A city, or a town with a lake, definitely puts a special shine on the hometown of its people. It’s an evocative component to the city’s allurements defining their seasonal pursuits, their leisure space or even commercial pursuits.

UDAIPUR

With its history, heritage and rich culture Udaipur, the erstwhile royal city in Rajasthan, is a place of multiple charms. This quintessential city of lakes, fairy tale palaces and an atmospheric old town has long been ranked amongst the world’s most romantic cities. Built in the 15th century upon ground blessed by a sage for Maharana Udai Singh II, the city rose to become the capital of the Mewar Kingdom after the routing of the ancient capital of Chittor by Mughal emperor Akbar. Lake Pichola around which the city is built was actually established by a gypsy named Picchu Banjara in the 1300s. An enterprising guy, he was looking for a more convenient way to transport grain. He diverted the water from a tributary of Kotra River by building a dam across it. In later years, Maharana Udai Singh II strengthened the dam and expanded the lake by flooding Picholi village and rehabilitating its villagers. Some of the other lakes scattered across the city are Fateh Sagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, and Lake Badi.

The lakeside city has a dreamy vibe to it. Along the shoreline of Lake Pichola are a host of old havelis and palaces, architectural and decorative marvels in themselves. At the heart of Pichola Lake is the superb Lake Palace run by the Taj chain of hotels. Because the entire mass of this gorgeous fairytale palace hotel covers the small island on which it stands. It appears to be floating on water. It was built as the Jag Nivas by the rebellious Prince Jagat in the 1740s as his personal retreat to escape his father’s admonitions for his hedonistic lifestyle. The only way to reach the palace was by boat! A popular honeymoon destination in itself today, the Lake Palace is an unbeatable experience for spa treatments and some romantic dining and wining.

If you are looking for a waterfront hotel, there are some good ones to choose, including the beautiful Fateh Prakash Palace, partially still a royal residence.

Through the day, the waters of the lake mirror the mood of the diurnal movement of the sun and even the stormy skies in the monsoon months. From the liquid golds of a blazing sunset to a pearly silver at dawn, Pichola Lake enthrals both residents and visitors alike as your boat silently cleaves through the serene waters. Come here during the annual Gangaur Mewar/ Festival and become part of the humongous cultural/religious extravaganza. The event is set off by the royal launch festooned with flowers and buntings, moving at a leisurely pace across the waters for the ceremonials played out at Gangaur Ghat crowded by great throngs of city residents and visitors.

There’s an intimate feel to the city as one goes exploring the shadowed alleyways of bustling bazaars, where vendors and residents mingle with ease–giving bonhomie. Visiting the other lakes, the museums and galleries, the aged step-wells and heritage gardens–and attending cultural functions–are must-dos. A cycling tour of a native tribal settlement in the wooded enclaves of the Aravalli hills, the stunning backdrop of the lake city, offers another facet of this fascinating heritage lakeside city.

PERIYAR

Periyar Lake, in Kerala’s Periyar National Park, brings visitors to one of India’s most important biodiversity hotspots.This gorgeous untamed, untouched wilderness can be accessed from Thekkady, 5km from Kumily. Thekkady is the gateway to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, amidst the aromatic Cardamom Hills in Kerala’s Idukki District. Bet you didn’t know that Periyar also is one of the oldest protected areas in India! It’s a wonder world of expensive timbers like teak, rosewood and sandalwood and fantastic faunal and avifaunal species.

In order to avoid the rot of over-tourism, all measures have been taken to maintain the pristine environs of this forested region. Visitors longing to explore it can do so by following some of the tourism designated trekking trails in the forest organized by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. You can take a guided hiking tour in different terrains inside Periyar Tiger Reserve; keep your eyes peeled for sightings of rare birds, butterflies and animals such as the handsome Malabar Giant Squirrel.

The Reserve is truly a bountiful treasure trove for the wildlife buff. You can also enjoy a unique rafting experience while on the Lake Periyar, fed by the Periyar River, the lifeline of the park. Savour those delicious moments of wildlife spotting and birding. From an eco-friendly native raft made from bamboo, on

The lake itself features an interesting mix of creeks, islets and vantage points. The waters of the lake are home to the Periyar barb, a cyprinid fish endemic to this lake, the Periyar latia, only seen in the Periyar River and the Periyar trout, endemic to Kerala. Other endemic species here are the bicoloured Malabar frog, the Malabar gliding frog and the Malabar Hills fungoid frog, which are only found in the Western Ghats. You might strike it lucky if animals like elephant, gaur and sambar appear on the shoreline of Periyar Lake while you are enjoying your rafting experience.

HYDERABAD

Hyderabad, the city of the Nizams in Central India, is beloved for its heritage, fabulous antiquities, its historic buildings and its amazing culinary experiences. Though landlocked, it offers visitors some charming moments at its water bodies. Once known as the City of Lakes, it is home to both natural and artificial lakes. Chief amongst these are the very popular Hussaina Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake and Shamirpet Lake that make up about 12 water bodies that are scattered in and around the city.

At the heart of Hussaina Sagar stands a massive statue of standing Lord Buddha. Floodlit at night, it is an evocative sight that marks the dark waters of the lake. After a hectic day of sightseeing and a sound and light show at the famous Golconda Fort, enjoy a gourmet dinner with impeccable service on the cruiser on the lake. Close to the lake are the Lumbini Gardens, a restful landscaped space offering a laser show, musical fountain, and boating trips on Hussain Sagar. A popular outing for citizens is Eat Street, where one can enjoy a fabulous array of eats from the vendors, in plain view of the serene Hussain Sagar. The Necklace Street art offers an interesting window into Hyderabad’s contemporary creative pursuits.

Durgam Cheruvu Lake, popularly known as the Secret Lake, is a big hub for boating and fishing. The rocky escarpments around it lure adventure buffs to indulge in some rock climbing and trekking activities. Birding enthusiasts arrive in droves in the verdant expanses of the tiny island in Safilguda Lake, which attracts many migratory avifaunal species. The tranquil park here is the haunt of morning walkers.. Himayat Sagar Lake, built as a water conservation initiative for the city, has transformed into a popular picnic spot is a captivating picnic spot for the outsiders. During the annual festivities Ganesh Chaturthi, Osman Sagar Lake devotees in great numbers arrive on the shores for the ceremonial immersion of the idols of Lord Ganesh.

Spread across the length and breadth of India, lakes both big and small have created their own magic to the many destinations that have become tourist hotspots. This is but a small window to the variety of experiences you can expect to discover at these beautiful lakeside retreats. Next time choose a lake -centric holiday destination and see I you don’t want many more such memorable experiences to remember India by.