Top Places near Rivers & Lakes in North India
Here is the list of 30 Top Places near Rivers & Lakes in North India
1. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi
Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
2. Chandigarh, Punjab - India's first planned city
Known For : Nek Chand’s Rock Garden of Chandigarh Sukhna Lake Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana is a subtle and ideal definition of the word 'city'. In a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as a modernity, Chandigarh is a pretty town resembling a morning dream which is sure to flatter you with its innocence and pleasantness.
Best Time: August to March
3. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nohkalikai Waterfalls Mawsmai Cave
Among the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunjee with its clean and pristine surroundings is an excellent place to sit back and unwind.
Best Time: October to February
4. karnaprayag, Uttarakhand
Known For : Nandprayag Karnaprayag
Being one of the highly blessed five confluences of the Alakananda River, Karnaprayag is a splendid town by default. Surrounded by verdant locales and snow capped mountains, host to chilly conditions and perennial rivers, this place was destined to be a spectacular tourist destination.
Best Time: October to June
5. Majuli, Assam - World's Largest Fresh Water Island
Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur
Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, pristine and pollution free fresh water island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city.
Best Time: October - April
6. Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Known For : Mawlyngbna Mawjymbuin Cave Nohalikalai Falls
Acknowledged as one of the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination to behold the beauty of the rains. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.
Best Time: June - August; November - February
7. Nongpoh, Meghalaya
Known For : Thrills Fun Park Umiam Lake Lum Nehru Park
Nongpoh, Meghalaya is a petite town to be found to the North of the East Khasi Hills. Situated very close to the gorgeous Brahmaputra plains, this location is quite a favourite as a stopover before reaching Shillong.
Best Time: Throughout the year
8. Phek, Nagaland - A colourful side of Nagaland
Known For : Shilloi Lake Khezhakeno Village Glory Peak
Phek is a hilly area rich in flora and fauna. Apart from the spell bounding hills, Shilloi lake is an important attraction.
Best Time: October to May
9. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand - The Queen's Farm
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
10. Shillong, Meghalaya - Scotland of the East
Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Shillong Peak
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Best Time: September to May
11. Tamenglong, Manipur - Manipur's home to exotic flora and fauna
This hilly region is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays. The beauty of this town is unparalleled with the unusual varieties of flora and fauna.
Best Time: October to Apr
12. Thoubal, Manipur - Of landscapes and bazaars
Known For : Ikop Khongjom Loktak Lake
A well developed city, Thoubal is a good holiday destination for those looking for a pleasant climate and numerous activities.
Best Time: October to May
13. Williamnagar, Meghalaya - Come, engross yourself in the countryside.
Known For : Simsang River Naka Chikong Domre Falls
Williamnagar was formed around the former town of Simsanggre, which is based on the large plains of the Simsang River. A very remote area usually known for its abundance of natural beauty i.e. being flanked by the mountains and having a rich composition of both water and vegetation.
Best Time: October to February
14. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - The Paradise on Earth
Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.
Best Time: April to October
15. Haridwar, Uttarakhand - Ganges' wave of religion and spirituality
Known For : Har Ki Pauri Maa Mansa Devi Temple Ganga Aarti Sthal
No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins. However, with the passage of time, Haridwar has evolved from being a mere religious city to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around i, and is the perfect holiday option for anyone seeking spiritual connection as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature.
Best Time: Throughout the year
16. Bilaspur (HP), Himachal Pradesh - India's first planned hill station
Known For : Bhakra Nangal Dam Gobind Sagar Lake Water Sports and Fishing
Bilaspur is a hill town near Shimla, famous for its forts and Gobind Sagar lake, a man-made reservoir considered the lifeline of the district.
Best Time: Throughout the year
17. Along, Arunachal Pradesh - Home of the Mechuka Valley
Known For : Mechuka Mithun and Jersey Cross Breeding Farm Hanging Bridge
Covered with many pretty plantations and famous for its Mechuka Valley, Along is a beautiful town that glows with natural beauty.
Best Time: Throughout the year
18. Nainital, Uttarakhand - Misty lakes and mountains
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
19. Devprayag, Uttarakhand
Known For : Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Raghunathji Temple Chandrabadani Temple
Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.
Best Time: Throughout the year
20. Jorhat, Assam - Tea Capital of India
Known For : Majuli Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar
Famous for its culture, mosques, tombs, gardens and most importantly - its tea plantations, Jorhat is also known as the tea capital of India.
Best Time: October to March
21. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Yoga Capital of the World
Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports.
Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
22. Jowai, Meghalaya
Known For : Tryshi Falls Nartiang Monoliths Krang Suri Falls
Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai is famous for its scenic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture.
Best Time: October to Mid May
23. Serchhip, Mizoram - A hidden colour of Mizoram
Known For : Vantawng Falls Chhingpuii Thlan Thenzawl
Most famous for being the district with the highest literacy rate in India, Serchhip in Mizoram is a place that can provide you a unique and vibrant experience.
Best Time: Throughout the year
24. Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh - Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh
Known For : Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Pangin Kekar Monying
Home to river Brahmaputra which transcends down from Tibet, this place is a photographer's delight for comprising abundant sceneries of nature.
Best Time: October to May
25. Aizawl, Mizoram - The land of Mizos
Known For : Durtlang Hills Reiek Vantawng Falls
Neatly tucked in the beautiful North East, Aizawl is home to the Mizoram State Museum, along with being the cultural and religious capital of the Mizos.
Best Time: Throughout the year
26. Sualkuchi, Assam
Known For : Shopping in Sualkuchi Hatisatra Sidheswar Devalaya
Sualkuchi is a small sleepy village that displays the culture and traditions of Assam in its best form. The weaving village is however, best known for its skills and craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk in the state and thus earning its self a nickname of 'Manchester of East'.
Best Time: November to March
27. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam
Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, and with sprawling tea plantations, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kulu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi'. The town also has as many as 81 temples spread across its area.
Best Time: April to October
28. Sattal, Uttarakhand
Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara
A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer's paradise.
Best Time: April to June, September to December
29. Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Hot Water Spring River Rafting in Tattapani Shiva cave
A popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint area nothing short of a wonderland. Almost 60 kms away from Shimla, it treasures several attractions lying amid nature in its best form. This beautiful place nestled among the mountains is something you don't want to miss.
Best Time: October to June
30. Imphal, Manipur - The site of Battle of Imphal
Known For : Loktak Lake and Sendra Island Kangla Fort Tharon Cave
Imphal has a untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city.
Best Time: October to Apr