Indore is a bustling city adorned with ornate palaces, majestic temples, insightful museums, lively bazaars, vibrant pubs and restaurants, and so much more. If you are an avid traveler visiting the city, you probably have all these on your must-visit list. But did you know that there are a few lakes in Indore that offer you an enticing mix of serenity and natural beauty? Whether you are looking for places to visit in Indore for picnics and outings or to get respite from the rush and chaos of city life, these beautiful lakes are your best bet.
So, are you ready to venture out of your hotels in Indore and surrender to the beauty of the lakes in and around the city? Here is a list of lakes in Indore you must not miss out on.
Lakes in Indore:
Lotus Lake | Gurda Khedi |
Choral Dam | Mhow |
Pipliyapala Lake | A. B. Road, Indore |
Sirpur Lake | Sirpur |
1. Lotus Lake, Indore
Lotus Lake (also called Lotus Valley) is an enchanting water body situated on the outskirts of the city. Nestled in the scenic Gulawat village, it makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Indore. Locally known as Kamal Talao, this lake is a popular picnic spot frequented by nature lovers, shutterbugs, couples, and family holidaymakers. During and right after the monsoon season, this pristine lake is a visual delight as it is filled with numerous lotuses in full bloom.
If you go up to the 100-meter-long bridge that passes over this lake, you will get a priceless view of the Lotus Valley. If you venture out a little further, you’ll find yourself in lush green bamboo trees. While here, you can enjoy a sunset by the lake, capture some amazing shots or enjoy horse riding. Another exciting activity to do here is a boat ride on the serene lake.
- Location: Gurda Khedi
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Distance from Indore: 21 km (approx.)
- Activities: Photography, boating, horse riding, picnicking
- Nearby Attractions: Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple (12 km)
2. Choral Dam, Indore
Choral Dam, another popular name in the list of Indore lakes, boasts of a spectacular lake formed by the backwaters of the Narmada River. Away from the maddening crowds, the lake counts among the most romantic places to visit in Indore for couples. It is a great site for one-day picnics as well.
While at the lake, you can enjoy boating on the placid waters. There are speed and paddle boats available for hire. Watching the sunset at this lake is another activity that you must not miss out on. If you wish you stay overnight, there a resort run by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department with all modern facilities.
- Location: Mhow
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Free
- Distance from Indore: 40 km (approx.)
- Activities: Pedal boating, motor boat rides, picnicking
- Nearby Attractions: Bamniya Kund Waterfall (9 km), Patalpani Waterfall (16 km), Janapav (26 km)
3. Pipliyapala Lake, Indore
Nestled in the heart of the city, Pipliyapala Lake is the perfect destination to enjoy a relaxed evening with your family and friends. The lake is part of the Pipliyapala Regional Park, which is a world of fun and entertainment in itself. Spread across 42 acres, this scenic lake offers you the opportunity to engage in motor and pedal boating. You can also enjoy a ride on the mini-cruiser, Malwa Queen that boasts of decks, restaurant, and private party rooms.
Among other attractions of the park are musical fountains, an amphitheater, mist fountains, Mughal and French gardens, food zones, and much more. No wonder, Pipliyapala Lake tops the list of Indore lakes frequented by kids and adults with equal enthusiasm. If you want to kick-start your day with walking, jogging or yoga, you can visit here early in the morning.
- Location: Near Choithram Square, A. B. Road, Indore
- Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Entry Fee*: ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for kids (*Free entry till 9:00 am)
- Cruise Charges: ₹200 to ₹250 (45 minutes)
- Activities: Boating, cruises, walking and jogging
- Nearby Attractions:
- Annapurna Temple (3 km),
- Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalay (5 km)
- Lal Bagh Palace (5 km)
- Rajwada (5 km)
- Sarafa Bazaar (5 km)
4. Sirpur Lake, Indore
One of the largest lakes in Indore, Sirpur Lake is a huge man-made lake which dates back to the early 20th century. It was created by the Holkar royal family of Indore. Spread across 800 acres, the sprawling lake and the protected area surrounding it are home to more than 130 species of birds. During the winter season, the lake is visited by hundreds of migratory birds and truly, is a sight to behold. If you are a bird lover, this lake must be on your list of the things to do in Indore.
Otherwise too, this lake is a serene site to spend some romantic moments with your SO. Just pack your picnic basket, keep your camera, and head to this lovely lake for a wonderful time together.
- Location: Sirpur
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Activities: Birdwatching, picnicking
- Nearby Attractions:
- Kanch Mandir (4 km)
- Central Museum (8 km)
- White Church (8 km)
- Chappan Dukan (10 km)
Once you are done exploring these lakes, go ahead and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the many restaurants in Indore or chill out at a pub with your favorite drink to wrap up the day in style. So get ready to explore and experience the scenic charm of Indore lakes.