India is home to numerous lakes that play a significant role in its geography, ecology, and culture. These lakes vary in size, origin, and significance. Below is a list of 40 important lakes in India along with their details.
1. Vembanad Lake (Kerala)
- Largest lake in Kerala and the longest in India.
- Known for the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
- Designated as a Ramsar site for its ecological importance.
2. Chilika Lake (Odisha)
- Largest coastal lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world.
- Home to diverse bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Major fishing hub supporting thousands of local fishermen.
3. Dal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Famous for its houseboats and Shikara rides.
- A major tourist attraction, often called the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.’
4. Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
- One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
- Plays a crucial role in flood control in the region.
5. Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Famous for its floating phumdis (islands of vegetation).
- Home to the endangered Sangai deer.
6. Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu)
- Second largest brackish water lake in India.
- A significant site for migratory birds, including flamingos.
7. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Largest inland saltwater lake in India.
- Important for salt production and birdwatching.
8. Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
- A high-altitude lake shared between India and China.
- Famous for its changing colors and scenic beauty.
9. Tsomoriri Lake (Ladakh)
- A high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains.
- Designated as a Ramsar site.
10. Hussain Sagar Lake (Telangana)
- Man-made lake connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- Home to the famous Buddha statue.
11. Bhimtal Lake (Uttarakhand)
- Named after the Pandava Bhima from Mahabharata.
- Larger than Nainital Lake and offers a picturesque view.
12. Nainital Lake (Uttarakhand)
- One of the most famous hill station lakes in India.
- Major tourist attraction with boating and scenic views.
13. Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand)
- Known as the ‘Skeleton Lake’ due to the presence of ancient human skeletons.
- A popular trekking destination.
14. Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh)
- The source of the Bhaga River.
- Located near Baralacha La Pass.
15. Rewalsar Lake (Himachal Pradesh)
- Sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs.
- Known for floating reed islands.
16. Sheshnag Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Associated with Hindu mythology.
- A high-altitude lake visited during the Amarnath Yatra.
17. Upper Lake (Madhya Pradesh)
- Also known as Bhojtal.
- One of the largest artificial lakes in India.
18. Lower Lake (Madhya Pradesh)
- Located adjacent to Upper Lake in Bhopal.
- Important for local tourism and ecology.
19. Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
- A freshwater lake between Krishna and Godavari deltas.
- A significant bird sanctuary.
20. Veeranam Lake (Tamil Nadu)
- One of the largest water reservoirs in Tamil Nadu.
- Supplies drinking water to Chennai.
21. Osman Sagar (Telangana)
- Artificial lake created by damming the Musi River.
- Important water source for Hyderabad.
22. Haflong Lake (Assam)
- One of the largest natural lakes in Assam.
- Major tourist attraction.
23. Kanwar Lake (Bihar)
- Asia’s largest oxbow lake.
- An important wetland for migratory birds.
24. Rabindra Sarobar (West Bengal)
- Artificial lake in Kolkata.
- A popular recreational area.
25. Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh)
- A man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Shivalik range.
- Popular for boating and birdwatching.
26. Ana Sagar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Artificial lake in Ajmer.
- Built by Anaji Chauhan, grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan.
27. Rajsamand Lake (Rajasthan)
- Built by Maharana Raj Singh.
- Known for its historical importance.
28. Pichola Lake (Rajasthan)
- A famous lake in Udaipur.
- Houses the beautiful Lake Palace.
29. Fateh Sagar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh.
- Located near Udaipur.
30. Pushkar Lake (Rajasthan)
- A sacred lake in Hinduism.
- Hosts the famous Pushkar Camel Fair.
31. Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)
- A unique crater lake formed by a meteorite impact.
- Alkaline and saline in nature.
32. Talao Pali (Maharashtra)
- A famous lake in Thane.
- Popular for recreational activities.
33. Dhebar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Also known as Jaisamand Lake.
- One of the largest artificial lakes in India.
34. Renuka Lake (Himachal Pradesh)
- Named after the goddess Renuka.
- Has religious significance.
35. Periyar Lake (Kerala)
- Formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam.
- Major attraction in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
36. Sholavaram Lake (Tamil Nadu)
- Reservoir providing water supply to Chennai.
37. Damdama Lake (Haryana)
- Largest lake in Haryana.
- Famous for adventure sports.
38. Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim)
- One of the highest lakes in the world.
- Sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.
39. Tso Lhamo Lake (Sikkim)
- One of the highest lakes in India.
- Located close to the Indo-China border.
40. Rangit Lake (Sikkim)
- Artificial lake near a hydroelectric project.
- Surrounded by lush greenery.
These lakes not only contribute to India’s ecological diversity but also have historical, cultural, and economic importance.
