12 Most Scenic Lakes Around the World That Seem Too Beautiful To Be Real
1. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
The glowing turquoise water of Lake Louise isn't filtered-it's the real deal. Tucked inside Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, this glacier-fed lake gets its surreal colour from rock flour, a fine sediment created by glacial erosion. It's framed by the towering peaks of Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier, making it one of the most photographed lakes in the world-for good reason.
2. Lake Bled, Slovenia
A castle on a cliff? Check. A tiny island with a church in the middle? Also check. Lake Bled is basically a fairytale in lake form. This Slovenian gem is only about 35 minutes from Ljubljana by car, but feels like a world away. The 17th-century church on Bled Island is reachable by traditional wooden "pletna" boats, adding to the lake's charm.
3. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
New Zealand doesn't do mediocre landscapes, and Lake Tekapo is proof. Known for its bold turquoise colour (thank you, glacial minerals), the lake is a hotspot for stargazing thanks to its location in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Bonus: during spring, the lake's edges explode with purple and pink lupins-florals for days.
4. Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada
Yep, another one from Canada. Peyto Lake is shaped like a wolf's head when viewed from above, and the electric blue colour feels like nature's answer to neon. It's also easy to access from the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
5. Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India
Surrounded by palaces, temples, and hills, Lake Pichola is all about elegance. The City Palace dominates the eastern banks, while the ethereal Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) floats in the centre. This man-made lake was created in 1362, but it's Udaipur's modern-day charm that makes it a standout.
6. Lake Baikal, Russia
Lake Baikal holds a few world records: It's the oldest (around 25 million years), the deepest (over 1,600 metres), and it contains 20% of the planet's unfrozen freshwater. During winter, it freezes over with a sheet of transparent ice that creates wild patterns and mesmerising bubbles trapped below the surface.
7. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Not just one lake — sixteen interconnected lakes, plus waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and all the turquoise you can handle. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's absolutely deserving of the hype. Tip: go early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the lakes at their most peaceful.
8. Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru
At over 3,800 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. The real draw? The floating Uros Islands, made entirely of totora reeds by the local Uru people. The lake straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia, and it's steeped in Inca history and Andean mythology.
9. Lake Como, Italy
Yes, the George Clooney one. Lake Como is where dramatic mountains meet Renaissance villas and stylish lakeside towns. Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are all worth a visit, especially if you're into boat rides, Aperol Spritz, and lakeside dining.
10. Crater Lake, Oregon, USA
Formed over 7,700 years ago by a collapsed volcano, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is known for its startlingly clear, cobalt-blue water. With no rivers feeding in or out, its purity is off the charts. Fun fact: Swimming is allowed — but it's freezing.
11. Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown's dramatic backdrop isn't complete without Lake Wakatipu. Shaped like a lightning bolt, the lake is surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range. According to Maori legend, the rhythmic rise and fall of the lake's water level is due to a giant's heartbeat-science calls it a seiche.
12. Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada
Rounding out the Canadian trifecta is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. It's a glacial lake with an intense turquoise hue, framed by the Ten Peaks mountain range. For those iconic Instagram shots, visit in early summer when the snowmelt has just kicked in-timing is everything.
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India.com
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Most travelers hear Canada and immediately think of Niagara Falls or Toronto's skyline. And yes, they are spectacular. But what if we told you—Canada isn't just about the postcard clichés? It's a country that refuses to be boxed into a single image. From coastal charm to mountain silence, from cosmopolitan flair to timeless wilderness—Canada is not one destination. It's many. Here, every bend in the road feels like a new chapter. Every city hides a story. Every landscape holds a rhythm that words often fail to capture. Let's wander into the five places that reveal Canada's soul—not just the Canada on brochures, but the Canada you'll feel long after your return flight. 1. Banff National Park : Where Mountains Breathe Stories Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is not just a national park. It's an awakening. The turquoise glow of Lake Louise feels almost unreal—as if someone painted it overnight. The rugged peaks of Mount Rundle stand tall like ancient guardians. And at Moraine Lake, when the Ten Peaks mirror themselves in blue waters, you realize this is more than sightseeing. It's communion. Here's what makes Banff unforgettable: Hike the Johnston Canyon trail. Waterfalls, bridges, limestone cliffs—it feels like nature carved an adventure just for you. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Few things rival sitting in a steaming pool while mountains stretch endlessly before you. Wildlife encounters. Elk grazing by roadside meadows, or the sudden, humbling sight of a grizzly in the distance. Banff is not just a park. It's a reminder: silence is never empty. It's full—of mountains whispering stories older than time. 2. Quebec City : Europe Without Crossing the Ocean Quebec City doesn't just transport you. It time-travels you. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone houses, and the mighty Château Frontenac rising like a crown—it feels more French than some corners of France. And yet, it's distinctly Canadian. 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Where else does city life and wild beauty blend so seamlessly? What makes Vancouver magnetic is its contrasts. Skyscrapers touch the sky, while Stanley Park's 400-hectare forest breathes in the city's heart. Sushi restaurants serve the freshest catch, while seagulls wheel over ferries bound for nearby islands. Highlights to experience in Vancouver: Stanley Park Seawall. Cycle or walk along 28 km of ocean-hugging trails. Capilano Suspension Bridge. A walk that feels like floating above a rainforest. Granville Island. Not an island in the traditional sense, but a lively hub for food, art, and local culture. Vancouver doesn't ask you to choose between city and nature. It hands you both, on the same day, in the same breath. 4. Prince Edward Island : Canada's Gentle Whisper If Banff roars with grandeur, Prince Edward Island (PEI) sings in whispers. Rolling green fields. Red sand beaches. Lighthouses standing quietly at cliff edges. And villages where life feels slow, deliberate, unhurried. 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India.com
a day ago
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Legend says a hermit blessed him on the banks of Lake Pichola, predicting that a great city would rise isn't just a planned capital—it's a prophecy fulfilled. Every palace wall and courtyard still carries that sense of resilience and renewal. 2. The City of Lakes Has More Than Just One Yes, Lake Pichola is the most famous, but Udaipur has an entire necklace of lakes—Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Badi Lake, and more. During monsoons, they link together like veins, giving Udaipur the look of a floating here isn't a tourist activity—it's a way of entering the city's bloodstream. 3. Jag Mandir: The Island That Inspired the Taj Mahal Drifting on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir isn't just a pretty palace. History whispers that Shah Jahan, before building the Taj Mahal, took refuge here during his rebellion. The marble domes, lotus ponds, and elephant statues became part of his inspiration for the world's most famous monument of love. 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Practical Tips for Experiencing Udaipur Like a Local Wake Early – Sunrises by the ghats of Lake Pichola are quieter, softer, and far less crowded. Eat Beyond Palaces – Try dal baati churma at a local dhaba, or sip masala chai overlooking Gangaur Ghat. Walk the Lanes – Skip taxis sometimes. The narrow alleys hide miniature painting workshops, silver jewelry stores, and rooftop cafés. Catch a Cultural Show – Bagore Ki Haveli hosts folk dances and puppet shows that bring Rajasthani culture alive. Go Beyond the Postcard – Visit Badi Lake, Sajjangarh Palace, or even hike in the nearby Aravallis. The less obvious, the more rewarding. Udaipur's Hidden Economy: Why Travel Here Makes a Difference Visiting Udaipur isn't just indulgence—it's you buy handicrafts from local artisans, when you stay in heritage havelis instead of chain hotels, when you eat at small family-run restaurants—you're fueling traditions that have kept this city alive for centuries. Every boat ride sustains livelihoods. Every ticket to a palace funds restoration. Every step keeps heritage breathing. Final Thought Don't just visit Udaipur. Wander into Udaipur isn't about sightseeing—it's about storytelling. The lakes don't just reflect palaces, they reflect centuries of resilience. The palaces don't just hold history, they hold living dynasties. And the sunsets don't just color the sky, they color memory itself.
News18
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