Uttarakhand has many beautiful lakes that are calm and surrounded by hills and forests, making them perfect for nature lovers. Popular lakes like Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Khurpatal are great for boating and relaxing. High-altitude lakes like Deoria Tal, Dodital, Vasuki Tal, and Roopkund offer stunning mountain views and peaceful surroundings. Tourists can enjoy nature walks, photography, and quiet time by the water. These lakes give a refreshing and relaxing experience for anyone visiting Uttarakhand. Naini Lake – The Heart of Nainital Naini Lake, nestled in the heart of Nainital, is a picturesque, crescent-shaped freshwater lake surrounded by lush green hills and colonial-era buildings. The calm blue waters reflect the surrounding oak, pine, and deodar forests, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. On clear days, you can see the distant Himalayan peaks glistening beyond the hills, adding to its charm. The vibrant Mall Road runs along one side of the lake, dotted with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and heritage hotels, making the whole area lively yet peaceful. Activities You Can Do: · Boating (paddle boats, rowing boats, or yachting)· Lakeside photography and nature walks· Shopping on Mall Road and Tibetan Market· Trying local Kumaoni cuisine at lakefront cafes· Riding the Nainital Ropeway for panoramic lake views· Walking or cycling around the lake perimeter· Birdwatching near the lake edges, especially in winter Bhimtal Lake (Bhimtal) Bhimtal Lake lies in a peaceful valley just 20 km from Nainital, surrounded by pine-covered hills. Larger and quieter than Naini Lake, it has a small island at the center with a charming aquarium and café. The clear blue water sparkles in sunlight while migratory birds add life to the scene, especially in winter. It’s an ideal place if you love serenity and fewer crowds. Activities You Can Do: · Boating to the island café· Birdwatching during winters· Nature photography and quiet lakeside walks· Enjoying snacks at lake-view cafés· Kayaking and fishing (with permission) Sattal Lake (Near Bhimtal) Sattal, meaning ‘seven lakes,’ is a hidden gem of seven interconnected freshwater lakes nestled amidst thick oak and pine forests. The mirror-like waters reflect the dense green surroundings, creating a dreamy escape for nature lovers. Chirping birds echo in the silence, and mist often floats over the water in early mornings. The untouched environment here feels raw, wild, and truly away from the world, making it ideal for slow travel and digital detox. Activities You Can Do: · Kayaking and canoeing· Birdwatching (especially migratory species)· Landscape and forest photography· Forest trails and nature walks· Camping by the lakes Naukuchiatal Lake (Near Bhimtal) Known as the “lake with nine corners,” Naukuchiatal is surrounded by pine-clad hills and tranquil villages. The emerald-green waters are mesmerizing, and the place has an almost mystical calm. It is often less crowded than nearby lakes, giving you space to just sit and watch nature. In spring and winter, the lake is framed by blooming flowers or snow-kissed hills, creating postcard-like scenery. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a favorite for writers, photographers, and couples. Activities You Can Do: · Boating and paddle boating· Paragliding over the lake valley· Walking trails through surrounding villages· Spotting Himalayan birds· Sunrise and sunset photography Khurpatal Lake (Near Nainital) Khurpatal is a small, emerald-green lake cradled in dense pine forests, about 12 km from Nainital. Known for its clear waters and serene setting, it’s less commercial and feels more intimate, like a secret escape hidden in the hills. The reflections of green forests on the lake look magical in early mornings. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, letting you reconnect with nature in peace. Activities You Can Do: · Fishing (with local permission)· Scenic photography· Short forest treks around the lake· Boating in calm waters· Birdwatching Deoria Tal (Near Chopta) Deoria Tal is a high-altitude lake perched at 2,438 m, offering mirror-like reflections of the mighty Chaukhamba peaks. Surrounded by lush meadows and forests, it’s a magical place that feels like a painting. The air here is crisp and pure, and silence is broken only by birdsong and rustling winds. In winter, the whole area is blanketed in snow, giving it an unreal fairytale-like feel. Sunrises and sunsets paint the lake in golden hues. Activities You Can Do: · Trekking from Sari village· Lakeside camping under starry skies. Capturing mountain reflections· Watching sunrise over Chaukhamba· Birdwatching and nature walks Dodital Lake (Near Uttarkashi) Dodital is a tranquil alpine lake set at 3,024 m amidst dense deodar and oak forests. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks in winter, its glassy waters are said to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. The trek to Dodital passes through pine forests, bubbling streams, and wildflower meadows, making the journey unforgettable. The untouched natural beauty gives a feeling of total escape from modern life. Activities You Can Do: · Trekking from Sangamchatti· Camping by the lake· Trout fishing (with permit)· Nature and wildlife photography· Forest exploration Satopanth Tal (Near Badrinath) Satopanth Tal is a stunning glacial lake hidden at 4,600 m near Badrinath, surrounded by snow-laden peaks like Neelkanth and Chaukhamba. The turquoise waters and raw Himalayan backdrop make it one of the most scenic high-altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. The air is thin and cold, yet incredibly refreshing, and the silence is so deep you can hear your heartbeat. It’s challenging to reach, but the surreal beauty is worth every step. Activities You Can Do: · Challenging high-altitude trek· Remote camping· Glacier and mountain photography· Snow adventure (in season)· Stargazing Roopkund Lake (Chamoli) Roopkund is a glacial lake at 5,029 m, famously known as the ‘Mystery Lake’ due to ancient skeletons found at its bottom. It sits in a snow bowl surrounded by Himalayan giants, offering stark, dramatic beauty during the trekking season. The lake remains frozen most of the year, with snowflakes dancing on its surface. The entire trail offers alpine meadows, glaciers, and sweeping mountain panoramas. Activities You Can Do: · High-altitude trekking· Snow peak photography· Camping at base camps· Snowfield exploration· Sunrise views over Trishul peaks Mussoorie Lake