Be it inspiration for a writer or a poet to pen down memoirs or beautiful poems, or for an artist to portray a scene in a painting, lakes in India are the retreats one can soak in the tranquillity of amazing surroundings breaking away from the daily grind into a calm break on a lake retreat. The best part is one doesn’t always have to take an arduous journey to dizzying heights or have a coat of tan unlike the beach vacation and can yet take in the fresh air and splash around in the waters and take a soothing boat ride for hours. India is a land of many fresh water lakes to offer. From walking trails, bird watching sites, photography sessions, skiing, fishing in local style or be it staying in houseboats, these lake getaways are the best way to cool your heels this summer with family, friends or alone.
Here is the list of a few lakes in India, go ahead, take a dip in the waters!!
1. Pichola lake, Rajasthan
The boat rides around the Lake Palace during the sunset, trying out ethnic cuisines at the lake side eateries around the picturesque lake is a sight of awe and pleasure.
The reflection of the beautiful palace in the waters and the Aravalli mountain ranges at a distance is indeed a sight to cherish for a long time to come. The man-made waterbody offers some great travelling experiences for the visitors.
2. Pangong Tso, Jammu and Kashmir
One of the most seen backdrops in Bollywood movies, this trans-boundary lake shared between India and China covers an area of around 600 square kilometres. One has to pass through the locales of Ladakh which is a breathtaking land amidst one of the finest natural setting in our country.
The pure and soothing blue water, the rocky terrain all around the lake in white hues is a sight of mesmerising beauty.
3. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
The ornament of the “God’s own country”, Lake Vembanad is said to be the longest lake in the country nearly stretching up to 100 kilometres. The lake is studded by magnificent resorts on the shore and charming houseboats in typical Kerala style.
The queen of the backwaters of Kerala come alive during the native festival of Onam during which many boat races are held and the beats and songs of the oarsmen brings the place all the more lively and vibrant.
4. Chilka Lake, Odisha
The water lagoon with brackish waters, rich with ecological biosphere has many migratory birds flocking all through the year. Be it the white-belly sea eagles, purple herons and pink flamingos, all seem to be in love with this land set against a teal backdrop in the evenings. The famous species of Irrawaddy dolphins is the star attraction of the Chilka Lake which joins the Bay of Bengal.
The small island of Nalabada in the middle of the lake and the Nandan Kanan wildlife sanctuary is frequently visited by tourists.
5. Prashar lake, Himachal Pradesh
The trail leading up to the lake leading through the forest with many rivulets along the path is a bliss in itself. In the middle of nowhere, between the dense cover of foliage, sitting prettily is the Prashar lake.
The deep blue still water makes it a gem in the stunning landscape. All the trekking and walking will be worthwhile when camping under the stars next to the fine lake with friends and family cuddled up near the bonfire.
6. Emerald Lake, Tamil Nadu
The Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, the home of the famous Silent Valley is a famous picnic place near Ooty.
The hilly terrains and tea estates encompassing the lake, the chirping of the birds, the sunrise and sunset near the lake will soothe both the mind and body.
7. Loktak Lake, Manipur
The largest freshwater lake of the Northeast, this lake has “phumdis”, unique to this place which are huge, circular masses of vegetation intertwined to soil and other organic matter seen floating on the water surface.
This place is a haven for eco-tourists wanting to explore the nature and biodiversity of the Northeast.
The azure waters, heaven like landscape, crystal clear waters through the tricky terrain, the romantic boat cruises, camping sites and snow-capped mountains in close vicinity, tea plantations and intriguing panaromic views, these are some of the many things these different lakes have in offer, take a plunge, ride a bike, trek up a hill, as in the end, its totally worth it.
Go ahead, plan your next trip to one of these lake getaways.
Happy tripping!!
21 April, 2016
Sachin