Stunning Lakes You can Explore in North East India
The pristine and humble abode of Northeast India is none to compare with any other places. The breathtaking features are a slice of paradise, one would say. From claiming to have the rainiest place on earth to host the world’s only floating national park, these parts of the region have so much to explore. But do you wish to know the most fun part? The lakes in Northeast India, mostly freshwater, are the most beautiful water bodies to visit. A trip to these most stunning lakes will give you an experience you will ever wish for. Here’s an opening to stunning lakes you can explore in Northeast India.
Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
From serving the purpose of life and energy to giving an imposing sight for visitors, Umiam Lake is a much talked about the lake in Meghalaya. This massive man-made lake is 15 Kilometers (9.3 miles) away from Shillong, the capital of the North-East Indian state, Meghalaya. Surrounded by thick coniferous groves, the beautiful lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectricity power. It stretches to an area of 220 square Kilometers.
The lake delivered manifold scenic beauty more than one could imagine. One could feast the eyes with the beautiful lush green Khasi Hills encircling the lake with a panoramic landscape. It sure is delightful to see the glory of a sunrise or the fishermen fishing from their tiny Canoe in the crystal clear water. The place rich with its flora and fauna lures many visitors of all kinds. The tranquility of the Umiam Lake can tempt a passionate person to pen down or exclaim the beauty of its scene. Apart from family picnicking, groups, and solo cycling, art lovers exploring, or fishermen canoeing, there are other water sports and activities to soothe oneself from stress. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in Northeast India
Loktak Lake, Manipur
Soothing, splendid, and unique is what describes best for Loktak Lake in Manipur. The Lake is the largest freshwater reservoir in India with prolific abundance and vibrant marine life. This one of the remarkable lakes in Northeast India has a distinctive feature that makes it one of the best destinations to visit. First of all, several tiny floating island-like known as Phumdis on the surface are a captivating visual treat. The unique pattern and the feature of the lake are the one and only in the world that exists.
Secondly, it reaches the interest of tourists for housing the only floating national park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The national park is the last hope of refuge for the faltering population of brow-antlered deer or Sangai. Sangai being Manipur’s state animal is found nowhere in the entire world.
Thirdly, the ethereal lake houses about 230 species of aquatic plants, 100 kinds of birds, and almost 400 species of animals. You will find animals such as sambar, Indian Pythons, and Barking deers. For keen bird lovers, there are myriads of birds such as black kite, Burmese pied myna, northern hill myna, lesser eastern jungle crow, East Himalayan pied kingfisher, and lesser skylark.
Finally, the experience of boating as you view the fishermen in action casting their nets to fish from the floating land is incredible to watch.
The aerial view of the lake attracts onlookers as small masses of circular lands float above the water surface.
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
At an altitude of 5,425 m (17,800 ft), lies the enchanted Gurudongmar Lake claimed as the highest lake in the world. It is a holy lake greatly revered by the Buddhists, the Sikhs, and the Hindus. The lake is located 190 km (120 m) from Gangtok and can be reached by road from Lachen to Thangu. Once a day a helicopter service is available from Bagdogra.
Secluded and surrounded by snow-capped and rocky hills, this one of the most astonishing lakes in Northeast India calmly settles under the clear blue sky. The lake is pristine, majestic, and peaceful, and one would love the gentle breeze washing over the face. As the lake resides on high land, you can expect vigorous trekking and a sense of adventure. However, you will thoroughly enjoy the panoramic landscapes.
The Gurudongmar lake is fed on glaciers. Moreover, it remains frozen almost the entire year and can see the crystal clear view of the water underneath. However, the panoramic landscape would blow away one’s wholeness in awe and bewilderment. It is best to visit in the month of late September to all through October.
Keep a note that theBest Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake is from November to June. One should avoid the Rainy months.
Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim has alternative names such as Changu, or Tsongmo. It is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim District of Sikkim, India. The Lake is 40 km (25 miles) from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, and is one of the top highlighted tourist destinations in the state. The lake is a placid and picturesque one that will captivate any bystanders. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains and the rough terrains circumscribing the lake add more grandeur to the place. Since it is elevated on top, it is ideal for trekking, adventure, and other activities. It stays completely frozen most winters. The water remains solid during the winter allowing persons to walk on the surface.
Apart from the scenic attractions, Tsomgo lake is a very significant place for Buddhists. The Natives show solemn reverence and regarded it as the most sacred lake. The fascinating fact is that the lake surface reflects myriads of colors each season. The Buddhist monks prophesied the lake after observing the changes of colors.
Yet, Tsomgo lake is more than one can expect. Besides the sightseeing, you can enjoy a ride on beautifully decorated yaks, or grab some delicious food and snacks from the nearby food stalls. Also, stroll along with the instagrammable spots that will bag thousands of love from people who see your picture-perfect. While you visit the lake, you can wear off your worries such as carrying snow boots or other necessities as they provide everything within the destination.
Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
The saying about Sangetsar Lake is real. It came into being after the earthquake in 1973. The lake is almost 30 km from Tawang where you will encounter at least 52 hairpin bends. It lies at a height of 3708m above sea level. Placid and mesmerizing as it appears, you will notice an unparalleled mystery of dead trees in the middle of the water. The startling beauty is when the water becomes frozen during the winter and allows another mesmerizing backdrop. The weak winter sunlight beaming on the surface almost looks magical and the color of the lake dazzles as if happy with the company. The lake looks pretty awesome for silhouette photography at dusk, ideal for any theme. The sunset hour adds more elegance to the backdrop of the vicinity.
Sangetsar Lake has a pen name called Madhuri Lake. As you may recall a Bollywood Movie Koyla starring Madhuri Dixit and Sharukh Khan featuring a song besides the lake, marked its popularity. Since then it is one of the most celebrated destinations that pull almost every Bollywood lover and nature enthusiast to explore.
Besides sightseeing, the reason you will love visiting Sangetsar Lake is the conveniences for things you need. For instance, if you are cold you can get gloves, socks, and other stuff for reasonable prices. Food stalls and tea stalls are available for you to sip and eat a morsel at a time as you gaze upon the beautiful scenery.
Palak Dil Lake, Mizoram
Palak Dil Lake is a mysterious natural lake in Mizoram. It dwells in the village of Phura in the Saiha district of Mizoram. Mystifying as it appears, the lake takes the shape of an oval and is about 800 m big. Two small rivers that run down the mountain feed the water of the lake. The outlining fertile valley around the region is a substantial agricultural land for the people of Mara. In the peak season, you will see the valley blossom with types of vegetations that almost feel like a patch of heaven.
If you love witnessing peculiar places with a tale to tells, visit Palak Dil Lake. You might be in luck to hear a spine-chilling myth about it. Following a controversy, the lake reckons that it is haunted or those evil spirits dwell in it. Intriguingly, Palak Dil Lake is also epithet as Pala Tipo which means the Swallowing Lake.
The locals often narrate an epic of how the lake was formed. Long ago, the people of Mara came to know of a predatory beast residing beneath a huge rock nearby the village. Shortly, the people began realizing that their lives stocks and children kept missing without any vigilance. After sorting out possible suspicion, the people went to uncover their prime target on the rock. On removing the rock, they found a gigantic serpent resting on the hole. Shocked, the villagers arduously killed the beast. The next thing they knew was that the mass of earth on the surface was sucked down with an unknown force. A massive part of the village was submerged as a result of unlocking the flooding water. After a while, the water completely devoured the village.
This is just a gist of the popular folklore of the people of Mara. The fact is that the genesis of the Pala Tipo has two legendary stories. We save the second story for you to find out yourself. So, the fun part is hearing from the people of the village itself to feel more real.
Son Beel Karimganj, Assam
Son Beel or Shon Bill is one of the phenomenal but peculiar lakes and seasonal wetlands in Assam. It is the largest lake in the state and is located in the Southern region of Karimganj District. Son Beel’s reason for being impeccable is that during the winter till March it becomes a field for rice cultivation that almost looks magical. And when the monsoon comes, it turns into the most picturesque lake you will ever see. Moreover, when the rain brims the lake, the overflowing water makes its way to Kushiro and Kakra Rivers. These overwhelming phases of the lake make it one of the top highlighted destinations for visitors.
Son Beel generously accommodates a myriad of fishes and other aquatic animals and plants. It also houses many Hizol trees providing a breathtaking view standing halfway on the water surface. The view looks simply raw and enchanted almost at sunset creating an incredible outline beyond the horizon. At dusk, the sky is super clear making it visible for twinkling stars to appear and you can stargaze at the sky. A more surprising view to behold is the fact that the lake lies betwixt the hills on the east and the west side of it.
Son Beel is like a haven that invites a quite number of visitors. The tranquility and the aura generate peace of mind. Also, it is the best place for birdwatching as there are about 150 species of birds in the vicinity. Acknowlegeably, it is imposingly one of the most surreal lakes in Northeast India.
Shilloi Lake, Nagaland
Shilloi Lake is another astounding lake situated in Nagaland. It is situated in Phokhungri, Phek District. Pine-covered hills and patches of green lands circumscribe the area of the lake giving a heart-throbbing view. Undeniably, watching the lake will give a satisfying sensation as the beauty is so surreal. Besides, the enveloping area looks verdantly rich in vegetation. Locals and visitors have fun fishing, and it is one of the prime activities. The lake looks inviting, and the surrounding vividly attracts the onlooker’s attention. Moreover, if you love birdwatching, you will find Shilloi Lake an ideal place to do so.
The homeland hosts often jest that Shilloi Lake is the most benign lake in the region. As true it is, never ever did any drowning or death cases happen here. Hence, making it one of the safest lakes in the Northeast region of India. The footprint-shaped lake has a beautiful story behind its amicable existence. Hence, it is said that a queen baby and other good spirits are the guardians of the lake.
The landscape around Shilloi Lake extends a paramount view. Therefore, if you are visiting Nagaland, do not miss a chance to visit this bewildering attraction.
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