Lakes

India, a land of diverse landscapes, is blessed with numerous breathtaking lakes that are a nature lover’s paradise. From the serene backwaters of Kerala to the majestic high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, each water body tells a unique story. Whether you are a traveller, a photographer, or someone seeking tranquillity, India’s lakes offer a perfect escape. This comprehensive and fact-checked guide will take you on a virtual tour of the 21 most stunning lakes in India.

1. Vembanad Lake, Kerala: India’s Longest Lake

Nestled in the heart of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest in the state. With a vast surface area of over 200 square kilometres, this enchanting waterbody is the lifeline of the region and is part of the larger Vembanad-Kol wetland system which spans over 2033 sq km.

Key Features:

• A Ramsar Site: It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India after the Sundarbans, signifying its vital ecological importance.
• River Inflows: The lake is fed by six major rivers: Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba, and Periyar.
• Houseboat Haven: Vembanad Lake is globally famous for its picturesque backwaters and traditional houseboats (kettuvallams), offering a unique and serene travel experience.
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race: The lake comes alive during the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a spectacular event that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a houseboat cruise, go bird watching, and witness the vibrant village life along the banks.

2. Chilika Lake, Odisha: Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

Spread across the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts of Odisha, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and Asia. This pear-shaped lake is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical habitat for countless species.

Key Features:

• A Bird Watcher’s Paradise: As a designated Ramsar Wetland site, it’s a wintering ground for a vast number of migratory birds from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, and other remote regions.
• Dolphin Watching: It is one of the only two places in the world where the rare Irrawaddy dolphins can be spotted.
• River Inflows: The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Bhargavi, Daya, Makra, Malaguni, and Luna.

Things to Do:

Take a boat trip to spot dolphins, visit the Kalijai Temple on an island within the lake, and explore the rich avian life.

3. Loktak Lake, Manipur: The Lake of Floating Islands

Located near Moirang in Manipur, Loktak Lake is renowned for its unique ‘phumdis’ – heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that float on its surface, a feature found nowhere else in the world.

Key Features:

• Floating National Park: It is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. This park is the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai, or brow-antlered deer.
• Ramsar Convention: The lake was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.

Things to Do:

Take a boat tour to explore the phumdis, visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park, and experience the unique lifestyle of the local fishing communities.

4. Shivsagar Lake, Maharashtra: A Man-Made Marvel

Situated in the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Shivsagar Lake is an artificial reservoir created by the Koyna River Dam, a key hydroelectric project in India.

Key Features:

• Vast Expanse: The lake covers a significant area of about 50 square kilometres.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the lake offers stunning panoramic views and is a hub for ecotourism.

Things to Do:

Enjoy boating and other water sports, and explore the rich biodiversity of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Sardar Sarovar Lake, Gujarat: A Symbol of Modern India

The Sardar Sarovar Lake is another impressive artificial lake formed by the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River near Navagam in Gujarat.

Key Features:

• Engineering Feat: The lake is part of the Sardar Sarovar Project, one of the largest water resource projects in India.
• Statue of Unity: The lake offers a stunning backdrop to the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Things to Do:

Visit the Statue of Unity, take a boat ride on the lake, and explore the surrounding gardens and eco-tourism sites.

6. Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu: A Haven for Flamingos

Located on the Coromandel Coast, straddling the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India.

Key Features:

• Flamingo Festival: The Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is famous for its annual Flamingo Festival, which celebrates the arrival of thousands of migratory flamingos and other birds.
• River Inflows: The Arani, Kalangi, and Swarnamukhi rivers are the primary sources of water for the lake.
• Sriharikota Island: The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the barrier island of Sriharikota, which is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India’s primary spaceport.

Things to Do:

Go bird watching, especially during the Flamingo Festival, and explore the Dutch-era fort and cemetery.

7. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh: The High-Altitude Wonder

The breathtaking Pangong Tso Lake is a natural, high-altitude endorheic (landlocked) lake situated in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Known for its mesmerizing blue waters that change colour with the sunlight, this lake is a dream destination for many.

Key Features:

• Trans-boundary Lake: A significant portion of the lake (around 60%) extends into China, with the Line of Actual Control passing through it.
• Immense Size: The lake covers an expansive area of about 700 square kilometres.

Things to Do:

Camp by the lakeside (in designated areas), enjoy the stunning, stark views, and capture the surreal beauty of the lake in your photographs.

8. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: A Blend of History and Nature

Stretching across the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and the Nalgonda district of Telangana, the Nagarjuna Sagar Lake was created by the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, the world’s largest masonry dam.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: The dam and lake are named after the revered Buddhist scholar Acharya Nagarjuna.
• Major Reservoir: It is one of the largest man-made lakes (reservoirs) in India, crucial for irrigation and power generation.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: The Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, is located near the lake.

Things to Do:

Visit the Nagarjunakonda Museum located on an island in the lake, and explore the nearby wildlife sanctuary.

9. Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Located near the city of Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, nestled between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, Kolleru Lake is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Key Features:

• Atapaka Bird Sanctuary: The lake hosts the Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, a designated Ramsar site, which hosts a variety of resident and migratory birds.
• Seasonal Inflows: The lake is fed by the seasonal streams of Budameru and Tammileru.

Things to Do:

Go bird watching to spot species like the grey pelican, painted stork, and glossy ibis.

10. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir: A Freshwater Giant

Situated in the Bandipora district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.

Key Features:

• Tectonic Origin: The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity in the region.
• Jhelum River: The Jhelum River is the primary source of water for the lake, flowing in and out of it.

Things to Do:

Enjoy boating, water skiing, and other water sports, and soak in the serene beauty of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

11. Sambhar Salt Lake, Rajasthan: India’s Largest Inland Salt Lake

Located near Jaipur, amidst the Aravalli hills, the Sambhar Salt Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake and a major source of salt production in Rajasthan.

Key Features:

• Ramsar Site: It is a designated wetland of international importance, especially known for hosting tens of thousands of flamingos.
• Seasonal Rivers: The lake is fed by the seasonal rivers Mendha and Rupangarh.

Things to Do:

Witness the salt extraction process, go bird watching for flamingos, and visit the Shakambhari Devi Temple.

12. Gobind Sagar Lake, Himachal Pradesh: A Reservoir of Power

Located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, in the Shiwalik hills, the Gobind Sagar Lake is a man-made reservoir created in 1962.

Key Features:

• Bhakra Dam: The lake was formed by the construction of the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River, a massive hydel project that was a symbol of modern India’s progress.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a range of water sports, including boating, kayaking, and water skiing, and visit the famous Naina Devi Temple overlooking the lake.

13. Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir: The Jewel of Srinagar

Nestled in the heart of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Dal Lake is often referred to as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.”

Key Features:

• Interconnected Basins: The lake is formed by five interconnected basins and includes the serene Nigeen Lake.
• Shikaras and Houseboats: Dal Lake is famous for its vibrant shikaras (traditional wooden boats) and luxurious houseboats, which are an integral part of the Kashmiri experience.

Things to Do:

Take a shikara ride at sunset, stay in a houseboat, visit the floating vegetable market, and explore the Mughal gardens along its periphery.

14. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra: A Meteoritic Marvel

Located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, Lonar Lake is a unique geological wonder created by a meteorite impact during the Pleistocene Epoch.

Key Features:

• Hyper-velocity Impact Crater: It is one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock in the world.
• Saline and Alkaline Water: The water in the lake is both saline and alkaline, a rare combination.
• The Pink Phenomenon: In June 2020, the lake’s water mysteriously turned pink, a phenomenon attributed to a bloom of halophilic (salt-loving) microbes like Haloarchaea.

Things to Do:

Trek down into the crater, visit the ancient temples around the lake’s rim, and marvel at this extraterrestrial creation.

15. Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu: The Princess of Hill Stations’ Lake

This man-made lake, created in 1863, is the centerpiece of the popular hill station of Kodaikanal in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.

Key Features:

• Star-shaped Lake: The lake is beautifully star-shaped and is a major tourist attraction, around which the town is built.

Things to Do:

Enjoy boating and horse riding, cycle around the 5 km lake path, and visit the nearby Bryant Park.

16. Dipor Beel, Assam: A Freshwater Haven

Located to the south-west of Guwahati city in Assam, Dipor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake that is a former channel of the Brahmaputra river system.

Key Features:

• Ramsar Site and Wildlife Sanctuary: The area is a designated Ramsar site and is also protected as the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Rich Biodiversity: The lake is a critical habitat for a large number of resident and migratory birds, and is part of an elephant corridor.

Things to Do:

Go bird watching, enjoy the serene environment, and spot some of the local wildlife from a safe distance.

17. Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala: The Octopus-Shaped Backwater

Situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, Ashtamudi Lake is a unique palm-shaped backwater lake, whose name means “eight-coned” in the local language, referring to its multiple branches.

Key Features:

• Gateway to the Backwaters: It is the second-largest and deepest wetland ecosystem in Kerala and is considered the gateway to the famous backwaters.
• Houseboat Cruises: The lake offers some of the most scenic houseboat cruises in Kerala, including the iconic route between Kollam and Alappuzha.

Things to Do:

Take a houseboat journey, enjoy the local cuisine (especially the pearl spot fish, or karimeen), and experience the tranquil beauty of the backwaters.

18. Bhojtal Lake, Madhya Pradesh: A Royal Creation

Located in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Bhojtal Lake, formerly known as Upper Lake, was built in the 11th century by the Paramara dynasty King Raja Bhoj.

Key Features:

• Source of Drinking Water: The lake is a major source of drinking water for the residents of Bhopal.
• Kolans River: The lake was created by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River.

Things to Do:

Enjoy boating and other water activities, and visit the Kamala Park and the Van Vihar National Park located on its banks.

19. Veeranam Lake, Tamil Nadu: An Ancient Reservoir

Located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, Veeranam Lake is an ancient reservoir built during the reign of the Cholas in the 10th century.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: This 11th-century lake, immortalized in the Tamil classic Ponniyin Selvan, is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Chola dynasty.
• Water Source: Fed by the Kollidam River (a distributary of the Kaveri), it is a crucial source of water for the city of Chennai.

Things to Do:

Appreciate the historical significance of the lake and enjoy the peaceful, rural surroundings.

20. Dhebar Lake, Rajasthan: An Historic Man-Made Lake

Also known as Jaisamand Lake, Dhebar Lake is located in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan. At the time of its construction, it was the largest man-made lake in the world.

Key Features:

• Royal Construction: The lake was built in the 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh of Udaipur across the Gomati River.
• Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary: The lake is surrounded by the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna including panthers, wild boar, and numerous bird species.

Things to Do:

Take a boat ride to the various islands, visit the Hawa Mahal palace on the dam, and go on a safari in the wildlife sanctuary.

21. Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan: A Sacred Water Body

Located in the town of Pushkar in the Ajmer district, amidst the Aravalli Hills, Pushkar Lake is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.

Key Features:

• Mythological Importance: The lake finds mention in the ancient Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma.
• Brahma Temple: It is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 500 temples, including the famous Brahma Temple, one of the very few dedicated to this deity in the world.

Things to Do:

Take a holy dip in the lake, attend the mesmerizing evening aarti (prayer ceremony), and explore the vibrant Pushkar town, especially during its famous annual camel fair.

Conclusion

India’s lakes are as diverse as its culture, offering a wide array of experiences for every kind of traveller. From the tranquil houseboat cruises in Kerala to the spiritual serenity of Pushkar, each lake is a destination in itself. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these incredible water bodies.

Have you visited any of these spectacular lakes? Share your favourite one in the comments below!