Exploring India’s Top 21 Uniquely Beautiful Lakes & Waterfalls

India’s Top 21 Uniquely Beautiful Lakes & Waterfalls for Vloggers

1. Pangong Lake, Ladakh – A Cinematic Marvel

Pangong Lake, made famous by Bollywood films, is a stunning high-altitude lake with breathtaking blue waters surrounded by barren mountains.

What to Capture:

• Vivid blue water with changing hues under the sunlight.
• Migratory birds during certain seasons.
• Starry skies for night photography.

Best Time to Visit: May to September.

2. Naini Lake, Uttarakhand – The Heart of Nainital

Naini Lake, nestled in the heart of Nainital, is a crescent-shaped freshwater lake surrounded by lush hills.

What to Capture:

• Paddle boats on the tranquil lake.
• Vibrant reflections of surrounding trees and houses.
• Evening lights creating a magical glow on the water.

Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to December.

3. Jog Falls, Karnataka – India’s Second-Highest Waterfall

Jog Falls, located in Karnataka, is a majestic cascade that drops from a height of 830 feet, offering a spectacular view during the monsoon season.

What to Capture:

• The dramatic plunge of the waterfall.
• Misty ambiance and lush greenery.
• Aerial views of the falls using a drone.

Best Time to Visit: July to September.

4. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim – A High-Altitude Wonder

Tsomgo Lake, or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, offering stunning views year-round.

What to Capture:

• Crystal-clear reflections of the snow-clad mountains.
• Yaks grazing along the shoreline.
• Ice-covered scenery during winter.

Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December.

5. Vembanad Lake, Kerala – The Backwater Paradise

Stretching across Kerala, Vembanad Lake is the lifeline of Kerala’s backwater tourism.

What to Capture:

• Traditional houseboats cruising through serene backwaters.
• Lush green paddy fields surrounding the lake.
• Migratory birds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit: September to March.

6. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu – The Smoky Cascade

Hogenakkal Falls is a dramatic cascade on the Kaveri River, known for its milky-white waters and stunning natural beauty.

What to Capture:

• Coracle boats navigating the river.
• Wide-angle shots of the cascading falls.
• Mist rising from the waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

7. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh – Paradise Lake

Situated at 13,700 feet, Sela Lake is a pristine high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

What to Capture:

• Vibrant hues of the lake during sunrise and sunset.
• Snow-draped surroundings in winter.
• Buddhist prayer flags adding a spiritual vibe.

Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December.

8. Shivsagar Lake, Maharashtra – A Serene Reservoir

Created by the Koyna Dam, Shivsagar Lake is a peaceful retreat surrounded by forests and hills.

What to Capture:

• Reflection of hills on the calm waters.
• Boating scenes with serene backdrops.
• Golden-hour photography during sunset.

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

9. Elephant Falls, Meghalaya – A Three-Tiered Beauty

Located near Shillong, Elephant Falls is a multi-tiered cascade offering breathtaking views and lush surroundings.

What to Capture:

• Close-ups of the cascading tiers.
• Panoramic views of the waterfall and greenery.
• Misty ambiance during monsoon season.

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

10. Tungabhadra Dam & Lake, Karnataka – A Scenic Escape

Tungabhadra Lake, formed by the Tungabhadra Dam, is an expansive water body with a serene ambiance.

What to Capture:

• Migratory birds flocking to the lake.
• Aerial shots of the dam and reservoir.
• Sunset views over the vast expanse of water.

Best Time to Visit: November to March.

11. Tso Moriri, Ladakh – The Tranquil High-Altitude Lake

Tso Moriri, surrounded by rugged mountains, offers unmatched tranquility for nature vloggers.

What to Capture:

• Crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged terrain.
• Unique wildlife, including migratory birds.
• Sunrise and sunset views for magical golden-hour footage.

Best Time to Visit: May to September.

12. Haflong Lake, Assam – A Hilltop Retreat

Haflong Lake, located in Assam’s only hill station, offers a peaceful retreat for vloggers seeking natural beauty.

What to Capture:

• Tranquil waters surrounded by green hills.
• Boats on the serene lake.
• Cultural activities and local traditions.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

13. Barachukki Falls, Karnataka – A Monsoon Delight

Barachukki Falls, part of the Shivanasamudra Waterfalls, is a majestic cascade during the monsoon season.

What to Capture:

• The multiple streams of cascading water.
• Misty surroundings enhanced by lush greenery.
• Slow-motion shots of the falls.

Best Time to Visit: June to October.

14. Tam Dil, Mizoram – A Hidden Gem

Tam Dil, meaning “Lake of Mustard,” is a serene man-made lake surrounded by dense forests in Mizoram.

What to Capture:

• Calm waters reflecting the surrounding forests.
• Local fishing activities and wildlife.
• Trails and picnic spots around the lake.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

15. Loktak Lake, Manipur – The Floating Paradise

Loktak Lake, famous for its floating islands called “phumdis,” is a unique destination in Manipur.

What to Capture:

• Phumdis creating surreal landscapes.
• Fishermen using traditional methods.
• Sunset views over the lake.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

16. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya – Asia’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall

Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in Asia, offers dramatic views of water cascading into a turquoise pool.

What to Capture:

• Aerial views of the waterfall and surrounding cliffs.
• Mist rising from the base of the falls.
• Monsoon-fed lush greenery.

Best Time to Visit: October to December.

17. Dal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir – The Jewel of Srinagar

Dal Lake, with its iconic shikaras and houseboats, is a must-visit for vloggers in Kashmir.

What to Capture:

• Shikara rides against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
• Floating markets and vibrant local life.
• Golden-hour shots of houseboats.

Best Time to Visit: April to October.

18. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa – The Sea of Milk

Dudhsagar Falls, cascading from a height of 1,017 feet, is one of India’s most spectacular waterfalls.

What to Capture:

• The powerful cascade framed by dense forests.
• Railway tracks passing near the falls.
• Monsoon-fed misty ambiance.

Best Time to Visit: June to September.

19. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya – The Shillong Icon

Umiam Lake, a man-made reservoir near Shillong, is surrounded by rolling hills and is perfect for tranquil vlogging.

What to Capture:

• Wide shots of the lake with lush green hills.
• Adventure activities like kayaking.
• Stunning sunsets over the water.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

20. Teesta River & Lake, Sikkim – A Photographer’s Delight

The Teesta River forms stunning lakes and cascades along its journey, making it a top spot for nature lovers.

What to Capture:

• Rapids and calm stretches of the river.
• Scenic riverbanks lined with greenery.
• Crystal-clear mountain waters.

Best Time to Visit: March to June.

21. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand – Tranquility in the Hills

Bhimtal Lake, located near Nainital, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by the Himalayan foothills.

What to Capture:

• Boating scenes with a serene backdrop.
• Hills reflected on the calm water.
• Migratory birds during winter.

Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to December.

Conclusion

India’s diverse lakes and waterfalls offer endless opportunities for vloggers to create captivating content. Whether it’s the stillness of high-altitude lakes like Tso Moriri or the roaring majesty of waterfalls like Jog Falls, each destination promises a unique experience. So, pack your camera, explore these stunning locations, and let India’s natural beauty elevate your vlogs.