Nature and it’s beauty have always attracted mankind. Nature not only soothes the eyes but also put the body and the soul at solace and comfort. Lakes are God’s gift for us. They have an ability to take us to peace and tranquility in the hustle bustle of present day’s busy life. Take some time out and savour the depth, clarity, reflection and beauty of these lakes.
These beautiful lakes are situated in the National Park of Croatia in the mountainous region of Lika. The lake is surrounded by three mountains as shown in the above picture, namely; Dinaric Alps, Plejesvica Mountain and Mala Kapela Mountain. This lake site has lakes, mountains, caves and waterfalls. Mountains separate 16 lakes in upper and lower clusters. Lakes have distinct colors ranging from azure to green, blue or grey. This lake is an amazing and breathtaking example of natural beauty and a piece of heaven on earth.
Lake Bled is located in Slovenia in the region of Upper Carniola. It takes it’s name after the Bled castle. The lake finds it’s beauty in the reflection of the marvelously beautiful castle standing magnificently on a rock overlooking the lake. It is a well known tourist attraction because of it’s mystic and royal appearance and cultural rooting of the castle. It is a famous spot for love buds, tourists, painters, and sportsmen. It offers sports activities like golf, boating, rowing, fishing, horse riding and trekking. Bled hosts the World’s Rowing Championships. The island on the lake has 99 steps and a beautiful and touching tradition is that groom carries his bride up these steps on their wedding day.
Masyuko Lake, also known as Lake Mashu is a magnificent landlocked lake formed in the caldera of an active volcano. This beautiful lake is a part of the Akan National Park on the Hokkaido island in Japan. The lake is one of the clearest lakes in the world. The lake is walled by a 200 m high crater’s wall. It was formed around 32,000 years ago and the caldera was created after a volcanic eruption which occurred around 7,000 years ago.
Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. Loch is a word for lake in Scottish. This lake beautifully separates the lowlands and the highlands of the Central Scotland. It is 39 km long and between 1.2 to 8 km wide lake. The lake is and interesting lake as it has 30 or more islands in it. It is a famous tourist attraction and a well known watersports and boating point. It seems that it has come straight from the thoughts of a painter on his canvas or from a romantic novalist’s mind in his novel. In a poll conducted in 2005 by Radio Times, this lake was declared the 5th greatest natural wonder in Britain.
10. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
9. Lake Bled, Slovenia
8. Masyuko Lake, Hokkaido, Japan
7. Sheosar Lake, Deosai Plains, Pakistan
Sheosar lake is known for it’s surrounding lush green plains, clear water and beautiful reflections of the surroundings. Fresh cool breeze and beautiful pastures soothe the soul and make the lake a site that must be visited. Sheosar lake means blind lake. It is situated in Deosai National Part in Northern areas of Pakistan at an elevation of 4,142m (13,589 feet). The lake is 2.3 km long and 1.8 km wide.
6. Loch Lomond, Scotland
5. Peyto Lake, Canada
Peyto Lake is named after Bill Peyto who was the best guide in Canadian rockies. It is located in Baniff National Park, Canada. The lake gets supply of clear water from Peyto Glacier which melts in summers. It is at an elevation of 1,860 m. Beautiful rock granules also flow into the lake with water in summers, giving it a beautiful turquoise color and a brilliant sparkle and shine. The lake is easily accessed from Icefields Parkway and best viewed from Bow Summit in Icefields Parkway.
4. Shangrila, Skardu, Pakistan
Shangrila Lake is located in Skardu in Pakistan. The sparkling water catches the eye and takes breath away. It seems as if stars are dancing on the water surface. The water is clear blue with the reflection of the beautiful luxury cottages surrounding the lake. It is a famous honeymoon spot. Shangrila Resort also known as “Heaven on Earth” is nestled amongst some of the highest peaks of the world. Shangrila lake is surrounded by fruit laden orchards and flower filled gardens. There is also another heart shaped lake in Shangrila known as Kachura lake.
3. Lake Como, Bellagio, Italy
Lake Como is a lake in Lombardy, Italy. It is fed by melting glaciers. It is the third largest and the most beautiful lake in Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe with a depth of 400 m. It has been a famous spot of the elite class since the Roman times. It’s surrounding construction is a cultural gem. The lake is surrounded by beautiful villas and many celebrities own their own houses on the shores surrounding the lake Como. The aerial view of the lake gives it the shape of the letter ‘Y’.
2. Dal Lake, Kashmir
Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and a magnificent tourist attraction. It is known as “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s jewel”. The lake is 15.5 kms long. It has beautifully decorated boat houses, parks, Mughal era gardens and hotels. Shalimar Garden and Nishat Garden were built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The lake has beautiful floating gardens. These gardens are known as ‘Rad’ in Kashmir and they produce lotus in summers which decorate the entire lake.
1. Lake Geneva, Switzerland and France
Lake Geneva is a marvelous lake in Switzerland and France. It is the largest lake in Western Europe. 60% lake is in Switzerland and the rest 40% lies in France. The lake is glacial and lies on the course of the Rhone. It has a crescent shape. A popular sport is Yacht racing. Excellent catamarans are developed specifically for the lake.