India is a large country in terms of area and 7th largest country in the world. Our country has a diverse culture and varied tropical features. When considering the physical features of our country, we can’t miss out on different lakes in India that covers a major part. From Kashmir to Kerala, we have numerous lakes and most of them are freshwater lakes. However, you will also find numerous saltwater lakes, brackish water lakes, and crater lakes. Lakes are large water bodies surrounded by lands on all sides. They flow static and the factors affecting characteristics of lakes include temperature, light, and wind. Large lakes and natural freshwater fisheries play a significant role in overlapping the ecosystem. There are some artificial lakes made by humans for agriculture purposes. Here are given the list of the top 10 largest lakes in India in terms of surface area.
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1. Vembanad Lake
India’s largest lake is Vembanad in Kerala which has an area of 2033 sq km and depth 12m. The Vembanad Lake is half fresh half brackish which means slightly saline less than seawater. The lake is located west coast of Kerala and Vembanad is also known by the name Kochi Lake or Punnamada Lake. It is also the longest lake in India with a maximum length of 96.5kms. Vembanad Lake is surrounded by three districts Alleppey, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. One of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala, Kumarakom is located on the shore of this lake. Vembanad Lake is quite famous for its backwater houseboats and one of the major highlights promoting Kerala tourism. Tourists who love birdwatching and photography often visit this place. The famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is conducted in the main part of the lake. During the winter season, many migration birds are seen in surrounding areas of the lake.
2. Chilka Lake
Chilka is the largest non-fresh water lake in India and the world’s second-largest brackish lagoon. Chilka Lake is a coastal lagoon situated on the east coast of Odisha separated marginally from the Bay of Bengal. The lake covers an area of 1165 sq km and a depth of 4.2m. About 52 streams join together creating the large lake and it has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. During winter, the place becomes a breeding ground for migratory birds. The lake is a home for threatened species of plants and animals. People living nearby village perform fishing in this lake and the other main attraction of this lake is Nalaban Island, which is now declared as a bird sanctuary. The lake is also surrounded by few other islands named Beacon, Breakfast, Honeymoon, Parikud, and Birds Island. Many tourists have spot dolphins and the lagoon is home to 14 types of raptors. Tourists may take a tour through the lake on a boat.
3. Shivaji Sagar Lake
Shivaji Sagar lake is the largest artificial freshwater lake with an area of 891.7 sq km and depth 80m located in Maharashtra. The reservoir is created due to the construction of the Koyna dam and the dam was constructed in 1964. The lake is named Shivaji Sagar after the legendary Maratha ruler Shivaji. The lake is now a popular picnic spot and it provides various water activities to perform for the tourists. The artificial backwater extends up to 50km in the Koyna Nagar vicinity where Koyna wildlife sanctuary is located. Travelers can visit nearby villages, Bamonoli and Tapola which is situated nearby the banks of the lake. Boating facilities are available in the lake at an affordable rate.
4. Indira Sagar lake
Indira Sagar lake is an artificial freshwater lake with an area of 627 sq km. The artificial reservoir located near Mundi, district of Madhya Pradesh is created by the Indra Sagar dam built on the Narmada river. Indira Sagar dam is one of the most important dams in India and it produces the power of 1000 MW. The water from the dam is used for the irrigation of 1230 sq km of land nearby the dam. The dam was constructed in 1992 and named after the late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
5. Pangong Lake
Pangong Tso is a saline lake located in the Ladakh region of J&K with a surface area of 700 sq km and depth 100 m. The maximum depth of 100m makes the lake the deepest lake in India. Pangong lake is shared between India and China. Around 60% of the lake lies in China. Although the water is saline, it completely freezes during the winter season. Some part of the lake is under territorial dispute between India and China. The best time to visit the lake is during summers. The bank of the lake is a camping spot and many youngsters, especially bikers used to camp for days at the banks of the lake. The lake changes its color throughout the day based on the position of the sun on the sky. The eastern part of the lake is fresh and the western part is saline. There is no fish or aquatic life on the Indian side of the lake. Many tourists have noted numerous ducks and gulls on the lake surface. Bird islet is the most famous island in Pangong. Pangong is a delicate border point as the line of control passes through the lake.
6. Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake is located in Andhra Pradesh and the brackish lake has an area of 450 sq km with a depth 10m. It is the second-largest brackish lagoon in the country of which some portion lies in Tamil Nadu. The region of the lake that lies in Tamil Nadu is a popular fishing harbor. The shallow lake is famous among birdwatchers. The large island named Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is the home to the space center where the Chandrayaan 1 and other satellites were launched. The lagoon attracts northeast monsoon rain from October to December season. The major part of the lagoon lies under the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Fishing is a major occupation of people living near to the lagoon. The lake has several species of fish and seafood exports prawns, jellyfish, green crabs, and finfish. The endangered green sea turtles are found on the beaches and salt is also produced from the lagoon.
7. Sardar Sarovar Lake
Sardar Sarovar Lake is an artificial and freshwater lake made by the dam built across River Narmada. The lake is 375 sq km long and depth 140m. The lake is located near the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The lagoon is surrounded by a few temples and monuments present in that region. There are many retreat spots and luxury activities present around the lake. Tourists can perform various water sport activities like paragliding, boating, and river rafting in the lake.
8. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake
Nagarjuna Sagar Lake is located in Telangana and the freshwater lake is formed by the world’s largest masonry dam. The lake is located between the border of Andhra Pradesh, Guntur district, and Nalgonda district. The artificial lake is 285 sq km long and the man-made lake is the third-largest in the world. The lake was created in 1966 when the masonry dam was built over the Krishna River. The lake was named after the revered Buddhist monk, Nagarjuna who worked in the area during the second century. The lagoon is a perfect weekend getaway and it is beautiful to visit the area during monsoon season. People living around the cities used to spend time at the shore of the lake. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the second biggest reservoir in India and earlier water from the dam was used to produce electricity. An important attraction near to the lake is Ethipothala falls.
9. Loktak Lake
Loktak lake is a freshwater lagoon located in Manipur and it is 287 sq km long with a depth of 4.6m. The lake is quite popular for phumdis which means a large mass of vegetation floating on the lake. The lake looks like a small moving island. Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in North-Eastern India. The unique feature, floating island keeps on moving from one place to another. Kebul Lamjao is the national park located on the floating island. Accommodation and travel are available in the national park. It is the only floating national park in the world. There are many endangered species found in the park. Loktak is an important drainage basin for the Manipur and Barak rivers. Lots of migrant water birds are sighted during the monsoon season.
10. Wular Lake
Wular Lake is a freshwater lake located in Jammu and Kashmir and the lagoon is 260 sq km long with depth 14m. The lake is very shallow and the size of the lake changes seasonally and the lake basin was formed by tectonic activities. Wular is a natural lake and a major part of the Jhelum basin. Wular is an important spot for local fishery and it is a stopover for migratory birds. J&K tourism promotes the lake for various water activities like boating and water skiing in the lake. Picnicking is an important activity for honeymooners in this area.