India's Most Underrated Lakeside Destinations for a Peaceful Holiday Away From the Crowds
A lakeside holiday does not have to mean staying beside a famous lake surrounded by busy cafés, hotels and tourist buses. Across India, there are quieter destinations where water, mountains, forests and local communities create a far more peaceful setting. Some are tucked into the Himalayas, while others sit in regions that rarely appear on conventional holiday itineraries. Naukuchiatal, Khecheopalri, Loktak, Ansupa and Tso Moriri each offer a completely different experience. Together, they demonstrate just how varied India's lakeside destinations can be, from sacred mountain waters to floating islands and wildlife-rich wetlands.
Its mythology adds another layer to the experience. Local tradition connects the lake with Brahma, while one fascinating legend claims that anyone who sees all nine corners simultaneously can attain nirvana.
Interestingly, boating and swimming are prohibited because of the lake's religious and ecological importance. Local communities also play an important role in protecting it.
A boat ride reveals an ecosystem that looks unlike almost anywhere else in the country.
India's underrated lakeside destinations prove that beautiful water escapes are not limited to the country's best-known resorts. From floating islands in Manipur to sacred waters in Sikkim, these places offer scenery with a story. For travellers willing to look beyond familiar names, the reward is often a much quieter and more memorable holiday.
Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
Known as the "Lake of Nine Corners", Naukuchiatal is considerably quieter than nearby Nainital. The lake measures around 983 metres in length and is surrounded by forested hills. Visitors can enjoy boating, birdwatching and peaceful walks around the water.Its mythology adds another layer to the experience. Local tradition connects the lake with Brahma, while one fascinating legend claims that anyone who sees all nine corners simultaneously can attain nirvana.
Khecheopalri Lake , Sikkim
Khecheopalri is not simply a beautiful lake. It is a sacred site revered by both Buddhists and Hindus and is traditionally regarded as a wish-fulfilling lake. Dense forests surround its waters, while Kanchenjunga provides a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.Interestingly, boating and swimming are prohibited because of the lake's religious and ecological importance. Local communities also play an important role in protecting it.
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Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak is one of India's most unusual lakes because of its floating masses of vegetation and organic matter, known as phumdis. The lake is also connected with Keibul Lamjao National Park, described by Incredible India as the world's only floating national park and the last refuge of the endangered Sangai deer.A boat ride reveals an ecosystem that looks unlike almost anywhere else in the country.
Ansupa Lake, Odisha
Located near Cuttack, Ansupa is a horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake overlooked by the remains of an ancient fort. Winter brings migratory birds, while boating provides a relaxed way to explore the landscape.Tso Moriri, Ladakh
For dramatic scenery, few Indian lakes compare with Tso Moriri. Situated at more than 4,500 metres, this high-altitude lake is surrounded by stark Himalayan terrain and is also a Ramsar wetland.India's underrated lakeside destinations prove that beautiful water escapes are not limited to the country's best-known resorts. From floating islands in Manipur to sacred waters in Sikkim, these places offer scenery with a story. For travellers willing to look beyond familiar names, the reward is often a much quieter and more memorable holiday.
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