Top 10 Largest Lakes in India: Key Facts and Their Significance

Largest Lake in India

The largest lake in India is the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. The largest lake in India Vembanad Lake stretches over 96 kilometers long and the location is famous for its stunning natural beauty and flourishing ecosystem. Vembanad is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, housing diverse fish and bird species within its waters. Tourists are attracted to Vembanad to enjoy its peaceful surroundings and lively culture. Its expansive waters, teeming with life, continue to captivate visitors and sustain the local population’s livelihoods.

Significance of Largest Lake in India: Geography, Culture, and Ecosystem

Lakes hold immense significance in India’s geography, culture, and ecosystem. They serve as crucial reservoirs of freshwater. Lakewaters assist in supporting irrigation, drinking water, and industrial needs. They contribute largely to India’s rich ecological diversity. They provide home to various plant and animal species, some unique to specific lakes. and also influence climate moderation, carbon storage, and flood control during monsoons. At the same time, they act as natural purifiers, enhancing water quality through processes like sedimentation and nutrient removal. Indian lakes are not merely geographic features; they symbolize culture, vital ecosystems, and economic assets, serving multifaceted roles in the nation’s prosperity and well-being.

Largest Lake in India: Diversity

The largest lakes in India are natural wonders and crucial resources for the nation. India’s lakes are a testament to its geographical diversity and cultural richness. They not only provide captivating landscapes but also provide valuable resources. They also engage in supporting ecosystems and enhancing the lives of millions across the nation.

Various types of lakes found in India

Let’s explore the diverse types of lakes found across the country:

• Glacial Lakes:

A glacial lake is created when a glacier melts and the depression it fills the water. Glacial lakes can affect the local ecosystem and water availability downstream, so tracking changes in the number of glacial lakes is important.

• Tectonic Lakes:

Tectonic lakes are formed as a result of movements in the earth’s crust which create depressions or hollows in the earth’s surface. These are then filled up with water to form large and deep lakes. These are formed due to natural geological forces.

• Volcanic Lakes:

Volcanic lakes are usually created following an eruption. The melted rock flows out of the crater and the water running off the surrounding land collects in the crater to form a lake. If the lake sits above the ruptured volcano it can also be molten. Some volcanic lakes such as Pozzo del Merro, Rome; Lake Te Anau, Southland New Zealand; and Lake Viedma, Argentina are filled with pure fresh water. Other lakes contain sulphuric minerals making the lake toxic and acidic.

• Oxbow Lakes:

Oxbow lakes are created when a river’s wide meander is severed and the river finds a new, shorter course. One example of an Oxbow lake is Chandubi in Assam.

• Saltwater Lagoons:

Salt concentrations are high in saltwater lakes. A saltwater lake is the Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan.

• Crater Lakes:

When there is a collapse or violent activity of volcanic eruptions, crater lakes are created. Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is an illustration of a crater lake.

• Artificial Lakes:

These man-made lakes are intended to hold water for public use. One artificial lake is Chembarambakkam in Tamil Nadu.

Criteria for measuring size

The various criteria for measuring the size of different types of lakes in India are:

• Glacial Lakes:
  • Surface Area
  • Volume
  • Depth
  • Elevation
  • Catchment Area
  • Perimeter
  • Water Quality
  • Presence of Glaciers
  • Geological Features
• Tectonic Lakes:
  • Surface Area
  • Volume
  • Depth
  • Elevation
  • Catchment Area
  • Perimeter
  • Water Quality
  • Geological Features
  • Tectonic Activity
• Volcanic Lakes:
  • Surface Area
  • Volume
  • Depth
  • Elevation
  • Catchment Area
  • Perimeter
  • Water Quality
  • Geological Features
  • Proximity to Volcanoes
• Oxbow Lakes:
  • Surface Area
  • Volume
  • Depth
  • Catchment Area
  • Perimeter
  • Water Quality
  • Formation Process
• Saltwater Lagoons:
  • Surface Area
  • Volume
  • Depth
  • Elevation
  • Catchment Area
  • Perimeter
  • Water Quality
  • Proximity to Saltwater Bodies
  • Ecological Features

List of Important Lakes in India

Lake Name	Location
Pulicat Lake	Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh
Haflong Lake	Assam
Deepor Beel	Assam
Chandubi Lake	Assam
Kanwar Lake	Bihar
Hamirsar Lake	Gujarat
Kankaria Lake	Gujarat (Ahmedabad)
Badkhal Lake	Haryana (Faridabad)
Brahma Sarovar	Haryana (Kurukshetra)
Chandra Taal	Himachal Pradesh
Maharana Pratap Sagar	Rajasthan (Kota)
Dal Lake	Jammu & Kashmir (Srinagar)
Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir
Agara Lake	Karnataka (Bangalore)
Ulsoor Lake	Karnataka (Bangalore)
Kuttanad Lake	Kerala (Alappuzha)
Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala (Kollam)
Bhojtal	Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal)
Shivsagar	Assam
Loktak Lake	Manipur
Umiam Lake	Meghalaya (Shillong)
Tam Dil	Mizoram
Chilika Lake	Odisha
Harike Lake	Punjab
Kanjli Lake	Punjab
Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan
Tsomgo Lake	Sikkim
Chembarambakkam Lake	Tamil Nadu (Chennai)
Hussain Sagar	Telangana (Hyderabad)
Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar	Uttarakhand (Nainital)
Belasagar	Uttar Pradesh (Agra)
Bhimtal	Uttarakhand (Nainital)
Kaliveli Lake	Tamil Nadu (Viluppuram)

Exploring the Freshwater Largest Lake in India

Freshwater lakes are precious natural resources serving vital ecological and human needs. They provide drinking water, irrigation, and economic activities like fishing and tourism. One of the most prominent and Freshwater Largest lakes in India is Vembanad Lake. It is also one of the largest lake in India. Let’s delve into its location, biodiversity, significance, and characteristics, etc:

• Backwater Ecosystem– Vembanad is renowned for its intricate network of backwaters, canals, and lagoons interconnected with the Arabian Sea. These water bodies create a distinctive ecosystem, nurturing a rich variety of flora and fauna.
• Environmental Concerns– Like many freshwater ecosystems, Vembanad faces environmental challenges such as pollution, habitat degradation, and encroachment.
• Tourism– Vembanad’s scenic beauty and serene backwaters attract tourists worldwide. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and houseboat stays and explore the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.

Remarkable Largest Lake in India

Besides Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in India, many other lakes are special for their unique features and cultural significance. Here are some noteworthy lakes in India celebrated for their size, depth, or cultural importance:

• Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
• Chilika Lake, Odisha
• Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
• Loktak Lake, Manipur
• Hussain Sagar, Telangana
• Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan
• Pangong Tso, Ladakh
• Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan
• Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh

Unveiling the Largest Lake in India

Let’s uncover details about the largest lake in India, including its name, location, and unique characteristics. In the table provided below, you’ll find the profile of the remarkable Indian lakes:

Lake Name	Geographical Location	Distinctive Features
Wular Lake	Jammu and Kashmir	One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. Situated at 1,580 meters above sea level in the Himalayan region. Functions as a natural flood reservoir. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Unique “Raad” floating gardens for vegetable cultivation.
Shivaji Sagar lake	Maharashtra	It serves as a reservoir, providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The lake is man-made.
Indira Sagar Lake	Madhya Pradesh	One of India’s largest reservoirs on the Narmada River. Used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Provides water for agriculture in Madhya Pradesh. Generates electricity for the region. A popular tourist destination for boating and recreation.
Sardar Sarovar Lake	Gujarat	Sardar Sarovar Lake is a reservoir made by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada. The reservoir serves as a source of water for various needs like irrigation, drinking water, and industrial consumption. The lake supplies water for agriculture and for domestic and other uses. It also provides water for industry in the local area and for the generation of electricity by hydel power. Further, it helps in checking floods in the deltaic region. The project thus as a whole affords ample facilities for developing the economy of the region by augmenting the water resources.
Loktak Lake	Manipur	Loktak Lake is renowned for its floating phumdis, unique, naturally formed floating islands. It hosts the Keibul Lamjao National Park, recognized as the world’s sole floating national park, devoted to safeguarding the endangered Sangai deer. Loktak Lake is home to diverse bird and fish species, contributing to its ecological significance. The lake holds cultural importance among Manipuri communities, reflecting their traditions and lifestyles.It functions as a reservoir for hydropower generation, fulfilling the region’s energy needs.
Nagarjuna Sagar lake	Telangana	It serves as a reservoir, providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The lake is man-made.
Dhebar Lake	Rajasthan	Man-made lake in the 14th century by Maharana Dhebar of Mewar.One of Udaipur’s largest and most picturesque lakes. Home to islands with historic structures like the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Offers boat rides for tourists to explore its beauty.Integral to the history and culture of Udaipur and the Mewar region. A popular and iconic tourist destination known as the “Venice of the East.”
Kanwar Lake	Bihar	Asia’s largest oxbow lake. Home to diverse bird species.Supports livelihoods through fishing, boating, and tourism. Helps mitigate downstream flood risk by absorbing excess water.
Pangong Lake	Ladakh	In the Himalayas, a lake called Pangong is situated at a higher altitude in Ladakh. The location is famous for its crystal clear water and its surrounding which makes this a must-visit place for tourists. This lake is spread over 627 sq km.
Pulicat Lake	Andhra Pradesh	The second largest brackish water lake in India, Pulicat Lake is famous for its rich ecosystem and beautiful surroundings. It is situated in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This lake is spread over 450 sq km.

Largest Lake in India: Economic and Ecological Significance

Below are the concise ecological and economic significances of some of Largest Lake in India:

• Vembanad Lake, Kerala
  • Ecological Significance: Rich biodiversity, part of a vital wetland system.
  • Economic Significance: Supports agriculture, fisheries, and tourism and aids flood control.
• Chilika Lake, Odisha
  • Ecological Significance: Ramsar site, home to diverse birds and endangered dolphins.
  • Economic Significance: Supports fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
• Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
  • Ecological Significance: Largest freshwater lake in India, key to ecological balance.
  • Economic Significance: Supports fishing, agriculture, and water regulation.
• Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan
  • Ecological Significance: Habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos
  • Economic Significance: Hub for salt production.
• Loktak Lake, Manipur
  • Ecological Significance: Unique floating islands, Ramsar site, home to endangered Sangai deer.
  • Economic Significance: Supports fishing, tourism, and hydropower.

Largest Man Made Lake in India

The largest man-made lake in India is Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Lake, also known as Rihand Dam, located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. It covers an area of 480 square kilometres and has a storage capacity of 10.6 billion cubic meters of water. The lake was created by the construction of the Rihand Dam in 1962. 

Gobind Ballabh Pant Sagar Lake is a vital source of water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply. It also supports a thriving fishing industry and is a popular tourist destination.

Also Read:-

The Tallest Building in India: Palais Royale

The Largest Dam in India Explained

Hirakud Dam: India’s Longest and World’s Lengthiest Dam

The Second Largest Lake in India

Did you know that Wular Lake is the second-largest lake in India? Situated in the amazing valley of Kashmir,  Located in the Himalayan region, at an elevation of 1,580 meters above sea level. Its cool waters and greeny surroundings attract nature lovers and those looking for quiet vacations. Walur Lake is a natural wonder to showcases India’s natural beauty. Tourists visit there to take a walk along the shores of the lake, to see local birdlife, and to relax in the peaceful environment. For those looking for adventure or peace, Wular the second-largest lake in India is a must-visit place.

Largest Lake in India: Delving into Depths

India has a diverse landscape; its lakes are no exception. While some are shallow and serene, others plunge into impressive depths, harbouring unique characteristics that make them geological wonders.

The Deepest Lakes in India

• Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
• Chilika Lake (Odisha)
• Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)

How These Lakes Are Formed and Their Relevance to Geography

These deep lakes are primarily formed through various geological processes, including tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and glacial actions. In India’s geography, they hold great significance:

• Geological Remnants: Some of these lakes, like Wular Lake, are remnants of ancient geological processes. Understanding their formation sheds light on the geological history of the region.
• Salt Production: Lakes such as Sambhar Lake have economic importance. Their unique chemical composition allows for salt extraction, sustaining livelihoods in the region.
• Water Resources: Beyond their depth, these lakes are vital water resources for nearby communities.

Conclusion

The Largest Lake in India holds a profound place in the nation’s cultural landscape, serving as more than just bodies of water. They are repositories of tradition, spirituality, and a source of livelihood for millions. India’s lakes are often steeped in spirituality.

From the sacred Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan to the serene Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, these water bodies are believed to be holy, and their waters possess purifying qualities. Pilgrims flock to their shores to perform rituals and take ritual baths, seeking spiritual cleansing. They also play a vital role in supporting livelihoods. The serene beauty of lakes has long inspired Indian art, music, and literature. The largest lakes in India are more than geographic features; they are repositories of cultural heritage and embody spirituality, art, community, and livelihood.

FAQ: Largest Lake in India