India is a land of immense natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains to calm rivers and vast lakes. The largest lakes in India hold not only ecological importance but also historical, cultural, and economic value. These lakes serve as sources of water, livelihoods, and tourism, while adding unmatched beauty to the Indian landscape. In this in-depth guide, we explore the top 10 largest lakes in India, their unique features, and key facts.
Quick Overview of the 10 Largest Lakes in India
| Lake Name | Area (sq km) | Key Features / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Vembanad Lake | 2,033 | Longest and largest lake in India, famous for backwaters and houseboats. |
| Chilika Lake | 1,165 | Asia’s largest brackish lagoon, home to Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds. |
| Shivaji Sagar Lake | 891.7 | India’s largest man-made lake, formed by Koyna Dam for hydropower and irrigation. |
| Indira Sagar Lake | 700 | Massive reservoir on the Narmada River; key power and irrigation source. |
| Pangong Tso | 627 | High-altitude saline lake that changes color; partially in China. |
| Pulicat Lake | 450 | Second-largest brackish lake; rich in birdlife, separated by Sriharikota Island. |
| Sardar Sarovar Lake | 375 | Reservoir formed by Sardar Sarovar Dam; supplies water to multiple states. |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Lake | 285 | Historic reservoir on Krishna River; vital for irrigation and hydropower. |
| Loktak Lake | 287 | India’s only floating lake with natural phumdis; home to Sangai deer. |
| Wular Lake | 259 | Largest freshwater lake in India; formed by tectonic activity in J&K. |
1. Vembanad Lake – The Longest and Largest Lake in India
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the largest lake in India, stretching over 2,033 sq km. It extends across multiple districts, forming the heart of Kerala’s scenic backwaters. Its calm waters host vibrant houseboats and the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race every year. Vembanad also supports a massive ecosystem, serving as a Ramsar Wetland and a crucial fishery resource.
Key Highlights of Vembanad Lake:
- Area: 2,033 sq km (longest lake: 96 km stretch)
- Water Type: Brackish (mix of salt and fresh water)
- Location: Kerala (spanning Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam)
- Major Use: Tourism, fishing, irrigation, transport
- Notable Fact: Hosts the largest wetlands in South India
2. Chilika Lake – India’s Largest Brackish Lagoon
Chilika Lake in Odisha is Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, covering around 1,165 sq km. It opens into the Bay of Bengal, creating a rare ecosystem where marine and freshwater species coexist. Every winter, the lake transforms into a paradise for migratory birds and is home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.
Key Highlights of Chilika Lake:
- Area: 1,165 sq km
- Type: Brackish water lagoon
- State: Odisha
- Wildlife: Over 150 bird species and dolphins
- Importance: UNESCO-recognized Ramsar wetland and bird sanctuary
3. Shivaji Sagar Lake – Maharashtra’s Artificial Marvel
Shivaji Sagar Lake, created by the Koyna Dam on the Koyna River, spans nearly 892 sq km. It is one of India’s largest artificial lakes, providing hydropower and irrigation to Maharashtra. Its surrounding green hills and wildlife sanctuary make it both functional and scenic.
Key Highlights of Shivaji Sagar Lake:
- Area: 891.7 sq km
- Type: Artificial (Reservoir)
- Location: Maharashtra
- Purpose: Hydropower, irrigation, water supply
- Scenic Spot: Near Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Indira Sagar Lake – The Energy Hub of Central India
Formed by the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River, this lake covers about 700 sq km. It’s one of India’s largest reservoirs, generating significant hydroelectric power while supporting agriculture and fishing. The lake is surrounded by fertile lands and small islands, offering mesmerizing sunset views.
Key Highlights of Indira Sagar Lake:
- Area: 700 sq km
- Type: Artificial reservoir
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Key Use: Power generation, irrigation, fisheries
- Output: Over 1,000 MW electricity capacity
5. Pangong Tso – The High-Altitude Himalayan Beauty
Pangong Tso, located in Ladakh at an altitude of about 4,350 meters, is one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes. Covering approximately 627 sq km, it’s famous for its stunning blue shades and the way it freezes completely in winter despite its salinity.
Key Highlights of Pangong Tso:
- Area: 627 sq km
- Type: Saline (Endorheic – no outlet)
- Elevation: 4,350 meters
- Location: Ladakh
- Trivia: Around 60% of the lake lies in China
6. Pulicat Lake – The Twin-State Coastal Wonder
Pulicat Lake straddles Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, making it India’s second-largest brackish water lake. Spanning 450 sq km, it plays a vital role in sustaining marine biodiversity and supporting fishing communities. The Sriharikota Island separates it from the Bay of Bengal, forming a natural barrier lagoon.
Key Highlights of Pulicat Lake:
- Area: 450 sq km
- Type: Brackish (Coastal lagoon)
- States: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- Special Feature: Pulicat Bird Sanctuary (flamingos)
- Economic Role: Fish and prawn production hub
7. Sardar Sarovar Lake – Gujarat’s Lifeline Reservoir
Sardar Sarovar Lake, created by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, is one of western India’s largest water reservoirs.
It not only quenches the thirst of millions but also powers turbines and irrigates vast farmlands across multiple states.
Key Highlights of Sardar Sarovar Lake:
- Area: 375 sq km
- Type: Artificial reservoir
- State: Gujarat
- Key Use: Irrigation, hydroelectric power, drinking water
- Engineering Feat: One of India’s biggest multipurpose projects
8. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake – The Backbone of South Indian Irrigation
Nagarjuna Sagar Lake, created by damming the Krishna River, is among the largest man-made lakes in southern India. It spans nearly 285 sq km and is vital for irrigation and hydropower in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Key Highlights of Nagarjuna Sagar Lake:
- Area: 285 sq km
- Type: Artificial reservoir
- States: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Main Purpose: Irrigation and electricity generation
- Tourist Interest: Historical Buddhist site nearby
9. Loktak Lake – The Floating Treasure of Manipur
Loktak Lake is India’s largest freshwater lake in the northeast, spanning 287 sq km. What makes it extraordinary is the floating phumdis — natural vegetation mats that drift across the water. It’s also home to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating wildlife sanctuary.
Key Highlights of Loktak Lake:
- Area: 287 sq km
- Type: Freshwater lake
- State: Manipur
- Unique Feature: Floating phumdis and floating national park
- Major Use: Fishing, irrigation, hydropower
10. Wular Lake – India’s Largest Freshwater Lake by Volume
Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake by volume, covering 259 sq km. Formed by tectonic activity, it regulates floods in the Jhelum River basin and supports rich aquatic biodiversity.
Key Highlights of Wular Lake:
- Area: 259 sq km
- Type: Freshwater (Natural tectonic)
- State: Jammu & Kashmir
- Main Role: Flood control, fishing, water supply
- Conservation Need: Facing shrinkage due to silt and urban growth
Importance of the Largest Lakes in India
The largest lakes in India are more than just natural wonders. They have ecological, economic, and cultural value.
1. Environmental Significance
- Act as natural flood buffers and groundwater recharge zones.
- Support diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds and aquatic species.
2. Economic Importance
- Aid in irrigation, drinking water supply, and fisheries.
- Boost eco-tourism and support livelihoods for thousands.
3. Cultural and Tourism Appeal
- From Kerala’s houseboats to Ladakh’s crystal waters, these lakes are magnets for domestic and international tourists.
Types of the Largest Lakes in India with Their Locations and Water Nature
Every major lake in India is unique in its formation, water composition, and geographic setting. Some are freshwater reservoirs formed by rivers, while others are brackish coastal lagoons or saline high-altitude lakes.
This table summarizes the type, water nature, and location of each of the top 10 largest lakes in India, making it easy to compare and understand their characteristics.
| Lake Name | Type / Water Nature | Location (State / UT) |
|---|---|---|
| Vembanad Lake | Brackish backwater system | Kerala |
| Chilika Lake | Brackish coastal lagoon | Odisha |
| Shivaji Sagar Lake | Artificial freshwater reservoir | Maharashtra |
| Indira Sagar Lake | Artificial reservoir (freshwater) | Madhya Pradesh |
| Pangong Tso | Saline high-altitude endorheic lake (no outlet) | Ladakh |
| Pulicat Lake | Brackish coastal lagoon | Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu |
| Sardar Sarovar Lake | Artificial reservoir | Gujarat |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Lake | Artificial reservoir | Telangana |
| Loktak Lake | Freshwater lake with floating phumdis | Manipur |
| Wular Lake | Freshwater tectonic lake | Jammu & Kashmir |
Challenges Facing India’s Largest Lakes
Even the grandest lakes face challenges that threaten their future.
Key Issues
- Pollution: Industrial waste and untreated sewage degrade water quality.
- Siltation: Rivers deposit soil into lakes, reducing their depth.
- Encroachment: Urbanization and illegal constructions eat away at lake areas.
- Climate Change: Alters rainfall patterns and water levels drastically.
Conservation Efforts
- Desilting and wetland restoration projects.
- Community-driven clean-up programs.
- Strict regulation of waste disposal near lakes.
- Protection under Ramsar Convention for international wetlands.
FAQs on Largest Lakes in India
Q1. Which is the largest lake in India?
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the largest lake in India, covering 2,033 sq km.
Q2. Which is India’s largest freshwater lake?
Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest natural freshwater lake.
Q3. Which is the largest brackish lake in India?
Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish lagoon in India.
Q4. Which is India’s highest altitude lake?
Pangong Tso in Ladakh is India’s highest and coldest saltwater lake.
Q5. What makes Loktak Lake unique?
It’s the only lake with floating phumdis and a floating national park.
Q6. Which lake is shared by two states?
Pulicat Lake is shared between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Q7. Which artificial lakes are among India’s largest?
Shivaji Sagar, Indira Sagar, and Nagarjuna Sagar are major artificial reservoirs.
Q8. Why are lakes important for India?
They support agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and ecological balance.
Q9. Which lake has the longest stretch in India?
Vembanad Lake, extending nearly 96 km, is India’s longest lake.
Q10. How can India conserve its largest lakes?
By regulating pollution, restoring wetlands, and enforcing land-use laws.