From the tranquil hills of Uttarakhand to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India is home to several picturesque lakeside destinations that blend natural beauty, culture, and history. Explore places like Nainital, Kodaikanal, Moirang, Alappuzha, and Pushkar, each offering scenic lakes, unique local experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable attractions for every traveler.
1 / 6India is home to several beautiful lakeside destinations that combine natural beauty, local culture and relaxing landscapes. From Himalayan lake towns to serene backwaters in the south, these places attract travellers looking for scenic views, boating experiences and peaceful getaways. Here are some of the most scenic lakeside cities and towns in India that are worth adding to your travel bucket list. (Image: Canva)
2 / 6Nainital, Uttarakhand | Nainital is one of India’s most popular hill stations, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand at an elevation of around 1,938 metres. The town is built around the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, which is famous for boating and evening walks along the lakeside promenade. Mall Road, located beside the lake, is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Tourists also visit viewpoints such as Snow View Point, Tiffin Top and Naina Peak for panoramic views of the Himalayas and the town below. Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, while Kathgodam is the closest major railway station.
3 / 6Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu | Kodaikanal, often called the “Princess of Hill Stations”, is located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. The hill town sits at an altitude of over 2,000 metres and is known for its cool weather and lush greenery. The star-shaped Kodai Lake is the town’s main attraction and is popular for boating and cycling around the lake. Other tourist spots include Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks and Bear Shola Falls. Madurai International Airport is the nearest airport, while Kodai Road is the nearest railway station.
4 / 6Moirang, Manipur | Moirang, located around 45 km south of Imphal in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, is best known for the scenic Loktak Lake. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for its floating circular vegetation formations called phumdis. The region is also home to Keibul Lamjao National Park, recognised as the world’s only floating national park and the habitat of the endangered Sangai deer. Other attractions include Sendra Island viewpoint and the INA Memorial Complex. Imphal International Airport is the nearest airport, while Jiribam is the nearest railway station.
5 / 6Alappuzha, Kerala | Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is one of Kerala’s most famous backwater destinations and is often referred to as the “Venice of the East”. The town is closely linked to Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India and the largest lake in Kerala. Houseboat cruises through the backwaters are among the biggest attractions here. Alappuzha is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on Punnamada Lake, where traditional snake boats compete in a grand race event. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, while Alappuzha Railway Station connects the town to major cities.
6 / 6Pushkar, Rajasthan | Pushkar is an ancient pilgrimage town in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district and is centred around the sacred Pushkar Lake. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats, temples and colourful local markets that attract pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. The town is also known for the rare Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. One of Pushkar’s biggest attractions is the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, usually held between October and November, which draws visitors from across the world. Kishangarh Airport near Ajmer is the nearest airport, while Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station.
