18 Famous Lakes in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a land of bewitching beauty with mountains in the North leading to undulating valleys and plains in the south. The land of gods is dotted with temples, mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes. Wordsworth would have loved the land and he would have penned poems in praise of the beautiful lakes to be found here. If you love lakes and find them restful as well as enchanting, head towards Uttarakhand.

1- Naini Lake

In a way, the Naini Lake is the most easily approached lake since the beautiful resort town of Nainital is built around it. Long before the British discovered it, this lake finds mentioned in the Puranas as the Tri-Rishi Sarovar. Sages Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha meditated here and it is said they dug a hole to meditate in solitude. Over time the hole was filled with water and came to be known as the Tririshi Sarovar. According to another legend, the left eye of Sati fell here and a lake came up on the spot. This is the reason why the lake is known as “Naini”. Nain means eye. There is a temple dedicated to Naina Devi on the banks of the lake and it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India.

Naini Tal would have continued to nestle beatifically in the mountains were it not for a Britisher, Mr. P Barron who happened upon this serene Shangri-La in 1839 and was so smitten that he decided to build a community here. The rest is history. Englishmen fell in love and developed Nainital resort, making it their favorite summer destination.

Nainital is a freshwater lake shaped like a kidney. It is 28 meters at the deepest end and 6 meters at its shallowest. Located at a height of 2000 meters, the lake perimeter extends to 2 miles and it is mostly bounded by a sidewalk for promenades along the Mall, as the area is called. The Northern part is known as Mallital and the southern end is known as the tallital. Boating on the lake is a serene experience. You can also hire a pedal boat, pedal out to the middle and relax or, if the mood takes you, hire a gondola for a round trip. In a way, it is a far more elevating experience than the Dal in Srinagar.

2- Bhimtal Lake

Corbett made Kumaon famous with his tiger hunts but Kumaon is equally famous as the Lake District of India. Of the many lakes, Bhimtal is the most impressive and also one of the largest in the State. Bhimtal (Bhim, after Bhim of Pandavas fame and Tal meaning lake) is located at a height of 1375 meters in Bhimtal town about 25 km from Nainital. The “C” shaped lake has a huge catchment area and a dam was built as far back as 1883 to provide water supply to the region. There is an ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadev temple on the banks of the Bhimtal, said to have been built by Bhima when the Pandavas visited this place during their period of banishment. The Lake is a perfect place for picnicking since it has a well-paved path by its sides and also green, grassy knolls at various spots and the view from the dam is simply fantastic. If you visit Nainital, do not miss Bhimtal.

3- Shyamla Tal

Not many know about Shyamla Tal in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It is more famous for being home to Swami Vivekananda Ashram. Just 132 km from Pithorgarh, Shyamla Tal has limpid blue waters spread over an area of about 1.5 sq. km. The place is ancient since ruins, possibly dating back to the time of the Pandavas, can be found in the vicinity. Today, it is a serene retreat where you can meditate in peace and enjoy the beauties of Nature. You can find accommodation in the Vivekananda Ashram and wander about the mountains or just sit by the lake, lost in reveries.

4- Sattal Lake

This is perhaps one of the must-see places, a string of seven lakes interconnected with each other, at a height of 1370 meters in the Nainital district. These seven lakes are the Panna, Nal-Damyanti, Purna, Sita, Ram, Laxman, and Sukha Tal. There are birds, forests and mountains and it is one of the most idyllic lakes of all.

5- Sahastra Tal

If you dreamt of a picture postcard perfect view of mountains reflected in the cool, crystal clear waters of a lake, Sahastra Tal more than satisfies you. Located at a height of 4572 meters, the picturesque lake is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, and paths around the lake lead to Bhilganga Valley, the Mayali Pass, and the Khatling Glacier, perfect for trekking at high altitudes. Sahastra Tal likes on one side of the Khatling Glacier and, on the other side, you will find Masar Tal. Beautiful, enchanting, and serene, the Sahastra Tal is one of the beauties of nature you must enjoy at leisure.

6- Deoria Tal

In a rush to complete the Chardham Yatra, people rarely take time off to visit Deoria Tal or Devaria tal, just 3 km from Mastura near Ukhimath. Located at a height of 2438 meters, the beautiful lake sits serenely amidst greenery with the waters reflecting the snow-capped mountains in the distance. From here you have a panoramic view of Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, Kedar, Nilkanth and Kalanag mountains. Like any other lake in Uttarakhand, Deoria is connected with Hindu folklore, said to be the lake in which the Gods bathed, whence the name. This place is where the Pandavas had to undergo questioning by Yaksha before being allowed to proceed further. The place has an aura of mysticism and you will find it relaxing. Those who want some action can go bird watching, angling, or boating on the beautiful lake. Trekking is another option.

7- Kedar Tal

Kedar Tal sits high in the Himalayas at a height of 4700 meters and it is about 18 km from Gangotri. It is the source of the Kedar Ganga, a rivulet generated by Lord Shiva that joins the Bhagirathi. Kedar Tal is for intrepid trekkers who do not mind undergoing extreme hardship to reach this beautiful lake high up in the heavens. The crystal clear waters reflect the blue skies and the mountain ranges as well as the forests alongside.

8- Dodi Tal

Uttarkashi district can be justifiably proud of Dodi Tal. The lake takes its name from the freshwater trout to be found in abundance here. It is only a short distance from Hanuman Chatti and a path takes you to a clearing from where you can view the magnificent Bandarpoonch Mountains. Surrounded by alpine vegetation the lake and its waters reflect greenery, blue skies, and snow-capped mountains, making it a beloved by tourists.

9- Roopkund

This is probably one of the highest altitude lakes in Uttarakhand, at a height of 5029 meters. The scenery is magnificently desolate with wild rock-strewn glaciers meeting the eye. The small lake is only two meters in depth and it is famous for the hundreds of skeletons dating back to the 9th century, lining one edge of the lake and visible only when the ice melts. Folklore ascribes the presence of the skeletons as being those of the King of Kanauj, Raja Jasdhaval, and his wife Rani Balampa and their entourage. There are other points of interest such as treks to Trishul and Nanda Ghunti and a religious festival held during autumn at Bedni Bugyal in the vicinity.

10- Satopanth Tal

If you visit Badrinath you must visit Satopanth Tal, a triangular lake with a perimeter of about a half kilometer. Only 25 Km from Badrinath, the lake has religious significance in that it is believed the three deities, Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma occupy one corner of each of this lake. It is a lovely trekking destination, about 18 km from Mana village and the scenery is the reward.

11- Panna Tal

Only 22 km from Panna Tal, the lake is one of the six others collectively known as Sat Tal or seven lakes in the vicinity and it is relatively pristine with very little development around it.
Panna tal is also known as Garuda Tal and it is a nice place for a picnic or just to enjoy nature, away from the crowds.

12- Kashni Tal

As you traverse the valley from Badrinath to Kedarnath you will come upon this cloistered lake with a beautiful Madmaheshwar temple located next to it with the river Madmaheshwar Ganga flowing tumultuously in a deep ravine. The scenery is just out of this world.

13- Kagbhusandi Lake

Just 20 kilometers from Bhyundar you will come upon the Kagbhusandi Lake along the road leading to the Valley of Flowers. It is a difficult trek but if you do make it, the sight is more than rewarding; it is fulfilling.

14- Naukuchiatal

The Naukuchiatal or the nine-cornered lake is a bit different and is about 26 kilometers from Nainital, at a height of 1220 meters. Its claim to fame is that it is one of the deepest lakes in the region and is the very image of heavenly serenity.

15- Maneri Bhali Lake

Now a part of a power project, Maneri is on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi, adjacent to a village of the same name. The scenery is breathtaking and you will be charmed by the surrounding tall trees, the river, and the clear waters that reflect the skies and mountains. Rest, camp, go trekking, or just sit and admire the view.

16- Vasuki Tal

8 kilometers from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is at a height of 4135 meters and gives you a wonderful view of the towering mountains of the Chaukhamba range. Vasuki is extremely picturesque and more than worth a visit if you are on your way to Kedarnath.

17- Dhalipur Tal

Only 43 kilometers from Dehradun, the Dhalipur Lake is fast gaining in popularity as a water sports destination where you can go kayaking, canoeing, boating, water skiing, and rowing. Visit it in winter and the lake turns into a bird watcher’s paradise.

18- Hem Kund

Hem Kund sits high in the Himalayas at a height of 4329 meters and the famous Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is located alongside the lake. You travel to Govindghat to reach Hem Kund, which also likes on the way to the Valley of Flowers. Pandu Raja is said to have practiced yoga here and Guru Gobind Singh meditated on the Hemkunt mount.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. You will find other lakes such as the Home Kund, Tadagtaal Lake, Baijnath Lake, Bhula Lake, Bhalu Dam, Parwati Lake, and hundreds of small lakes if you travel at a leisurely pace across Uttarakhand.