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NDTV
20-05-2025
- NDTV
12 Most Scenic Lakes Around the World That Seem Too Beautiful To Be Real
There's something undeniably soothing about a lake that looks straight out of a postcard. Whether it's set against snow-dusted mountains, nestled in thick forests, or shimmering in surreal shades of blue and green, a stunning lake can stop you in your tracks. These natural wonders aren't just beautiful — they feel almost otherworldly. From glacial blues to mirror-like reflections, the most scenic lakes in the world have a way of pulling you in. If you're after jaw-dropping views and serious screensaver material, these 12 incredible, most scenic lakes from around the globe deserve a spot on your travel wishlist — and your camera roll. 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.
India.com
19-05-2025
- India.com
Experiencing A Traditional Wedding In Udaipur City – What Makes It Special?
Udaipur stands out as the 'City of Lakes' and 'Venice of the East' because it becomes home to lavish traditional weddings that also showcase its stunning palaces and relaxing lakes together with its diverse culture. A wedding event in Udaipur represents an exclusive cultural adventure which showcases both royal legacy and ageless customs and deep historical heritage. Traditional Udaipur weddings unite opulent venues with intricate rituals to create an exclusive experience that fascinates wedding participants alongside all their guests. The Royal Backdrop: Venues That Define Grandeur A traditional wedding in Udaipur becomes especially unique due to its exquisite natural backdrop. Various royal locations throughout the city provide a perfect venue to host extravagant celebrations. Cellent wedding celebrations are staged at the City Palace and Lake Palace and Jagmandir Island Palace along with impressive establishments such as Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas . Wedding locations in Udaipur provide guests breathtaking vistas across shimmering lake water and spectacular Aravalli mountain views as well as intricate architectural masterpieces that recreate the splendor of Rajput royal times. The exotic character of these locations lets couples weave royal features into their ceremony celebrations. Through elephant and horse processions with decorations as well as performances by folk artists and Mewar-inspired floral decorations, weddings acquire the atmosphere of ancient royal ceremonies. The proper wedding ambiance transforms regular celebrations into lasting memories that no one will easily forget. Vibrant Traditions: Rituals Rooted in Culture Rajasthan's abundant cultural heritage shines through all rituals of a traditional Udaipur wedding. Every community as well as every religious community along with its own traditional families holds distinct wedding ceremonies which share common deep meanings. Various wedding practices persist in most ceremonies throughout this region even though they keep varying from one wedding to another. Before the wedding, the couple receives elaborate henna artwork which integrally decorates their hands and feet at the Mehndi Ceremony. The mehndi events in Udaipur combine exciting music and dances while guests wear traditional dresses made of lehengas alongside turbans. The wedding festivities receive added energy through traditional dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya which are performed at events. The sangeet night unites both families in attendance for a musical and dancing event which fills the air with excitement. Professional performers, along with family members, showcase their talents through choreographed acts and impromptu performances. The traditional Rajasthani musical instruments dholak and sarangi along with morchang serve to increase the celebratory mood. A wedding in Udaipur becomes exceptional when guests witness the groom's procession known as baraat. Grooms enter the scene accompanied by decorative horses or elephants as numerous relatives and friends dance to music produced by professional live bands. The event gets dramatically more interesting when fireworks illuminate the night sky during this ceremonial march. A beautifully decorated mandap (canopy) serves as the location for performing both Pheras and the Varmala ceremony during the main wedding event. A religious wedding service occurs between the couple who repeat their wedding promises while standing at a holy fire beneath the chantings of Vedic priests. The exchange of varmala during the bridal ceremony allows the bride and groom to convey their mutual acceptance and respect through the ceramic flower garlands. Following the wedding the festivities continue with two essential events which consist of vidaai (farewell) followed by reception celebrations. Milan guests savor traditional Rajasthani meal selection consisting of dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi and laal maas with mawa kachori that accompanies international dishes. Culinary Extravaganza: A Feast Fit for Royalty Indian weddings naturally place food in the center and such weddings in Udaipur faithfully maintain this tradition. The culinary diversity of Udaipur creates a gastronomic experience through each dining opportunity during the celebrations. Expert caterers create royal Rajasthani thali menus by combining traditional age-old recipes of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from previous generations. The signature dining dishes at these weddings include ker sangri and bajre ki roti paired with safed maas then these dishes are served with dessert items including ghevar and malpua. Wedding guests at such events enjoy homemade chaat kebabs and parathas served fresh through live kitchen counters. A Udaipur wedding dining experience stands unique because it combines historic food tastes with contemporary plating techniques. Artistic Flourishes: Decor and Entertainment Any Udaipur wedding showcase decor that exceeds all expectations. Marigold flowers combined with mirror work block-printed fabrics along with colorful lanterns transport locations to dreamlike spaces. Rajasthani folklore motifs and desert motifs together with peacock motifs form regular decorations at events to represent Udaipur's cultural heritage. Attractive rangoli designs situated at doors create a vivid and inviting ambiance through which guests are warmly received. The main entertainment aspect creates a highlight of Udaipur wedding celebrations. Udaipur couples who want diverse entertainment beyond traditional arts often choose contemporary performances that consist of laser displays together with DJs or celebrity artists to maintain celebration momentum throughout their ceremonies. Rajasthani heritage forms the basis of entertainment at weddings which includes puppetry combined with magical performances along with fire demonstrations. Hospitality and Warmth: The Essence of Udaipur Weddings Genuine hospitality emerges as the distinct hallmark of weddings that occur in Udaipur. The hosts make extraordinary efforts to provide both hospitality and care for their entire guest list. The hosts provide numerous comforts for guests which include arranging accommodations and conducting guided visits to explore the city landmarks while delivering unforgettable event experiences. Local inhabitants reflect their warm personality through a friendly culture which forms one of the numerous attractions of a wedding celebration in Udaipur. What makes visitors comfortable in Udaipur is the warm atmosphere throughout the city including the busy markets of Hathi Pol and the boat rides on Lake Pichola. Conclusion A typical wedding event in Udaipur showcases the love story as it unfolds through cultural heritage against this city's unmatched stunning scenery. The royal spaces along with colorful traditions together with amazing food and genuine hospitality form an unmatched expedition through the city. People who join Udaipur wedding celebrations have the honor of meeting an unforgettable experience which weaves traditional ceremonies together with luxury elements that continues to resonate in their memories.
