LAKES Location : Various Districts of Himachal Pradesh Best Time to Visit : October to June Prime Attractions : Adventure, Temples, Monasteries Other Attractions : Birding, Wildlife

Famous Suraj Tal Lake in Lahaul

Pilgrimage

Festivals

Himachal Lakes – Adding to Himachal Pradesh's Composition

You should visit Himachal Pradesh to see the large reserves of water that lie within the arms of the various lakes. These lakes complete the scenic circle of Himachal Pradesh while offering a great opportunity for water sports and angling. What adds more excitement are the legends that seem to emerge from the crystal water of each of these lakes. Besides these lakes there are also hot water springs that too make an important attraction of the state. The deep valleys that are cut across by the labyrinths of green and blue waters of the small and big streams from where you can find a trout jump up, is sure to delight you. The lake attraction of Himachal Pradesh is plenty and it will not be an exaggeration if somebody suggested you to take a tour of Himachal Pradesh, exclusively to enjoy the lake attraction of the state.

Himachal Pradesh is dotted with lakes and you will not fall short of enjoying but will crave to be there forever. The enchanting lakes of Himachal Pradesh calls all the tourists to look around and let your jaws drop at the breathe stopping panorama of the snow-clad mountains, green hills and snow fed rivers.

Renuka Lake – The Largest Water Being in Himachal

All the tourists should come to Himachal Pradesh to see the biggest lake of Himachal, which is located at a distance of 37 km from Nahan and 60 km from Paonta Sahib. The fascinating air around the lake that seems to incorporate all the freshness of the nature, will purify your soul and body. For tourists there is a whole world that revolves around the lake. Options of adventure mesmerizes a tourists to stay in the hotels that are located near to the lake. Sprawling on an area of 2.5 kms and located at an altitude of 672 m above sea-level, the climatic conditions around the lake is cool and aplomb. According to legends, this lake holds the embodiment of Renuka, who was the wife of saint Jamadagini and the mother of Parshurama (ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu). In close proximity to this lake there is Parshurama Lake, and both these lakes have temple around them, that form their major highlight.

Adventurer enthusiast too have a lot to savor from this lake. The Himachal Tourism allows fishing in this lake. Besides angling, people can indulge in trekking around the hills located nearby or in boating in the lake itself. To add more attractions, there is a mini zoo where tourists can enjoy seeing some wildlife.

Renuka lake is the largest lake in the state and reaching it is not a difficult task to reach it. It is very well connected by road to Delhi (335 km), Paonta Sahib (60 km) and Nahan (37 km). Tourists can get taxis and buses from Renukaji to all the major places of Himachal Pradesh and India.

Largest Lake in Himachal - Renuka Lake

Rewalsar Lake – The Next in Line

An aeronautical view of this lake will convince you o f Himachal being a living and breathing paradise. Enjoy a stay near the Rewalser lake that will act as a stress burden for all the city stricken. This square shape lake is located at a distance of 24 kms from Mandi town, at an altitude of 1360 m above sea level. Covering an area of 735 kms, this lake has Buddhist as well as Hindu legends attached to it. You will be delighted to see the dense vegetation that engulfs this lake. As far as the sags explains, the great teacher saint Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche, influenced the Mahayana Buddhism to form root of Buddhism at Rewalsar. It is said that his spirit resides in the tiny island of floating reed that locomote over the water.

While around Rewalsar lake, you should see the three Buddhist monasteries along with the three Hindu temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and to the sage Lomas. A small zoo also adds to the attraction of the lake. Around this lake there are six more lakes that have variable legends attached to them.

Khajjar Lake – The Prided Possession of Dalhousie

As self explanatory, this lake is located very close to Dalhousie, just at a distance of 16 kms. This lake lies in the Chamba district and is perched on a height of 1900 mt above sea level. Khajjar which is known as 'Mini Switzerland', is fed by slender brooks in the center of a large blade which has religious significance. Being 1 km wide and 1.5 kms long, and has the dense forest of the Kalatope sanctuary in its neighborhood, that adds to the panorama. Besides tourist that flock near the lake to enjoy a carefree and cool stay in the tourism hotels set up around the lake, there are many pilgrims that too come to seek solace and offer their reverence from Lord Khajjinag. But the most engrossing attraction of the lake is the Panch Pandava Tree. This is a special tree having same root but the base is divided into five sections, representing the mythologically famous – five Pandava brothers. As far as options of adventure are concerned, on a bright sunny day you can enjoy horse riding and birding.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake – The Historical Lake of Himachal Pradesh

This lake is the best place to see the plethora of wildlife in Himachal Pradesh due to the location of the wildlife sanctuary where you can see leopards, Sambar, deer, wild boars and many such species. Birding is another enjoyable activity you could bask. In the Kangra valley, at a distance of 110 kms from Dharamshala, this lake is named in the honour of the valor king Maharana Pratap Singh and was earlier known as Pong Dam Reservoir. This lake, which is situated on the edges of Shivalik Mountains, was earlier a dam that was constructed in the 16th century, making it the oldest dam of the country. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy a small vacation among the verdant woods that fosters animals and elusive birds.

The location of Maharana Pratap Sagar lake in nothing but convenient. The closest railway stations are Mukerian – 30 kms, and Pathankot – 32 kms. The Settlements of Nagrota Suriyan and Jawalaji located on the lake's fringes are connected by the charming narrow gauge Kangra Railway line that connects Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. The closest airport is Gaggal which is 40 kms away. The Lake is well served by a network of roads that connects it with the rest of the country.

Govind Sagar Lake – Himachal's Water Sports Hub

This is the crowning destinations for those seeking to burn their fats while indulging in some mind boggling water sports. There is water skiing, sailing, kayaking, water scooter racing and fishing for the water aficionado. Come to this lake in the month of October and November, when the Himachal Pradesh Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation hosts various water sport competitions. This is the base of Bhakra Nangal Dam which is world's highest gravity dam. Established in the Bilaspur district, at an amplitude of 83 kms from the railway station at Anandpur Sahib, this lake is the home of variety of migratory birds. Used to generate electricity for the surrounding villages since early times, it was confirmed to be a water fowl harbor in 1962.

This reservoir is 90 kms long, beset in an area of approximately 170 sq km and is an artificial lake. For tourists, this lake is an indispensable place of visit.

Host of Water Sports and Pilgrimage - Govind Sagar Lake

Chandra Tal Lake - The Lake in the Snow

Come to the snowy lakes of Chandra Tal, that is situated 6 kms from the Kunzum Pass in Lahaul & Spiti. This deep blue watered lake is situated at an elevation of 4300 mt above sea level and is sprawling on an area of 2.5 kms. Surrounded by acres of snow, according to Hindu legend this lake is supposed to be the spot from where the god Indra's chariot took the eldest Pandava brother, Yudhishtra to 'swarga' (heaven) in his mortal form. This is the major reason that this lake is an important pilgrim centre for the domestics as well as nationals.

You should visit this lake as on your way you will encounter some breathtaking sights.

Suraj Tal Lake – On the Summit of Baralacha Pass

This lake too is located in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, on the summit of Baralacha pass. On an height of approximately 4950 m it derives its source from the Bhaga river. This lake also offers good trekking routes – Especially the route from Zingzing bar. This lake too has some legend attached to it that makes it a destination of religious importance. All the year round, apart from pilgrims, it attracts a lot of tourists as well.

Dal Lake – The Deodary lake of Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by the tall and scented Deodar and Pine trees, this lake is not located in Srinagar but in Himachal Pradesh. From Dharamshala this lake is 11 kms away, and lies at an altitude of 1775 mt. While near the lake you should see the Shiva temples standing on the bank that sanctifies this lake. You should visit this lake during the month of September, when an annual fair is held and in this fair you will get a chance to meet the people of Gaddi tribe.
Accommodation near the lake is not a problem as the Himachal Tourism board has very well taken care of it.

Chamera Lake – The Source of Irrigation Facilities

A visit to Chamba or Dalhousie makes this lake an inevitable halt for the tourists. Built over river Ravi, this is part of the Chamera reservoir that offers a variety of adventure options. Chamera Lake provides irrigational facilities to the many villages that are distributed around the lake. For these denizens, this lake with its natural water reserves is a source of nourishment. This lake is situated amidst verdant pine forests and glistening valleys.

Seruvalsar Lake – Kullu's Forested Lake

In the scenic land Kullu, nestled in the dense forest is the Seruvalsar Lake that is positioned high at an altitude of 3,100 meters above the sea level. It is these green forests that enhance the beauty of this lake. Thus, this is one lake in Himachal Pradesh that fetches huge tourist attraction.

Other Lakes – Sapphires in the Green Jades of Himachal Prades

Trekking is happening at the Bhrigu Lake in Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 4235 m above sea level, this lake is located in the east of Rohtang Pass and is at a distance of 6 kms from Gulaba village.

Nako Lake, is a pilgrim destination of Buddhists. It is an anglers delight and it has tremendous opportunity for birding. But is is a fact that people come here to while away their time idyllically among the green and the blues.

Not far from the Rohtang Pass is the Dashir Lake, at an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway to Keylong. Here is the place where eyes meet beauty that resides in the cliffs, glaciers, heaped grounds and deep vales. This attractive lake has a depth of 3 to 4 m and it is said that taking a bath in the water of Dashir lake will cure the body of all ailments.