Looking for a unique list of lakes in India? You’re not alone. Most people who search for lakes in India end up with the same usual names that are Dal, Nainital, Vembanad, maybe Pangong. These are stunning, of course. But let’s be real, they’re also pretty touristy by now.
What about the lesser-known ones?
The lakes tucked away in quiet corners, where the signal drops and time slows down?
The kind of places where the air feels lighter, the sky reflects off still water, and it’s just… peaceful?
This blog is for those moments.
This list of lakes in India goes beyond the obvious. It’s not just a repeat of top attractions. It’s a mix of underrated spots, offbeat finds, and natural beauties you probably haven’t heard of but should definitely add to your list.
Some are hidden deep in the hills.
Some sit close to towns but still feel untouched.
And a few? They look like something out of a dream.
These are the kinds of natural lakes in India that don’t just look good in photos, they make you feel something. They remind you that slowing down is okay. That stillness has value.
If you’ve ever Googled the name of lakes in India or wondered where to find some of the best lakes in India without the crowd, this is for you.
So go ahead, scroll through.
Save a few names.
And maybe, plan a trip where the only thing on your itinerary is peace, quiet, and a little blue water.
1. Dal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir
Yes, Dal Lake’s not exactly a secret. But it definitely has a place on any list of lakes in India that honors beauty and serenity. At 6 AM, it’s like another world altogether. Mist creeps in across the quiet water, and if you’re sitting in a shikara under a shawl, the whole thing just slows down. You’ll see locals paddling past with flowers, or boats selling breakfast. It’s not just scenic, it’s emotional. That stillness stays with you.
- Getting there: Fly to Srinagar. You’ll see the lake almost right away.
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Local food to try: Warm up with Kahwa, and definitely try Rogan Josh.
2. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
This one leaves you small in the best sense. Pangong Lake is far up in Ladakh, and possibly the most stunning natural lake in India you’ll ever have seen. The water changes colors throughout the day, blue, green, silver. And the quiet? You can hear your own heartbeat. It’s no wonder it finds its way on to nearly every list of lakes in India, but actually being there is something different entirely.
- Getting there: 5–6hour drive from Leh. Roads are tough, but it’s worth it.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Local food to try: Local Thukpa and momos, hot and spicy if possible.
3. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Few people mention India lakes by name, and Vembanad is no exception. They should though. This is not as much about what you see as how fast you go. You drift here literally on a houseboat, through coconut palms, small villages, and birds skimming the surface. It’s serene, relaxed, and very soothing. One of the most serene natural lakes in India.
- Getting there: Kochi or Alleppey airports are fine to get to.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Local food to try: Karimeen Pollichathu, steamed in banana leaf, is a must.
4. Chilika Lake, Odisha
If you enjoy wildlife and vast open skies, Chilika is a fantasy. It’s one of India’s top lakes for dolphin sighting, particularly in winter. Flamingos, too. It’s vast practically a sea and surprisingly peaceful. It’s not a lake that you visit; it’s one that you recollect.
- Getting there: Stay in Puri and drive out from there.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Local food to try: Try Crab Curry and Prawn Malai Curry.
5. Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Hidden away in the Spiti Valley, Chandratal is one of those natural lakes in India that feels, well, untamed. No stores, no tourist hordes, no mobile signal. Just mountains, stars, and a patch of icy blue water. It’s raw and authentic and if that’s your thing, it’s ideal.
- Getting there: Closest point is Batal. You’ll need a solid vehicle.
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Local food to try: Nothing fancy just Maggie and Parathas cooked at a roadside dhaba.
6. Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Yes, it’s famous. But Pichola still feels like something out of a painting. Palaces rise from the water, and boats glide past at sunset. If you’re making a personal list of lakes in India to see at least once, Pichola deserves a spot. Royal, calm, and unforgettable.
- Getting there: Fly into Udaipur, then take an auto or cab.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Local food to try: Dal Baati Churma hits different in the cool weather.
7. Nainital Lake, Uttarakhand
This one’s got charm. It’s nestled in the middle of town, and yet it feels like its own world. If you’re hunting for the best lakes in India for a relaxed family getaway or a cozy solo trip, Nainital Lake won’t disappoint. Think paddle boating, foggy evenings, and hot roasted corn.
- Getting there: Train to Kathgodam, then road up.
- Best time to visit: March to June or September to November
- Local food to try: Have the Bun Tikki and Bal Mithai.
8. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Floating islands. Yes, real floating land. That’s Loktak. It’s one of the most unusual entries on this list of lakes in India. The phumdis (floating plants) float over the water, and the entire setting has a whiff of magic. It’s also ideal for those looking for peaceful, scenic natural lakes in India.
- Getting there: Around 1.5 hours by road from Imphal.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Local food to try: Nga Thongba (fish curry) and sticky rice.
9. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand
Less busy than Nainital and twice as serene. Bhimtal has a small island in the center and hardly any crowds. If your list of lakes in India has peaceful vibes and fresh air, add this one.
- Getting there: Near Nainital, just a quick drive away.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Local food to try: Aloo ke Gutke and Madua Roti.
10. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra
Created by a meteor impact. Yes, really. One of most interesting natural lakes in India, it’s a giant crater shape with green, alkaline water. It’s strange and sort of wonderful.
- Getting there: Fly to Aurangabad, then drive for 4 hours.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Local food to try: Misal Paav and Jhunka Bhakri.
11. Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh/Tamil Nadu
Pulicat doesn’t get the love it deserves. It’s one of the largest saltwater lakes in India and perfect for birdwatching. Super quiet. If you’re tired of the noise and want a break, this is a peaceful entry on any list of lakes in India.
- Getting there: Just 90 minutes from Chennai.
- Best time to visit: October to January
- Local food to try: Nethili Fry and spicy Prawn Curry.
12. Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
It’s tiny, sweet, and full of old-world charm. Paddle boats, corn sellers, people watching, it’s easy and frivolous. One of those natural lakes in India that doesn’t work too hard and gets the job done.
- Getting there: Udaipur’s the closest big city. Then it’s a scenic drive.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Local food to try: Rabri and Dal Baati.
13. Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
A lake in the city that almost doesn’t seem like it’s in a city. Hussain Sagar is serene, particularly in the evening. The massive Buddha statue in the middle contributes to the serenity.
- Getting there: Just hop into a cab from any part of Hyderabad.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Local food to try: Hyderabadi Biryani and Irani Chai.
14. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
One of the tallest natural lakes in India, Tsomgo is encircled by snow-covered peaks and remains frozen in winter. It’s far-off and breathtaking, but drive-worthy.
- Getting there: Approximately 3 hours from Gangtok. Permit required.
- Best time to visit: April-May or October-December
- Local food to try: Phagshapa and Sel Roti.
15. Wular Lake, Kashmir
Massive and largely unexplored, Wular is Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Yet it’s peaceful and seldom crowded. A birdwatcher’s paradise or anyone seeking silence. If you’re creating a serious list of lakes in India to immerse yourself in raw nature,don’t omit this one.
- Getting there: 1.5-hour drive from Srinagar
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Local food to try: Gushtaba and Haak Saag
So, Why Lakes?
Because lakes have a way of slowing you down.
No noisy crowds. No endless queues. No action-packed itineraries.
Just stillness. Space to breathe. And that quiet ripple of water doing its thing.
This list of lakes in India isn’t about the famous or flashy ones. It’s about the quiet ones. The ones that stay with you, not because they were trending on Instagram, but because something about them felt real. Maybe it was the sound of birds, the way the light danced on the water, or just how calm everything felt.
If you’re the kind of traveler who’d pick silence over selfies, these natural lakes in India might be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re not loud. They don’t scream for attention. But they whisper in a way that’s hard to forget.
So the next time you’re planning a family trip and scrolling through the usual name of lakes in India, maybe take a pause here. Choose a path with fewer people. Go find one of the best lakes in India that no one’s talking about.
Chances are, it’ll give you more than just pretty views. It might just give you a moment you didn’t know you needed.