10 Best Lakes, Rivers & Backwaters near Delhi

At a distance of 3 km from Kedarnath, Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Tal, is a beautiful lake produced from the Chorabari Bamak glacier.

Chorabari Tal is a small lake that holds crystal clear water. Perched at an altitude of 3,900 m above sea level, Gandhi Sarovar lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The original name of the lake is Kanti Sarovar. In the year 1948, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed here, after which it was renamed Gandhi Sarovar. According to mythology, this lake was the place where Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptrishis. There is a Bhairava Temple close to the glacier adjacent to a cliff known as Bhairava Jhamp. The cliff was a place where devotees jumped off, believing that it would bring them mukti. The practice was banned by the British administration in the 19th century.

The lake demands a trek of 3 km and is visited in summer. It is advised to visit Gandhi Sarovar early in the morning, because the weather of this region changes rapidly. The 3 km trek commences from the iron bridge of Kedarnath and ends up at Gandhi Sarovar. The trek is easy and beautiful through grassy fields. There is a beautiful Madhu Ganga waterfall enroute to this lake.

Distance from Delhi City: 442 Kms

At a distance of 22 km from Nainital & 12 km from Bhimtal, Sattal or Sat Tal is a cluster of seven inter-connected freshwater lakes located in Nainital district. At an altitude of 1,370 m, it is one of the most scenic places around Nainital and also one of the popular Uttarakhand tourist places.

The group of lakes is set amidst dense forests of oak and pine trees. Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water bodies in India. This is often compared with Westmoreland of England by British. The names of the seven lakes of Sattal are Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal and Garud Tal. The Garud Tal is a solitary lake and is not interconnected. The Ram, Sita and Lakshman Tal all together form the Sattal main Lake.

These lakes are heaven for migratory birds. It has 500 species of resident and migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, over 525 species of butterflies and over 11,000 species of moths, beetles, bugs and other insects. Birds like red-billed blue magpie, kingfishers, blue-throated and brown-headed barbets are easily spotted. These birds try to escape the harsh cold of the great Himalayan region by migrating to lower areas of the Himalayas. The market and tourist activities of Sattal are located around the main Sattal Lake.

Visitors ...

Distance from Delhi City: 333 Kms

At a distance of 11 km from Sattal, and 20 km from Nainital, Bhimtal is a picturesque lake located in the town of Bhimtal near Nainital. Situated at an altitude of 1,370 m, it is one of the picturesque lakes in the Kumaon region, and among the most prominent places of sightseeing in Nainital.

The town of Bhimtal is older than the Nainital city and it was once part of the ancient silk route. The town and the lake are named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata who is said to have visited the place during the exile period. This is another popular attraction not to miss in a Nainital tour packages.

Bhimtal is the largest lake in the Kumaon region and is situated amidst lush green mountains. The lake is 1701 m in length, 451 m in width, and a depth of 18 m. It is spread across 63.25 hectares of area. The Victoria dam was built on this Lake in 1883 when the Kumaon region was under the British Raj. Bhimtal offers splendid views and visual vistas of nature's beauty. The lake provides a drinking water supply and supports aquaculture with several species of fish.

The Bhimtal Lake is much cleaner and less crowded than the Lake at Nainital. There is an island at the center of the lake which can be reached by boat. This island has an aquarium with different species of fish from China, South Africa, and Mexico. Earlier ...

Distance from Delhi City: 295 Kms

At a distance of 25 km from Nainital and 6 km from Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal is a picturesque lake situated in Nainital district. It is situated at an altitude of 1,220 m and it literally means nine cornered lake.

The lake is 175 feet deep and is the deepest lake in the Nanitaal region. It is surrounded by thick vegetation of trees and shrubs. The length of lake is 983 m and breadth is 693 m. The lake is fed by an underground perennial spring.

According to mythology, any person who can spot all the nine corners of the lake standing on the ground is guaranteed nirvana. It is believed that the lake was created by Lord Brahma and a small temple dedicated to Brahma exists near the KMVN guesthouse. It is also said that anyone who performs a circumambulation of the lake will be blessed by Lord Brahma.

This place is famous for the mesmerizing beauty of terrain and green landscapes. A walk through the woods, which offers scenic views of the lake, is a popular activity for locals and tourists. Naukuchaital has wide variety of wildlife, birds and captivating collection of butterflies. This is also a favorite spot for adventure seekers providing ample opportunity for adventure activities such as angling, trekking, paragliding, paddling and river rafting.

Distance from Delhi City: 301 Kms

At a distance of 8 km from Tallital Bus Stand, Sariyatal is a small but beautiful lake located on Kaladungi Road in Nainital.

Sariyatal is among the numerous lakes of Kumaon range and is fed by a beautiful stream surrounded by lush green picturesque landscape. The water of the stream is very cold. This deep emerald lake is also referred as Sarita Tal.

Apart from the beautiful lake, Sariyatal is also famous for Himalayan Botanical Garden which is run by Forest Department. The Botanical Garden, spread over an area of 30 hectares, is a prominent center of study. It has a collection of several rare and endangered native plant species. This garden also has some major attractions which include an orchidarium, herbarium, Thunia Alba orchid, geodesic dome, waterfalls, etc.

Entry Ticket for Botanical Garden: Rs.20 per person.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Delhi City: 289 Kms

At a distance of 26 km from Mathura, 148 km from New Delhi, and 25 km from Vrindavan, Kusum Sarovar is a huge tank, which belonged to the period of Lord Krishna, located between Govardhan and Radha Kund. Kusum Sarovar lies towards the right side of sacred parikrama path. It is among the ideal tourist places near Delhi & Noida for one day trip.

Kusum Sarovar is 450 feet long and 60 feet deep tank and features a flight of stairs on all sides. The Sarovar is believed to be the place where Radha along with gopikas used to collect flowers and meet Lord Krishna. Kadamba trees are found all over the place and it is said that Kadamba tree was the favorite tree of Lord Krishna. During the time of Lord Chaitanya (a great devotee of Lord Krishna), this place was known as Sumanah Sarovar. It is stated in the Chaitanya Charitamrita that Lord Chaitanya took bath here.

The Sarovar is surrounded by magnificent structures which were constructed by Jawahar Singh, the king of Bharatpur in the middle of 18th century, in honor of his father Raja Suraj Mal. A simple earthen pond till 1675, it was properly built by ruler of Orchha, Veer Singh, after which Suraj Mal constructed a garden for his queen, converting it into a beautiful place. Afterwards, Jawahar Singh built astonishing structures in the memory of his parents.

There are three tombs in the upper level. The main tomb of Raja Suraj Mal has beautiful paintings on its ceiling depicting the pastimes of Krishna and the lotus ...

Distance from Delhi City: 148 Kms

At a distance of 25 km from Gurgaon, 51 km from New Delhi and 10 km from Sohna, Damdama Lake is a natural lake near Sohna in Gurgaon district of Haryana and is a popular picnic spot among tourists visiting Gurgaon.

Located near the Aravalli Hills, this lake is one of the biggest lakes in Haryana with an area of 3,000 acres. The Lake is spread in the shape of an amoeba and has many branches. Damdama Lake was formed when a stone and earthen dam constructed by the British in 1947. The lake is fed mainly by monsoon rain pouring into the base of the Aravalli hills. During monsoon the water level reaches up to 50 feet - 70 feet.

Tourists visiting this place can indulge in boating, hot air ballooning, parasailing, kayaking and fishing. Adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking and camping are also possible in the destination. Damdama Lake is home to around 190 species of birds. Some of the major birds seen here are water fowl, cranes, cormorants, terns, egrets, kingfishers etc.

A number of resorts are also available near Damdama Lake. Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited has also set up cottages facing the lake. Damdama Lake has a restaurant, bar, conference hall, hovercraft, lawns and camping site. Arrangements are made for adventure activities also.

Best time to visit the lake is from October to March.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Distance from Delhi City: 53 Kms

At a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal or Vasuki Lake is an enchanting lake situated at an altitude of 4135 m in the beautiful hills of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. It is also a famous place among Uttarakhand Treks.

Vasuki Tal is surrounding with very high mountains and provides beautiful view of several peaks of Himalayas. This is the lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. Crystal clear water flowing through the lake revealing the rock stacks inside is an amazing view in Vasuki Tal. This beautiful lake provides a charming view of the neighboring Chaukhamba peaks. There are several beautiful, colorful flowers around the Vasuki Tal and one of the famous flowers is Brahma Kamal. During winter the lake it is completely frozen.

Vasuki Tal is quite large in size and also the trekking is difficult. The total distance of Vasuki Tal trek is about 8 km from Kedarnath. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a narrow track. To get to the lake one has to cross the Chaturangi Glacier and Vasuki Glacier. These glaciers are filled with ravines and crossing them demands good fitness. Trekking enthusiasts usually form a group of at least six members and start the trek. Trekking guide is must to do Vasuki Tal trek.

The best time to visit Vasuki Tal is from May to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Distance from Delhi City: 447 Kms

At a distance of 16 km from Ukhimath, 59 km from Gaurikund, 73 km from Kedarnath and 56 km from Rudraprayag, Deoria Tal is a beautiful mountain lake located near Saari village in Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2438 m about 3 km uphill trek from Saari on Ukhimath-Chopta road. It is a popular destination for trekking near Badrinath and also one of the top Uttarakhand places to visit for trekking.

The lake is surrounded by thick forests and the crystal clear water of this lake offers the reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak. It offers a splendid view of Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila peak to the right and the breathtaking view of mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and Kalanag to the left. It is located in the Nanda Devi Biodiversity Park and has an abundance of colorful birds and mammals.

According to the Hindu mythology, Devas used to bath in this lake hence the name. The lake is also believed to be the Indra Sarovar referred in the Puranas by wandering sages. It is also believed that it was the place from where the Pandavas were asked questions by Yaksha. Deoria Tal serves as a popular trekking destination in the region because of its ease of the trail and soothing scenic beauty. The road is motorable up to Sari, 13 km from Ukhimath and from there one has to trek about 3 km to reach the lake. Jeeps are available from Ukhimath to reach Saari. The path is well marked and passes ...

Distance from Delhi City: 429 Kms

At a distance of 17 km from Gangotri, Kedartal, also known as Shiva's Lake, is a glacial lake situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, situated at an astounding altitude of 4,912 m. It is also one of the beautiful trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

The picturesque Kedartal is situated at the base of the Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth Peak. The lake is fed by the water from snow over Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Meru (6,672 m) and Bhrigupanth (6,772m), and is the source of Kedar Ganga, an important tributary of Bhagirathi River, considered as Lord Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi River.

Kedartal is a popular trekking destination and the trek commences from Gangotri. The Kedartal trek, being one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, is recommended for trekkers having prior trekking experience. The route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhoj Kharak, which is 8 km from Gangotri. Kedar Kharak is the next available camping site, which is 4 km from Bhoj Kharak. From here one need to trek 5 km to reach Kedartal. This 17 km trek usually takes 3-4 days to complete. The camping points of the trek are Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak and Kedartal. The route passes through scenic Himalayan forests.

Kedartal is an immaculate lake holding crystal clear water and the view of the reflections of Thalay Sagar peak is truly enchanting. It is surrounded by Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, ...

Distance from Delhi City: 500 Kms