5 Most Scenic Lakes in India
There's something very serene and calming about looking over a body of water, and if it's peace of mind you need, here are some of the most beautiful lakes in India to head to.
Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad: A lovely heart-shaped lake in Hyderabad, it is spread across 5.7 square kilometers and features a giant statue of Lord Budhha in its center. The lake separates the twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad, and has colorful musical fountains to entertain visitors. You can go boating or even explore water sports like yachting and sailing on the waters of this lake.
Dal Lake, Srinagar: One of the most picturesque and dreamy lakes in all of India, it is known as the "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir". Explore the lake by taking a ride in the famous shikaras or houseboats. Sights to spot around the lake include Mughal gardens, parks, floating gardens filled with lotuses and hotels.
Lake Pichola, Udaipur: Located in Udaipur, this lake is especially famous because of the Lake Palace which is built on an island, Jag Niwas, within it. There are 3 additional islands on this lake, including Jag Mandir which houses a palace, Mohan Mandir - the erstwhile king's viewpoint during the annual Gangaur festival celebrations, and Arsi Vilas - a former ammunition depot and small palace. This lovely lake is also connected to 3 other lakes within the city, and is located amidst green hills.
Damdama Lake, Gurugram: One of the biggest lakes in Haryana, it is situated within a reservoir, and sprawls across 3,000 acres. Monsoon rain in the Aravali hills is the main source of water into this lake, which offers breathtaking and relaxing views of lush green hills. It is also a great plact to spot different kinds of birds and makes for a great picnic spot. You can also explore several adventure activities at the lake, including parasailing, kayaking, cycling, angling, rock climbing and nature walks.
Pangong Tso, Ladakh: Tibetan for "high grassland lake", this lake is situated in the Himalayas, at an altitude of 4,350m. Extending from India to China, the icy blue waters of this lake perfectly reflect the mountains and clouds, just like a painting. You can also spot different kinds of birds and wildlife around the lake.