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New Delhi: If you are a flower lover, monsoon is the apt time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of blooming lotuses. Many lakes across India turn into floating gardens of pink and white, offering an ethereal setting for nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and boat riders alike. Imagine yourself gliding in a boat, hearing only the soft sound of crashing ripples and seeing vibrant blooms. Add misty green hills, birdsong, and local life unfolding on floating markets to the peaceful ambience. It is a serene escape waiting to be experienced.
Photography, bird watching, fishing and tranquil boat rides are common things that attracts any tourists to the lotus-filled lakes everywhere. But what sets apart each destination are the unforgettable, subtle moments: historic houseboats, floating islands, or local fishing traditions. These lakes are not only scenic wonders but crucial ecosystems as well, providing livelihoods for local communities and habitats for birds.
Best time to visit lakes for seeing lotus in full bloom is from July to September. Here are the five most stunning lotus lakes in India that offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
1. Dal Lake
Location: Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir
Things to do: Enjoy a shikara ride under the open sky through lotus gardens and explore the floating market before the hustle bustle of everyday life. Tour Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh for panoramic views. Explore Raad, the traditional floating gardens, and think once of staying in a houseboat for a romantic monsoon getaway. The gentle mist settling over the lake is a pure visual poetry. Don’t miss it.
2. Loktak Lake
Location: Moirang, Bishnupur district, Manipur
Things to do: Discover the lake’s floating phumdis – one of which houses the world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao, home to the rare Sangai deer. Try traditional fishing with locals, visit the INA Memorial close to Moirang, and watch the changing shades of the lake during monsoon evenings. However, it is important to note that visitors need an Inner Line Permit to enter Manipur. It’s easily available online through the Manipur Government ILP portal.
3. Gulawat Lotus Lake
Location: Gurda Khedi, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Things to do: Take a calming boat ride across water filled with lotus blooms. Watch birds like kingfishers and egrets fly over the lake’s quiet stretches. Surrounded by small forests and hills, Gulawat is a tranquil retreat for both birdwatchers and photographers. The mirror-like reflections of pink and white blooms on the water make for a magical experience.
4. Vembanad Lake
Location: Kottayam-Alleppey region, Kerala
Things to do: Staying on a traditional houseboat will be a great experience as you can see serene backwaters and blooming lotus patches. Take walk inside Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for sightings of herons and kingfishers. Attend the thrilling Nehru Trophy Boat Race if timing allows or plan a day trip to Pathiramanal Island. You may also explore other lotus-rich spots like Vellayani Lake and Malarikkal for their dreamy morning blooms.
5. Deepor Beel
Location: Outskirts of Guwahati, Assam
Things to do: Watch migratory birds during monsoon, particularly the spot-billed pelican. Take a nature walk or boat ride, explore surrounding grasslands, and capture golden sunsets over the wetland. Try fishing with locals or visit nearby attractions like Syntu Ksiar, Nohkalikai Falls, and Tyrshi Falls in Meghalaya for an extended scenic experience.
From mesmerising floral views to floating islands and enchanting fog-covered mornings, these water bodies aren’t just about pretty blooms, they are about quiet wonder, emotion, and culture. So if lotuses enchant you, let these Indian lakes be your next soulful gateway.
