Lakes That Change Color and Other Mystical Waterbodies in India
India is home to some of the most mystical and mind-bending waterbodies — from lakes that shift colors with the seasons to waters that glow in the dark. These natural marvels defy scientific expectations and hold deep cultural, spiritual, or unexplained significance.
Let’s take a dip into the most mysterious lakes and magical waterbodies across India that you must experience at least once.
🌈 1. Lonar Crater Lake – Maharashtra
Formed by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago, Lonar Lake is both a geological wonder and a scientific curiosity. Its water occasionally changes from bluish-green to pink, especially during the summer.
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Why the Color Change?
Algal bloom and microbial activity are believed to cause the pink tint. -
Best Time to Visit: November to March
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Location: Buldhana District, Maharashtra
🧪 2. Roopkund Lake – Uttarakhand (The Skeleton Lake)
At first glance, Roopkund looks like a normal high-altitude glacial lake. But when the ice melts, hundreds of human skeletons appear beneath the clear waters — believed to be over 1,000 years old.
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Mystery:
DNA studies suggest a mass death from a sudden hailstorm or ritual. -
Best Time to Visit: May to June
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Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
🌠 3. Bhimtal Lake – Uttarakhand
Though known for its serenity, Bhimtal Lake sometimes shows a dramatic shift in color from green to blue depending on light, algae, and sediment movement.
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Unique Feature:
Floating islands and reflective waters that change hue during sunrise/sunset. -
Best Time to Visit: October to April
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Location: Nainital District, Uttarakhand
🔮 4. Chilika Lake – Odisha (Color-Shifting Lagoon)
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika, often appears to change its color from steel blue to sea green and even silvery-gray, depending on tides, seasons, and wind patterns.
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Mystical Element:
Home to rare Irrawaddy dolphins and flamingos, with color variations visible from different points. -
Best Time to Visit: November to February
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Location: Spans Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts, Odisha
🌌 5. Blue Lake – Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
A lesser-known wonder in the Northeast, this pristine lake is known to shift its shade from deep blue to emerald green based on the time of day and sunlight.
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Folklore:
Locals believe the lake is sacred and protected by mountain spirits. -
Best Time to Visit: March to October
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Location: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
🧭 Why These Waterbodies Matter
✅ Blend of natural science and local folklore
✅ Rare phenomena not seen in regular lakes
✅ Spiritual and cultural significance
✅ Ideal for photography, trekking, and nature tourism
📌 Final Thoughts
India’s mystical lakes offer more than just scenic views — they’re places where science meets myth, and nature plays with perception. Whether you’re a curious traveler, spiritual seeker, or nature lover, these color-changing and mysterious lakes offer a unique adventure into the unknown.