5 Magical Colour-Changing Lakes in India You Must Visit

5 Magical Colour-Changing Lakes in India

Here are five extraordinary colour‑changing lakes that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)

Formed around 50000 years ago by a meteor strike, Lonar is a saline‑alkaline crater lake. In June 2020, the lake shocked visitors by changing from green to pink, likely due to increased salinity and a bloom of red algae and halophilic microbes. Visit during pre-monsoon summer when the pink hue is most likely to appear. The nearby Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary also offers nature trails.

Pangong Tso Lake(Ladakh)

Nestled at 4350 m altitude, this high-altitude saltwater lake is famous for its ever-changing palette, bluish to emerald, even pinkish, due to sky reflections and mineral refraction. Best viewed between May and September, when camping along its banks offers sublime sunrise and sunset vistas.

Sambhar Salt Lake (Rajasthan)

India’s largest inland salt lake, Sambhar turns pink in summer. The shift is caused by salty conditions encouraging beta-carotene-producing algae (e.g., Dunaliella salina) and haloarchaea Best seen between February and June. The neighbouring salt pans and temples add cultural flavour to your trip.

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Tsomgo (Changu) Lake (Sikkim)

Also known as Changu Lake, this glacial lake near Gangtok shifts hues, reflecting sky, season, and time of day, with everything from deep blue to silver-grey. Frozen in winter, accessed via taxi from Gangtok, and pairs well with riding yaks, visiting shrines, and enjoying alpine flowers.

Maunpaat Lake (Surguja Pond, Chhattisgarh)

A local mystery: this pond reportedly turns red in the morning and green in the evening, drawing curious visitors despite scientists being unsure of the cause. While offbeat and uncommercialised, pair it with a Surguja tour that includes waterfalls and tribal culture.

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Image Courtesy: Freepik