Delhi never ceases to amaze us. Even as we’re reeling under heavy pollution and smog, the outer fringes of our city brim over with surprising natural beauty. Do you know that the outskirts are home to some of the most pristine lakes in the region? Make the most of the winter and check out these 4 lakes around the city.
BADKHAL LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/Family Picnic/ Trekking
Located in Faridabad, the Badkhal Lake looks like something straight out of a picture postcard with the rolling hills of the Aravallis in the background. Around 32 kms from the city, the tranquil lake gets its name from the Persian word bedakhal (meaning free from interference). It’s no less than a paradise for bird watchers as one can spot both local as well as migratory birds here. The green landscapes around the place are great spots to unwind and there’s also a tourist resort in the vicinity with a swimming pool and sauna. Adventure lovers can trek in the rugged terrains around the Aravallis, and the place also offers some great photo-ops. The attraction of this lake is the flower show held every year during spring.
Nearest Metro Station: Badarpur Metro Station
NILLI JHEEL
Best for: Nature Walks/ Trekking / Cycling
Located in the Asola Bhatti area, years of sand excavations has led to the formation of a few beautiful lakes here. Nilli Jheel is one of them. It has beautiful sandy banks and cliffs making it a perfect picnic spot during winters. Also referred to as the Blue Lake, this happens to be the largest lake in the Bhatti region. It’s home to several species of fish and aquatic plants. There is no well-paved road to reach this spot, but it is accessible via a kaccha rasta that is motorable from Shani Dham Gate. This place is around 5km from there.
Nearest Metro Station: Tuglaqabad
DAMDAMA LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/Family Picnic/ Trekking
A prominent weekend getaway for those living in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, this lake is a two-hour drive from the city. Located on the foothills of the Aravalli Hills, this is one of the biggest natural lakes in Haryana. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli ranges, the lake is held by an embankment. This popular picnic spot sees a lot of tourists during winter holidays, and keeping the interest of the visitors in mind, a number of adventure activities like rock climbing, cycling, angling, trekking and camping are organised here. One can also stay overnight at some of the resorts around the lake. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, this lake is your idyllic getaway, if you’re looking to escape pollution and rejuvenate in a natural setting.
Nearest Metro Station: Huda City Centre Metro Station
PEACOCK LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/ Trekking
Situated close to Badkhal Lake is the Peacock Lake. Also referred to as the Surajkund Lake, this was originally a water tank. The lake takes the shape of a peacock feather and the sandy banks are perfect spots to chill out. One can also spot a number of black kites here. The lake can be accessed from the Surajkund end of the sanctuary. The track also has a number of other lakes such as Vaanar Jheel, Gehri Jheel and more.
Nearest Metro Station: Badarpur Metro Station
Delhi never ceases to amaze us. Even as we’re reeling under heavy pollution and smog, the outer fringes of our city brim over with surprising natural beauty. Do you know that the outskirts are home to some of the most pristine lakes in the region? Make the most of the winter and check out these 4 lakes around the city.
BADKHAL LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/Family Picnic/ Trekking
Located in Faridabad, the Badkhal Lake looks like something straight out of a picture postcard with the rolling hills of the Aravallis in the background. Around 32 kms from the city, the tranquil lake gets its name from the Persian word bedakhal (meaning free from interference). It’s no less than a paradise for bird watchers as one can spot both local as well as migratory birds here. The green landscapes around the place are great spots to unwind and there’s also a tourist resort in the vicinity with a swimming pool and sauna. Adventure lovers can trek in the rugged terrains around the Aravallis, and the place also offers some great photo-ops. The attraction of this lake is the flower show held every year during spring.
Nearest Metro Station: Badarpur Metro Station
NILLI JHEEL
Best for: Nature Walks/ Trekking / Cycling
Located in the Asola Bhatti area, years of sand excavations has led to the formation of a few beautiful lakes here. Nilli Jheel is one of them. It has beautiful sandy banks and cliffs making it a perfect picnic spot during winters. Also referred to as the Blue Lake, this happens to be the largest lake in the Bhatti region. It’s home to several species of fish and aquatic plants. There is no well-paved road to reach this spot, but it is accessible via a kaccha rasta that is motorable from Shani Dham Gate. This place is around 5km from there.
Nearest Metro Station: Tuglaqabad
DAMDAMA LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/Family Picnic/ Trekking
A prominent weekend getaway for those living in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, this lake is a two-hour drive from the city. Located on the foothills of the Aravalli Hills, this is one of the biggest natural lakes in Haryana. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli ranges, the lake is held by an embankment. This popular picnic spot sees a lot of tourists during winter holidays, and keeping the interest of the visitors in mind, a number of adventure activities like rock climbing, cycling, angling, trekking and camping are organised here. One can also stay overnight at some of the resorts around the lake. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, this lake is your idyllic getaway, if you’re looking to escape pollution and rejuvenate in a natural setting.
Nearest Metro Station: Huda City Centre Metro Station
PEACOCK LAKE
Best for: Nature Walks/ Trekking
Situated close to Badkhal Lake is the Peacock Lake. Also referred to as the Surajkund Lake, this was originally a water tank. The lake takes the shape of a peacock feather and the sandy banks are perfect spots to chill out. One can also spot a number of black kites here. The lake can be accessed from the Surajkund end of the sanctuary. The track also has a number of other lakes such as Vaanar Jheel, Gehri Jheel and more.
Nearest Metro Station: Badarpur Metro Station