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.