“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
-William Shakespeare
The beauty of nature has transfixed humans since time immemorial. The Alps mountains, spring trees, vast sea, glorious waterfalls are masterpieces crafted by the bare hands of nature. Lakes are one such majestic creation of Mother Earth, just like the innumerable scenic beauties. Sitting by the calm lake transfigures us from the superfluous whirlpool of life. The gentle lakes have always had a significant place in our life. Be it the English poem by Edgar Allan Poe or the Disney film “The little mermaid’, the rhythm of nature has always contributed to nourish human emotions. There are many beautiful lakes around the world. The Caspian Sea termed the largest among all. But what fascinated us the most are those that are as colourful as the hues of a rainbow. Let me list down colorful lakes in the world.
COLORFUL LAKES IN THE WORLD
1. LAKE HILLER, AUSTRALIA
Situated beside the Pacific Ocean in Western Australia, Lake Hillier looks like a canvas painted with brick pink. Guarded by the thick rim of sand, paperback and eucalyptus trees, this 600 metres long lake was first discovered in 1802 by Matthew Flinders. It is believed that the excessive Saline content in the water and presence of Dunaliella Salina bacteria result n the pink colour. But whatever be it, it is a joy to the eyes. The contrasting blue and pink, form the perfect landscape. During the early 20th century, the lake also contributed to salt mining, for the salt content is as much as the Dead Sea. But now it serves as a prominent tourist attraction, one can reach the attractive Hillier Lake either in a boat or flight. It is one of the most beautiful and colorful lakes in the world.
Image Source: Wikimedia
2. PEYTO LAKE, WESTERN CANADA
Canada’s first National Park, Banff National Park is house to one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada known as Bluest Glacier Lake. Peyto Lake is named after Bill Peyto who first discovered it in 1849. The icy water of Peyto Lake is crystal clear, prominent enough to present the sight of 270 feet deep rock floor. The sunlight reflects off the rock floor and gives a splendid view. It is one of the best attractions in Banff National Park. The glaciers surrounding the Lake are more than 45 to 125 million years old and have historic significance with Ice Age. Peyto Lake is easily accessible and one of the best places to visit in Alberta. Tourists can also enjoy the legacy of Banff. Also, read about best places to visit in Canada.
3. LAGUNA COLORADA, BOLIVIA
The vast stretch of blue sky, Andes mountain, numerous flamingos in the red lake of Southwest Bolivia is a sight worth seeing. Laguna Colorada is also known as Red Lagoon. This lavish red lake has got its colour from the red sediments and algae in it. Around 14,000 feet above sea level, this lake has borax islands and its white pools perfectly contrast the orange-red tone. The rarest and endangered Andean Flamingos are also found here, along with Chilean and James flamingos. The salt lake is easily accessible and a major tourist spot.
Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria
4. KELIMUTU, INDONESIA
The tri-coloured lakes sharing the same name “Kelimutu” are in the Mt. Kelimutu National Park. Even though they are on the same volcanic peak, the three lakes share three different colours. Interestingly, the colour variation is unpredictable. It ranges from blue, green and black to white, red and blue. The locals have different names for the lakes and they believe it as the resting place of the departed souls. The lake at the western point of the Volcano is where the good souls are believed to go and the other two having souls of bad people, are often green and blood red. The colour of the lakes is probably due to the underwater fumaroles. It is dangerous to step near the lakes as there are steamy fumes that can be hazardous. But tourists can of course trek around the lake and enjoy the flora and fauna.
5. CHOTT EL DJERID
“Lagoon of the Land of Palms” in English, the largest endorheic salt lake in southern Tunisia will impress your eyes. The lake shaped like a wolf has an overall length of 250km and covered with salt. The extremely harsh climatic conditions and minimal rainfall dries it up. But one can still see the pink and green coloured water that gets grounded off as salt. This sun-baked lake is a paradise for Geologists. You will be fascinated to learn that it was also used as a filming location for the Star Wars series. So all the Star Wars fans, it’s time to bucket list Chott El Djerid.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. EMERALD LAKES, NEW ZEALAND
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of its kind. It has both cultural and historical significance. Tongariro National Park, having the honour of UNESCO’s dual World Heritage Status has Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe within its border. This 12-mile crossing is considered as the best one day trek in the country. The volcanoes, terrain, unmatched natural beauty soothes every passerby’s heart. The most attractive part of in the trek is Emerald Lake. Upon descending from the highest point i.e., Red Crater lays the Emerald Lakes. The magnificent lake has partly got such colour due to the dissolved minerals that have been washed down by the Red Crater. The green and blue water make the lake excessively beautiful.
7. LAKE REBTA, SENEGAL
Cape Vert Peninsula of Senegal has one of the most colorful lakes in the world. Lake Rebta is also known as Lac Rose for its pink colour. And this is due to the Dunaliella Salina that lives in it. The shade of the lake varies from dark pink to the colour of dark rose. This World heritage site has dunes surrounding it, thus separating it from the Atlantic Ocean. This lake is buoyant, just like the Dead Sea. Salt fishing is the major activity done in this lake. Apart from that, its uniqueness draws the attention of tourists from all over the world.
Image Source: Wikimedia
8. LAGUNA VERDE, BOLIVIA
Just like Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde is another wonder of Bolivia. Majestically lying in the foot of inactive Volcano Licancabur, this salt lake has brilliant shades of green. The colour of the water is caused by the mineral deposits. The most interesting fact is the climatic condition and its effect on the lake water. During winters, the temperature goes down to -56 degrees yet the water remains in its liquid state. This lake situated at 4300 metres above the sea level is connected to Laguna Blanca that has white water.
9. FIVE FLOWER LAKE
Jiuzhaigou National Park earned the honour of UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. The 72,000 hectares of natural beauty is a safe home to a diverse ecosystem. And within the reserve lies one of the colorful lakes in the world, Five Flower Lake. The 16 feet deep lake is surrounded by mountains. Most of the colour sapphire blue, its colour varies from amber yellow to dark jade. The lake does not freeze in winter and the water level remains constant. It has mineral content in it, along with a hot water spring flowing under it. It is also listed as one of the beautiful lakes in the world.
Image Source: Wikimedia
10. QUILOTOA, ECUADOR
The crater lake Quilotoa is a 3-kilometre wide caldera that was formed due to volcanic eruption before several centuries. Today, the 820 feet deep lake serves as a major tourist spot. It has a greenish colour which is due to the mineral deposits. Quilotoa Loop is also considered as one of the best hiking trips in Ecuador.
These are the beautiful colorful lakes in the world. Hope you have liked the list. Do share your comments.
