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Lakes are one of the most significant natural water bodies, offering scenic beauty, ecological balance, and economic importance. India is home to a diverse range of lakes, varying in size, type, and geographical distribution. From freshwater lakes in India like Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir to brackish water lakes such as Chilka Lake in Odisha, each lake has its unique significance.
If you’re wondering how many lakes are in India, the country has thousands, ranging from natural lakes formed by geological activities to man-made lakes created for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. Some of the largest lakes in India include Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh, and Bhojtal Lake in Madhya Pradesh.
India also has many sacred lakes, such as Pangong Lake in Ladakh and Lonar Lake in Maharashtra, attracting tourists and pilgrims alike. Additionally, artificial lakes in India like Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan play a vital role in salt production.
In this article, we will explore a complete list of lakes in India, categorized state-wise to help you understand their geographical distribution. We will also discuss the top 10 lakes in India, the largest brackish water lakes, and the conservation of lakes in India to highlight environmental challenges like pollution in Indian lakes. You will also find a lakes in India map for a visual understanding.
Stay with us as we dive deep into the important lakes in India and their role in our ecosystem!
What is a lake?
A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land. The lake is larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes are of highly significant source use. A lake can be big or small. A lake is not like an ocean or sea. Lakes cannot flow like a river. Lake can be considered as a source of natural beauty in India. Lakes can be natural or manmade.
Lakes in India
There are different types of places in which lakes are found. These can be hills, plateaus, plains and rift zones. There are many uses of lakes. In India, lakes are the major source of freshwater. In lakes, water can be still or moving. Some lakes are natural, and some are man-made.
Classification of Lakes
Lakes are classified into many types. These are:
- Freshwater lakes
- Saltwater lakes
- Natural lakes
- Oxbow lakes
- Artificial lakes
- Crater lakes
- Brackish Water
- Lentic Lake
List of Important Lakes in India
| Lake Name | State | Type of Lake |
| Pulicat | Andhra Pradesh | Brackish Water |
| Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | Andhra Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Haflong Lake | Assam | Freshwater |
| Deepor Beel | Assam | Freshwater |
| Son Beel | Assam | Freshwater |
| Chandubi | Assam | Oxbow |
| Kanwar | Bihar | Oxbow |
| Hamirsar | Gujarat | Artificial |
| Kankaria | Gujarat | Artificial |
| Narayan Sarovar | Gujarat | Artificial Freshwater |
| Thol Lake | Gujarat | Lentic Lake |
| Vastrapur | Gujarat | Freshwater |
| Badkhal | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Blue Bird Lake | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Brahma Sarovar | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Damdama Lake | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Karna | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Tilyar | Haryana | Freshwater |
| Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh | – |
| Suraj Taal | Himachal Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Maharana Pratap Sagar | Himachal Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Prashar Lake | Himachal Pradesh | Holomitic |
| Dal Lake | Jammu Kashmir | – |
| Wular Lake | Jammu Kashmir | – |
| Agara | Karnataka | Freshwater |
| Ulsoor | Karnataka | Stale Water |
| Kukarahalli | Karnataka | Freshwater |
| Honnamana | Karnataka | Freshwater |
| Pampa Sarovar | Karnataka | Freshwater |
| Ashtamudi Kayal | Kerala | Brackish Water |
| Kuttanad | Kerala | Brackish Water |
| Vembanad | Kerala | Brackish Water |
| Sasthamkotta | Kerala | Freshwater |
| Bhojtal | Madhya Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Salim Ali | Maharashtra | Freshwater |
| Shivsagar | Maharashtra | Freshwater |
| Lonar | Maharashtra | Crater Lake |
| Loktak | Manipur | Lenticular Freshwater |
| Umiam | Meghalaya | Freshwater |
| Tam Dil | Mizoram | Freshwater |
| Chilika Lake | Odisha | Brackish Water |
| Harike | Punjab | Freshwater |
| Kanijli | Punjab | Freshwater |
| Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | Saltwater |
| Rajsamand | Rajasthan | Freshwater |
| Tsomgo | Sikkim | Freshwater |
| Khecheoplari | Sikkim | Freshwater |
| Ooty Lake | Tamil Nadu | Freshwater |
| Chembarambakkam | Tamil Nadu | Artificial Lake |
| Hussain Sagar | Telangana | Artificial Lake |
| Badrakali Lake | Telangana | Freshwater |
| Govind Bhallabh Pant Sagar | Uttar Pradesh | Man-Made Lake |
| Belasagar | Uttar Pradesh | Freshwater |
| Bhimtal | Uttarakhand | Freshwater |
| Kaliveli | Tamil Nadu | – |
Famous Lakes in India
Here are top 10 famous lakes in india:
- Dal Lake, Kashmir
- Chilka Lake, Odisha
- Vembanad Lake, Kerala
- Loktak Lake, Manipur
- Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan
- Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
- Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh
- Pangong Lake, Ladakh
- Lonar Lake, Maharashtra
- Bhojtal Lake, Madhya Pradesh
Chilka Lake
Chilka Lake is situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, stretching across the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second-largest brackish water lagoon in the world.
Chilka Lake is famous for its rich biodiversity, serving as a vital ecosystem that supports over 160 species of birds during the migratory season. The lake is home to Irrawaddy dolphins, making it one of the few places in India where these rare creatures can be spotted. It is also well-known for its pearls and seafood, including crabs and prawns, which contribute to the livelihood of local communities.
Apart from its ecological significance, Chilka Lake attracts tourists for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, the Kalijai Temple located on an island, and the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers.
Where does chilka lake is situated in?
Chilka Lake is situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, covering parts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and is connected to the Bay of Bengal.
What doeas chilka lake famous for?
- Biodiversity: It is a significant habitat for over 160 species of migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Irrawaddy Dolphins: One of the few places in India where these rare dolphins can be spotted.
- Nalabana Bird Sanctuary: A major attraction for birdwatchers.
- Fishing & Seafood: Known for crabs, prawns, and pearls, which support local livelihoods.
- Kalijai Temple: A revered temple located on an island within the lake.
- Picturesque Sunrises & Sunsets: A scenic destination attracting nature lovers and photographers.
Top 10 largest lakes in India
Following is a table showing the ten largest lakes in India. The lakes are written in decreasing order of area covered.
| Name of the Lake | State/Union Territory |
| Vembanad Lake | Kerala |
| Chilika Lake | Odisha |
| Shivaji Sagar Lake | Maharashtra |
| Indira Sagar Lake | Madhya Pradesh |
| Pangong Lake | Ladakh |
| Pulicat Lake | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sardar Sarovar Lake | Gujrat |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Lake | Telangana |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur |
| Wular Lake | Jammu and Kashmir |
How many Lakes are in India?
India is home to many lakes, whether natural or man-made. We cannot count how many numbers there are as thousands of them already exist, and new lakes are discovered or made. But approximately 100000 lakes are there in India. Each state has its number of lakes.
Important lakes in India are written in the table:
| Lakes | State/ Union Territory |
| Pulicat Lake | Andhra Pradesh |
| Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh |
| Halflong Lake | Assam |
| Deepor Beel | Assam |
| Chandubi Lake | Assam |
| Kanwar Lake | Bihar |
| Hamirsar Lake | Gujarat |
| Kankaria Lake | Gujarat |
| Badkhal Lake | Haryana |
| Brahma Sarovar | Haryana |
| Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh |
| Maharana Pratap Sagar | Himachal Pradesh |
| Dal Lake | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Wular Lake | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Agara Lake | Karnataka |
| Ulsoor Lake | Karnataka |
| Kuttanad Lake | Kerala |
| Sasthamkotta | Kerala |
| Bhojtal | Madhya Pradesh |
| Shivsagar | Maharashtra |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur |
| Umiam Lake | Meghalaya |
| Tam Dil | Mizoram |
| Chilika Lake | Odisha |
| Harike | Punjab |
| Kanjli | Punjab |
| Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan |
| Tsomgo Lake | Sikkim |
| Chembarambakkam | Tamil Nadu |
| Hussain Sagar | Telangana |
| Govind Bhallabh Pant Sagar | Uttar Pradesh |
| Beladagar | Uttar Pradesh |
| Bhimtal | Uttarakhand |
| Kaliveli | Tamil Nadu |
State Wise Lakes in India
- Jammu and Kashmir: Dal Lake, Pangong Lake, Mansar Lake
- Himachal Pradesh: Rewalsar Lake, Renuka Lake, Khajjiar Lake
- Uttarakhand: Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake
- Rajasthan: Lake Pichola, Ana Sagar Lake, Sambhar Lake
- Gujarat: Hamirsar Lake, Kankaria Lake, Nalsarovar Lake
- Maharashtra: Lonar Lake, Tansa Lake, Vihar Lake
- Karnataka: Kukkarahalli Lake, Agara Lake, Bellandur Lake
- Telangana: Hussain Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Shamirpet Lake
- Kerala: Vembanad Lake, Ashtamudi Lake, Punnamada Lake
- West Bengal: Rabindra Sarovar, East Calcutta Wetlands, Mirik Lake.
Applications of Lakes in India
There are some important applications of lakes:
Water supply
In many regions of India, the source of freshwater is lakes. This water is used for drinking. Lakes serve to store water during the rainy season and serve during the dry season.
Hydropower generation
Many lakes are used for Hydropower generation. Electricity is produced using water’s energy. Dams are made along lakes. This electricity is used in industries and households.
Irrigation
From lakes, water is used to irrigate crops, which increases agricultural productivity and supports livelihood.
Research and Education
Lake is an opportunity to study water’s quality, biodiversity and ecological processes.
Cultural and spiritual significance
In India, many lakes hold cultural and spiritual significance. Religious rituals, festivals and pilgrimage sites are associated with lakes.
Fishing
Many lakes in India are used for fishing, supporting the livelihood of many households.
Tourism
Many lake resorts, houseboats and water activities are meant to attract tourists. It develops tourism and local economies.
Climate
Lakes play a big role in climate regulation. It provides moisture and influences rainfall patterns.
Lakes in India: FAQs
Which state in India has the highest number of lakes?
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes in India.
Which city in India is known as the city of lakes?
Udaipur in Rajasthan is known as the city of lakes.
What is the importance of lakes in India?
Lake is important in many ways: Lake is the source of fresh water supply. Lakes produce electricity. It has spiritual significance. The lake is used for fishing practice. Lakes are used for irrigation purposes in agriculture.
Which lake is shared by two states of India?
Pulicat Lake is located along the border of the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with a predominant presence in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Which is the oldest lake in India?
Dhebar Lake is recognized as India's inaugural and the world's oldest artificial freshwater lake with historical significance. Additionally, it stands as the second-largest artificial freshwater lake in the country.
In which state is Pulicat?
Pulicat is situated on the border of the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Which is the smallest lake in India?
Pookode Lake is often considered one of the smaller lakes in India.
Which is the widest lake in India?
The widest lake in India is Vembanad. It is located in the state of Kerala and is the longest lake in India as well. Vembanad is also known as Vembanadu Lake and is one of the largest lakes in the country.
Which is the cleanest lake in India?
Dawki Lake is renowned for its exceptional clarity and pristine condition. The transparency of its waters allows for clear visibility of rocks, pebbles, and even fish swimming beneath the surface.
Which is the deepest lake in India?
Manasbal is identified as the deepest lake in India, with a reported depth of 13 meters or 43 feet. It is believed to be associated with Lake Manasarovar.
