Uttar Pradesh is blessed by nature with a profuse sprinkling of nature’s most amazing gifts like lakes and mountains. The lakes in the state are renowned for their beauty and are definitely one of the high points of the tourism packages designed by various operators. The state has many fresh water lakes formed due to the creation of the Upper Ganges Canal in the last century.

Because of the location and the amazing landscape surrounding these lakes, a large variety of migratory birds visit the banks of these lakes at specific times of the year. They come from countries located far and wide. Most of these lakes also serve as water resources for the villages of Uttar Pradesh. The upkeep and maintenance of a large number of the lakes is handled by the state’s forest department.

The lakes of Uttar Pradesh vary in size and spread as one moves from one district to another. The best ones attract tourists on a regular basis, not only from India but from other countries too. It hardly merits mentioning here that ‘The Ganges’ is the most important river, not only of Uttar Pradesh but for the whole of North India. All other rivers that flow through various regions of Uttar Pradesh are part of the Ganga.

Rivers are a key part of the history and geography of the state with some playing a more stellar role than the others. Here are the details of some of the most important lakes of Uttar Pradesh that serve the people of the state in multiple ways.

Barua Sagar Lake

Barua Sagar Tal is a popular lake in the state and also one of the oldest. It is the largest lake and is located near the Barua Sagar Fort. Visitors to the lake also make it a point to visit the famous temple Jarai-ka-Math and the fort of Bundelkhand which are near to the lake.

Dodi Tal

Located at more than 3000 meters above sea level, the fresh water Dodi Tal is an important river in Uttar Pradesh. The name spells emerald and is located in a forested bowl. It has many trees such as oak, pine and deodar around it, giving it a primeval look. The surrounding forest of the Dodi Tal has many animals. Visitors can use the lake for bird watching, fishing and boating.

Nachiketa Tal

This enchanting river is located bang in the center of Panchagaon and Fold Gaon amidst dense and captivating forest. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Uttarkashi and named after the son of the lake’s creator, Uddalak. The view of the lake and the surrounding area is captivating and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Naukuchia Tal

Located approximately 27 km from Nainital, the Naukuchia Tal is very pictorial and makes for great viewing. It is situated at a height of 1129 meters above sea level and is unique because it has nine corners which explain its name. The river also offers immense scope for fishing. The Naukuchia Tal is the place where Rabindranath Tagore completed his famous collection of Nobel Prize winner poems, Gitanjali.

Roop Kund

Roop Kund is undoubtedly one of the most popular rivers of Uttar Pradesh and its popularity comes from the mystery associated with it. The river is surrounded by dense forests, flowing brooks and scenic beauty makes the river a must-visit destination for tourists. It is a high altitude glacial lake and is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons found at the edge of the lake. The area is uninhabited and surrounded by glaciers and beautiful snow-clad mountain. The lake is a favorite destination for trekkers.

Belasagar Lake

Belasagar Lake lies in Belatal village of Uttar Pradesh and is a key source of water supply to the nearby villages. It is also used for irrigation. This man-made lake was constructed by King Parikshit of Jaitpur at the end of the 19th century to honor the memory of his wife Bela. The lake is spread over an area of eight square meters and has the Kulpahar-Nowgong road on one side and Jaitpur-Srinagar road on other.

Keetham Lake

Keetham Lake is a stunning lake which attracts many visitors because of its amazing beauty. The lake is situated just outside the city of Agra on the Agra-Delhi Highway. The lake is home to numerous varieties of birds and fishes. The lake is also popularly known as Sur Sarovar and is a great place for outing. There are many species of mammals and reptiles. The area has been designated as a National Bird Sanctuary in March 1991. Water for Keetham Lake comes from Agra Canal. The water of Keetham is also used for Mathura Refinery Water Treatment Plant located nearby.

Ramgarh Tal

Ramgarh Tal is a famous lake in Uttar Pradesh, situated in Deoria district in South East Gorakhpur. It is large in size, encompassing 723 hectares. The catchment area of the lake is around 1632 acres. Of this, 1235 acres land is managed by the Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA). The lake has a large variety of fishes. Ramgarh Taal Tourist Complex scheme was established in 1987 by the state government for organizing activities, like water sports complex. The lake has lost its charm and beauty in recent times due to negligence and lack of maintenance.