded by hills from all sides.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: November to March is the best time to enjoy the gorgeous lake amidst hills.

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18. Pichola Lake, Rajasthan – Beautiful Marvel

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Pichola lake is again one of the most famous lakes in India. Chosen spot for many Bollywood movies shoots and songs picturizations, the lake is graced with some marvellous beauty.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: October to March is considered to be the best suited time.

Suggested Read: 10 Haunted Places In Rajasthan That Will Scare The Daylights Out Of You In 2021

19. Saputara Lake, Gujarat – Wildlife Attraction

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Famous for its wildlife and adjoining gardens, Saputara Lake is one of the most visited tourist attractions for families.
Perfect for: Family picnics
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: March to November is best due to various activities which are organized lakeside. And, also due to the pleasant weather, the lake is most visited during these months.

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20. Venna Lake, Maharashtra – Relax And Unwind

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Venna, the striking lake is a famous picnic spot for friends and families in Mahabaleshwar. Since the weather is always pleasant in Maharashtra, the lake has earned quite its followers.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: The reservoir, also known as one of the major lakes in India, in the Maharashtra region, is visited by tourists all around the year.

Suggested Read: 22 Absolutely Breathtaking Places To Visit In Monsoon In Maharashtra In 2021

Famous Lakes Of South India

South India is nothing less than a marvellous region that is home to some of the most picturesque views and lakes in south India are no exception. Some of the popular lakes in south India are listed for you to decide.

21. Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad – Popular Lake

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Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. It is an artificial lake, always bustling with tourists and picnic-goers. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful most days of the week.
Perfect for: Family picnics and romantic escapes
Level of Accessibility: Easy
Best time to visit: The cool months of October to March are best suited.

Suggested Read: 13 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore The Southern Pearl Of India At Its Best In 2021

22. Ulsoor Lake, Karnataka – Lake With Islands

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Ulsoor, the stunning lake, is sprinkled with small islands in it, here and there. One of the most beautiful lakes in India, Ulsoor Lake can be passed as the best lake of the region.