Lake Gregory crowned as Sri Lanka’s most Instagrammable lake

• New study by Travelbag reveals the world’s most Instagrammable lakes and spotlights Sri Lanka’s most picturesque just in time for the elephant gathering season
• Lake Gregory tops the list as Sri Lanka’s most Instagrammed lake with 47,600 hashtags, and leads on TikTok as well with 2,463 hashtags
• America’s Lake Tahoe ranks as the most Instagrammable lake with 3.1 million hashtags, more than 2.5 times that of Canada’s Lake Louise, the next most-tagged lake
• Canada dominates the list with 7 of the top 10 most Instagrammable lakes, highlighting its global reputation for stunning natural beauty and highly shareable scenery

In celebration of World Photography Day (which fell on 19 August), long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have released a global study revealing the most Instagrammable lakes around the world, ideal for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

The study analysed over 50 of the world’s most iconic lakes, ranking them based on Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts to identify the top destinations for breathtaking scenery. It also highlighted Sri Lanka’s most photogenic lakes, especially timely during the country’s famous elephant gathering season, offering travellers a unique chance to capture stunning landscapes alongside rare wildlife moments.

Lake Gregory tops the list as Sri Lanka’s most Instagrammed lake with 47,600 hashtags, and leads on TikTok as well with 2,463 hashtags

During the famous elephant gathering season (July to September), Sri Lanka’s lakes become the stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. 

These serene waters offer a rare blend of lush scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant wildlife, making them a uniquely captivating part of the island’s landscape. Travellers can also visit Nuwara Eliya on guided tours, enjoying its tea plantations, colonial charm, and cool mountain air — a refreshing contrast to the tropical lowlands.

Taking the top spot in Sri Lanka is Lake Gregory, with 47,600 Instagram hashtags and 2,463 TikTok posts. Nestled in Nuwara Eliya’s cool hill country, the lake is surrounded by tea plantations, colonial gardens, and misty peaks, perfect for serene, atmospheric shots. It’s particularly popular in August and September, when nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks host the elephant gathering, providing a unique opportunity to capture stunning landscapes alongside majestic wildlife.

In second place is Kandy Lake, boasting 14,800 Instagram hashtags and 1,572 TikTok posts. Located beside the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this cultural landmark is known for its tranquil waters, historic surroundings, and golden sunsets, ideal for reflective, mood-rich photography.

Taking the crown as the world’s most Instagrammable lake is Lake Tahoe, boasting an impressive 3.1 million Instagram hashtags and more than 51,000 TikTok posts. Straddling the border of California and Nevada, this alpine gem is famous for its crystal-clear waters, pine-covered peaks, and year-round appeal. The best time to capture its vibrant colours and accessible trails is from late spring through early autumn.

Coming in second globally is Canada’s Lake Louise, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. With 1.2 million Instagram hashtags and over 79,300 TikTok posts, this turquoise glacial lake is framed by towering mountain peaks and the iconic Victoria Glacier. It’s most photogenic from June to early October, when the lake thaws to reveal surreal blue hues — perfect for stunning sunrise canoe shots.

Ranking third is Lake Ontario, one of North America’s Great Lakes, generating 1 million Instagram hashtags and 37,200 TikTok mentions. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, it offers everything from urban skyline reflections in Toronto to tranquil, nature-filled shores further east. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, providing golden light and smaller crowds.

Travelbag Regional Destination Manager and Sri Lanka Expert Sheyrl Drane shares insights on visiting Sri Lanka during the elephant gathering: “The elephant gathering between August and September is one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife events, drawing hundreds of elephants to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. What makes this season truly special for photographers is the unique chance to capture dramatic wildlife moments alongside stunning lake landscapes — from the misty hills around Lake Gregory to the cultural charm of Kandy Lake. Beyond elephants, visitors can also photograph a rich variety of birdlife and other wildlife, creating a diverse and unforgettable experience.”

Rank Lake Instagram hashtags TikTok hashtags

1 Lake Gregory 47,600 2,463

2 Kandy Lake 14,800 1,572

3 Tissa Wewa 1,011 218

4 Parakrama Samudraya 1,688 180

5 Victoria Reservoir 1,067 141