5 Most Beautiful Hill Station Lakes in India That Deserve All the Attention

If you love the mountains, you probably don’t need much convincing to pack your bags and head to a hill station. The winding roads, cool breeze, and misty views are enough to keep drawing us back. But beyond the usual charms, some of these places are home to stunning lakes that add a magical touch to the landscape. Calm, reflective, and full of character, these lakes are a reminder that the hills hold more than just forests and waterfalls.

Here are five hill station lakes in India that are as enchanting as the towns they belong to:

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
Rajasthan may be famous for Udaipur’s royal lakes, but Mount Abu—the state’s only hill station—has its own gem. Nakki Lake, said to have been carved out by gods using their nails (hence the name “Nakki”), is surrounded by hills and unique rock formations. With swan-shaped paddle boats, lakeside markets, and cool breezes in the middle of a desert state, it feels both quirky and refreshing.

Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu
This star-shaped lake in the Palani Hills is the soul of Kodaikanal. Popularly called Kodai Lake, it’s the perfect place for cycling around the 5 km perimeter, horseback riding, or simply relaxing by the shore with roasted corn. When the mist settles over the water, it turns the whole scene into a dream.

Naini Lake, Nainital (Uttarakhand)
Nainital quite literally gets its name from this pear-shaped lake. Naini Lake is the town’s heartbeat, where visitors enjoy boat rides, evening strolls along Mall Road, or just soaking in the views. As night falls and the lights of the hill station shimmer on the water, the atmosphere turns magical.

Ward’s Lake, Shillong (Meghalaya)
Ward’s Lake may not be large, but its charm is undeniable. Surrounded by gardens and walking paths, it feels like something out of a countryside postcard. The wooden bridge across the water is a favourite spot for photos and quiet moments. Subtle and graceful, this lake is all about peace and simplicity.

Ooty Lake, Tamil Nadu
One of the most visited lakes in the Nilgiris, Ooty Lake has been delighting tourists since the 1820s. With eucalyptus trees along its edges and misty hills as a backdrop, it’s picture-perfect. Visitors can choose from rowboats, paddleboats, or even speedboats. Add in pony rides and hot snacks from nearby stalls, and you have a classic Ooty experience.

Whether it’s the quiet charm of Shillong, the dreamy mist of Kodaikanal, or the lively bustle around Ooty and Nainital, these lakes prove that hill stations in India are as much about their waters as their mountains.