Umiam Lake: Meghalaya's Grand Welcome
Often the first spectacular sight for visitors travelling from Guwahati to Shillong, Umiam Lake is a vast man-made reservoir that feels as wild and natural as any ancient body of water. Popularly known as Barapani, or 'big water', it was formed in the early
1960s by the damming of the Umiam River for a hydroelectric project. Today, it’s the heart of water-based recreation in Meghalaya. The lake is flanked by lush Khasi hills, creating a stunning panorama that changes with the sky. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including boating, kayaking, water skiing, and riding water scooters. For those seeking tranquility, numerous viewpoints offer postcard-perfect scenes, especially during sunrise and sunset. The surrounding area also features resorts and parks, like Lum Nehru Park, making it a perfect spot for a day-long picnic or a peaceful retreat.
Loktak Lake: The Floating Wonder of Manipur
Loktak Lake in Manipur is unlike any other lake in the world. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for its 'phumdis'—heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that float on its surface. These circular floating islands are so large and stable that local fishermen have built their homes, or 'phumsangs', on them. The largest of these phumdis covers 40 square kilometres and is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park. This unique ecosystem is the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, often called the 'dancing deer' for the way it moves on the unstable ground. A boat ride through the channels of Loktak offers a glimpse into a remarkable way of life and a truly unique ecological wonder.
Gurudongmar Lake: Sikkim's Sacred High-Altitude Gem
Situated at a breathtaking altitude of over 17,000 feet in North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Surrounded by barren, snow-capped mountains just a few kilometres from the Tibetan border, its crystal-clear turquoise water is a spiritual and visual spectacle. The lake is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, touched a part of the lake in the 8th century, and that portion never freezes, even in the harshest winters, providing drinking water to the local populace. The journey to Gurudongmar is an adventure in itself, requiring a pre-dawn start from the village of Lachen and a permit due to its strategic location. The thin air and extreme cold are challenging, but the divine beauty makes it an unforgettable pilgrimage.
Sela Lake: Arunachal's Icy Paradise
Nestled near the Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of about 13,700 feet, Sela Lake is a vision of pristine alpine beauty. Often called Paradise Lake, it remains frozen or partially frozen for a significant part of the year, adding to its ethereal charm. The lake is considered sacred by the local Monpa tribe, who believe it is one of 101 holy lakes in the region. Surrounded by barren, rugged mountains that are often covered in snow, the crystal-clear water of the lake reflects the stark and stunning landscape. The journey to Tawang is incomplete without a stop here. The recently constructed Sela Tunnel provides all-weather connectivity, making this strategic and spiritual location more accessible to travellers.
Sangetsar Tso: The Famed 'Madhuri Lake'
Tucked away in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Sangetsar Tso gained fame and its popular nickname, 'Madhuri Lake', after being featured in the 1997 Bollywood film 'Koyla', starring Madhuri Dixit. The lake was formed by an earthquake that dammed a river, and its most striking feature is the forest of dead tree trunks that still stand in its clear waters, creating a beautifully haunting scene. Located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet on the route to Bum La Pass near the India-China border, visiting this lake requires an army permit. Beyond its Bollywood connection, the lake is a place of reverence for Buddhists and offers a serene atmosphere amidst a landscape of immense strategic and natural importance.
