Which is the Largest Freshwater Lake in India?

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Largest Freshwater Lake in India

India is home to many beautiful freshwater lakes that provide water, support wildlife, and attract tourists. But which is the largest freshwater lake in India? The answer is Wular Lake, located in the north of India in Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its vast size and ecological importance. The Wular Lake location makes it a stunning natural attraction in the region.

When we talk about the largest freshwater lake in India by area, Wular Lake is at the top of the list. It covers an area that changes with the seasons, making it one of the most dynamic freshwater lakes in India. Some people ask whether the largest freshwater lake in India is Kolleru or Wular. While Kolleru Lake is large, Wular Lake holds the title of the largest freshwater lake in India by volume.

Besides Wular Lake, there are many other important freshwater lakes in India. If you look at the largest freshwater lake in India list, you will find Loktak Lake in the northeast, which is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. But when we talk about the 2nd largest freshwater lake in India, Loktak comes after Wular Lake.

For travelers and geography lovers, checking the largest freshwater lake in India on a map helps understand its vastness. The Wular Lake significance goes beyond its size—it supports fisheries, controls floods, and is home to many birds and animals.

Largest Freshwater Lake in India List

The largest freshwater lake in India is Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It spans an area of approximately 30 to 260 square kilometers and is fed primarily by the Jhelum River.

Top Freshwater Lakes in India List

1. Wular Lake – The largest freshwater lake in India by area, located in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Loktak Lake – The largest freshwater lake in North East India, famous for its floating islands.
3. Kolleru Lake – A major freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh, often compared when discussing largest freshwater lake in India: Kolleru or Wular.
4. Dal Lake – A famous tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Sambhar Lake – Although a saltwater lake, it is often confused with freshwater lakes due to its size.

Largest Freshwater Lake in India by Area

When discussing the largest freshwater lake in India by area, Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir takes the top spot. It is one of the most important freshwater lakes in India, known for its vast expanse and rich biodiversity. The Wular Lake location in the Kashmir Valley makes it a scenic and significant water body.

List of Freshwater Lakes in India by Area

Largest Freshwater Lake in India by Volume

India has many important freshwater lakes, but which is the largest freshwater lake in India by volume? The answer is Wular Lake, located in Jammu and Kashmir. When looking at the largest freshwater lake in India by area, Wular Lake also ranks among the biggest. However, if we compare lakes by the amount of water they can hold, Wular Lake remains the largest freshwater lake in India by volume.

1. Wular Lake
   • Location: Jammu and Kashmir
   • Volume: Approximately 580 million cubic meters (this value can vary due to seasonal changes).
   • Area: Covers around 200 square kilometers.
2. Loktak Lake
   • Location: Manipur
   • Volume: Estimated at around 500 million cubic meters.
   • Area: Approximately 285 square kilometers.
3. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake
   • Location: Telangana
   • Volume: About 1,600 million cubic meters, primarily a reservoir created by the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
   • Area: Covers around 287 square kilometers.
4. Govind Sagar Lake
   • Location: Himachal Pradesh
   • Volume: Around 1,200 million cubic meters, formed by the Bhakra Dam.
   • Area: Approximately 90 square kilometers.
5. Chilika Lake (though brackish, it is often included in discussions of large lakes)
   • Location: Odisha
   • Volume: Roughly estimated at about 1,000 million cubic meters.
   • Area: Covers over 1,100 square kilometers, making it the largest coastal lagoon in India.

Largest Freshwater Lake in India Kolleru or Wular

India has many important freshwater lakes, but the largest freshwater lake in India is Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not only vast but also plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife and the environment. Let's compare Wular Lake and Kolleru Lake to understand their differences.

Wular Lake

• Location: Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir
• Area: Changes with the seasons, ranging from 30 to 260 square kilometers
• Volume: Around 580 million cubic meters
• Significance: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, it helps in water storage, supports fisheries, and is home to many birds and animals. It is fed by the Jhelum River and is recognized as a Ramsar site for its ecological importance.

Kolleru Lake

• Location: Between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas, Andhra Pradesh
• Area: Can expand up to 260 square kilometers during the monsoon season
• Volume: About 500 million cubic meters
• Significance:Kolleru Lake acts as a natural flood reservoir and provides a habitat for many migratory birds. It is also a Ramsar wetland due to its rich biodiversity.

Conclusion

Both Wular Lake and Kolleru Lake are important, but Wular Lake holds the title of the largest freshwater lake in India by volume and area. It is larger and has a greater ecological impact compared to Kolleru Lake.