A well-known novelist Charles Morgan once said, “There are moments, above all on June evenings, when the lakes that hold our moons are sucked into the Earth, and nothing is left but wine and the touch of a hand”.
Such is the beauty and hypnotising effect of lakes! Interestingly, India has many such fascinating lochs aka lakes which not only capture ones eyes but also one's mind and soul.
Let's know about five such ecstatic water-bodies where you can pay a visit some time and spend a lazy day around!
Wular Lake – Jammu and Kashmir
Wular Lake is not only an ecstatic and a beautiful lake but it is also one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It is in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the biggest lakes in India, Wular Lake is encompassed with grandiose mountains from all sides. The beautiful green water of the lake provides life to the fishes and the other winged animals in and around it.
The lake also works as a means of livelihood for a large number of people living around it.
It provides the opportunities for boating, water sports and water ski. The calm water body has a deepest point known as Mota Khon or the “Gulf of Corpse”.
Loktak Lake – Manipur
Loktak Lake is yet another beauty spot of the country. Situated in North-East India, it is the largest fresh water lake of the region. The beautiful loch is famous for ‘phumdis' which is a heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters.
Encompassing a stretch of around 40 Km square, the lake stands out for its beauty and ecstasy.
The most interesting thing about Loktak is that the only floating national park of the world ‘Keibul Lamjao' floats over it. This national park is the last natural refuge of the endangered ‘sangai' or Manipur's brow-antlered deers.
Very much like Wular Lake, this one also provides a support to the human communities around it. It is a support of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. It is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the nearby areas.
Damdama Lake – Haryana
Damdama Lake is more like a getaway terminus for those in and around Delhi as it is situated in Sohna, Gurgaon (NCR). One can think of spending a late summer evening around it and make up an otherwise dull day. One can reach out the place for boating, rock climbing (on the nearby Sohna Hills), Bungee Jumping and trekking.
Spread in the area of around 3000 sections of land, the lake was developed by the British in 1947. Today, it possesses a Dream Island Adventure Resort right in the middle of it. The naturally amoebic shape creation of the lake calls for yet another far away look.
The lake greets visitors with a water level down to 20 feet which in Monsoon reaches up to 50 to 60 feet. It is a common home for feathered creatures and more than 190 species of birds, both migratory and local.
One can visit the place in monsoon and winter season also.
There are two more attractions near Damdama Lake – one is the Ancient Shiva Temple and the other the natural hot springs of Sohna. According to a legend, one of the pandava, Arjun dug this well when he was thirsty.
Dal Lake – Jammu and Kashmir
The second biggest lake of Jammu and Kashmir after Wular Lake, Dal Lake is also knows as the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or ‘Srinagar's Jewel'. Such is the beauty of this lake!
Considered as an urban one, Dal lake stands out as one of the most delightful lakes of India.
It beautifies Kashmir with its scenic beauty and colourful charisma. Though it is an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting, it encompasses a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels.
A regular view of the lake would include houseboats cruising along it in the colourful ‘shikaras' and the shore line Mughal Gardens.
The lake covers the area of around 18 square kilometres including its floating gardens.
Gurudongmar Lake – Sikkim
‘Gurudongmar' or ‘Gurudogmar' Lake is one of the highest lake in the world. It is situated at an elevation of around 17,800 feet over the ocean level.
Considered as one of the most holy lakes by the Buddhists and Hindus, Gurudongar is a delightful and awe-inspiring lake which remains milky in colour throughout the year.
190 Kms from Gangtok, the crisp water body is found in the north-eastern side of Kanchenjunga extend in Sikkim.
It is considered to be the most excellent natural lakes of the world due to its tourist and love attraction. The lake is only 5 kilometres south of Chinese border.
