Top 10 Largest Lakes in India
From Kashmir to Kerala, the land is filled with numerous lakes. Most of the lakes in the country are freshwater lakes. However, you can find numerous salt lakes, brackish water lakes and other types of lakes here. This includes the world’s largest and oldest Crater Lake, located in Maharashtra.
Of all the beautiful lakes in the country, here are the to visit.
1. Vembanad Lake
Location: Kerala
Type: Brackish and Freshwater
Square Area: 2033 square km
Depth: 12 m
This lake is located in three different districts of the state. This lake also shores the popular destination, This lake is birdwatching, photography and others. The famous snake boat race, is conducted in the main part of the lake. This year, the government has made plans to start a league for boat race like IPL for cricket. you can find numerous migration birds in and around this lake.
2. Chilika Lake
Location: Odisha
Type: Brackish
Square Area: 1165 square km
Depth: 4.2 m
Around 52 streams create this large lake, making it the largest coastal lagoon of the country and the second largest in the world. During winter season, the land becomes the breeding ground for migration birds. 132 and more villages rely on this lake for fishing. Main attraction in the lake is Nalaban Island, which is declared as a bird sanctuary. Apart from this, you will find Becon Island, Breakfast Island, Honeymoon Island, Birds’ Island, Parikud and others. You can spot dolphins, enjoy scenic vacation, spot some monuments and take a tour through the lake on a boat.
3. Shivaji Sagar Lake
Location: Maharashtra
Type: Artificial and freshwater
Square Area: 891.7 square km
Depth: 80 m
This lake is also called as Shivsagar Lake and was formed by damming the Koyna River. The lake provides a grand view for those who look for a picnic spot. Apart from this, this water source does not have any tourism activities.
4. Indira Sagar Lake
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Type: Artificial and freshwater
Square Area: 627 square km
This lake was made by damming River Narmada. Today, it is the second largest power source in the country and provides the surrounding villages with water for irrigation.
5. Pangong Lake
Location: Ladakh
Type: Saline
Square Area: 700 square km
Depth: 100 m
This lake runs from India to China. More than 60% of the lake lies in China. During the peak winter, this lake freezes and thus, it is best to visit the lake between May and September. The banks of this lake are cliché camping spots in the state. You can spot many migration birds too. The lake changes its color throughout the day, based on the position of sun on the sky.
Get Complete Guide : Pangong Lake Ladakh – The Highest Saltwater Lake in the World
6. Pulicat Lake
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Type: Brackish
Square Area: 450 square km
Depth: 10 m
This is the second largest brackish lagoon in the country. It lies in both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The regions of the lagoon in Tamil Nadu are dedicated mostly to fishing activities. This shallow lake is quite famous among birdwatchers. During autumn and spring, thousands of birds reach this lake. More than 115 species of birds can be found in this region. This is the best spot to find greater flamingo, spoonbills, kingfishers, ducks and others. You can find many resorts closer to Pulicat Lake, for those who are in for a vacation time. Now, it is much easier to explore the villages around Pulicat Lake, thanks to the motorable road project. (Source)
Top Tour Packages To Consider:
7. Sardar Sarovar Lake
Location: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Type: Artificial and freshwater
Square Area: 375 square km
Depth: 140 m
This lake is made by a dam along the River Narmada. You can find a few temples and monuments around the region. However, the best of all attractions is located in the Gujarat side of the lake. The world’s tallest statue, Statue of Unity is located closer to the lake. Thanks to the statue, you can find many retreat spots and luxury elements around the lake. Many water sports are said to be under development like, para gliding, trekking, boating, river rafting and others.
8. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake
Location: Telengana
Type: Artificial and freshwater
Square Area: 285 square km
This lake is made by the world’s largest masonry dam. This dam was created as a project for Green Revolution of the country and for hydroelectricity production. Today, it is an important weekend getaway spot from Hyderabad. Boating and picnic are the important activities to enjoy here. Ethipothala Falls closer to Andhra Pradesh is also an important attraction near the lake.
9. Loktak Lake
Location: Manipur
Type: Freshwater
Square Area: 287 square km
Depth: 4.6 m
This lake is famous for phumdis. It is a large mass of vegetation floating on the lake, making it look like small islands on the move. You can find a few species of water birds and wetland birds here. Many birds migrate from the north of Himalayas to this lake. You ought to try rhizome, an edible fruit of the lotus plants in this region. The lake is losing its natural beauty due to manmade wastes and misuse. Thus, make sure to visit this lake before it is no more.
10. Wular Lake
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Type: Freshwater
Square Area: 260 square km
Depth: 14 m
This lake basin was formed by tectonic activities. The lake’s size changes seasonally and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the continent. Apart from the natural beauty, this lake is famous for its rich population of terrestrial birds like Himalayan monal, common cuckoo, Himalayan woodpecker, golden oriole, rock dove and others. You can find numerous water sports including water skiing and boating in the lake. Picnicking is an important activity of honeymooners in this locality.
