Major lakes of India are pivotal water reservoirs that play a vital role in sustaining human activities such as agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. These and one of the major lakes of India, scattered across the diverse landscapes of India, serve as crucial lifelines for millions of people. The major lakes of India are not just bodies of water, they are symbols of ecological richness, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity. By recognising their significance and prioritising their conservation, we can ensure the continued vitality and resilience of these invaluable water reservoirs.
What is a Lakes?
Lakes, as naturally occurring bodies of water on Earth’s surface, serve vital roles in ecosystems and human activities. Lakes are nature’s water reservoir.
Characteristics of Lakes:
- Definition and Composition: Lakes, distinct from oceans, are large, fixed bodies of freshwater or saltwater contained within basins on dry land. They play integral roles in the Earth’s water cycle, storing vast amounts of water.
- Distinctions from Ponds and Lagoons: Lakes differ from ponds and lagoons in size, depth, and geographic features, although precise distinctions lack scientific consensus. Ponds are generally smaller and shallower, while lagoons are coastal pools influenced by tides.
- Formation and Geography: Natural lakes form in diverse landscapes, including mountainous regions, volcanic craters, and areas affected by glaciation. They can also result from river courses or chaotic drainage patterns from previous ice ages.
Roles and Significance of Major Lakes of India:
- Ecological Importance: Lakes support rich biodiversity and serve as habitats for diverse flora and fauna. They contribute to local and global ecosystems, playing roles in nutrient cycling, water purification, and flood regulation.
- Human Utilization: Humans utilize lakes for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Reservoirs, artificial lakes created for human needs, exemplify human intervention in water management.
Challenges and Conservation of Major Lakes of India:
- Environmental Threats: Lakes face numerous threats, including pollution, habitat degradation, and invasive species, compromising their ecological integrity and sustainability.
- Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives aim to protect and restore lakes, emphasizing sustainable management practices, pollution control measures, and habitat restoration efforts.
Lakes represent crucial components of Earth’s hydrological systems, supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. Understanding their significance and addressing conservation challenges are essential for ensuring their preservation and sustainable use.
Types of Lakes: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Lake Classification
In 1957, G. Evelyn Hutchinson published a seminal work titled “A Treatise on Limnology,” which remains a pivotal discussion on the classification of major lake types. Hutchinson’s classification, widely accepted in limnology, categorizes lakes based on their origin, morphometric characteristics, and distribution.
Major Lake Types
Hutchinson’s classification identifies 11 major lake types, each with distinct origins and characteristics:
- Tectonic Lakes: Formed by the movement of Earth’s crust, resulting in depressions filled with water.
- Volcanic Lakes: Created in volcanic craters or calderas due to volcanic activity.
- Glacial Lakes: Formed by the melting of glaciers, often characterized by clear, cold water and unique ecosystems.
- Fluvial Lakes: Originating from riverine processes, such as meander cutoffs or oxbow lakes.
- Solution Lakes: Resulting from the dissolution of soluble bedrock, such as limestone, creating depressions filled with water.
- Landslide Lakes: Formed by the damming of rivers or streams due to landslides or debris flows.
- Aeolian Lakes: Created by wind action, such as dune lakes or blowout lakes.
- Shoreline Lakes: Occurring along coastlines or shores, influenced by wave action, tides, and coastal processes.
- Organic Lakes: Developed in organic-rich environments, such as peatlands or marshes, often shallow and nutrient-rich.
- Anthropogenic Lakes: Created or significantly altered by human activities, including reservoirs, impoundments, and fish ponds.
- Meteorite (Extraterrestrial Impact) Lakes: Resulting from the impact of meteorites or asteroids, forming crater lakes.
Hutchinson’s Contribution
Hutchinson’s classification system provides a systematic framework for understanding the diversity and origins of lakes worldwide. By categorizing lakes into distinct types, researchers can better study their ecological dynamics, hydrological processes, and environmental significance.
The classification of lakes according to their origin is fundamental to limnology and freshwater science. Hutchinson’s work continues to serve as a cornerstone in the study of lakes, facilitating research, conservation efforts, and informed management practices for these valuable aquatic ecosystems.
Exploring Major lakes of India:
Major Lakes of India boasts a diverse array of lakes, each with its own significance and charm. Let’s delve into some noteworthy lakes across different states.
Andhra Pradesh:
- Pulicat Lake: A brackish water lake known for its bird sanctuary.
- Kolleru Lake: A freshwater lake and one of the largest freshwater lakes in India.
- Nagarjuna Sagar Lake: A man-made reservoir known for its dam and surrounding scenic beauty.
Assam:
- Haflong Lake: Offers breathtaking views and water sports activities.
- Deepor Beel: A freshwater lake renowned for its avian population and biodiversity.
- Son Beel: Assam’s second-largest seasonal wetland, teeming with migratory birds.
Bihar:
- Kanwar Lake: Bihar’s largest freshwater oxbow lake, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Gujarat:
- Hamirsar Lake: A historic lake surrounded by temples and parks in Bhuj.
- Kankaria Lake: A man-made lake offering recreational activities and amusement park rides.
- Thol Lake: A birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting numerous migratory birds during winter.
Haryana:
- Badkhal Lake: A picturesque water body with surrounding gardens and rock formations.
- Blue Bird Lake: A serene lake offering boating and leisure activities in Hisar.
- Tilyar Lake: Known for its scenic beauty and water sports facilities.
Himachal Pradesh:
- Chandra Taal: A high-altitude lake nestled amidst the Himalayas, popular among trekkers.
- Suraj Taal: The third highest lake in India, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Maharana Pratap Sagar: A reservoir formed by the Pong Dam, ideal for boating and birdwatching.
Jammu and Kashmir:
- Dal Lake: Iconic for its houseboats and shikara rides, epitomizing the beauty of Kashmir. Nestled in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, Dal Lake stands as an iconic symbol of beauty and tranquility. Renowned for its shimmering waters adorned with floating gardens and vibrant houseboats, Dal Lake is a hotspot for tourists seeking a serene retreat.
- Wular Lake: Enveloped by the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India. With its vast expanse and pristine beauty, Wular Lake serves as a vital resource for fishing, agriculture, and tourism in the region.
Karnataka:
- Ulsoor Lake: A bustling lake in Bangalore, offering boating and scenic views.
- Kukarahalli Lake: A birdwatcher’s paradise near Mysore, home to numerous avian species.
- Ashtamudi Kayal Lake: A scenic backwater lake in Kerala, perfect for houseboat cruises and fishing.
Kerala:
- Vembanad Lake: Kerala’s longest lake, renowned for its backwater cruises and lush surroundings. Spanning across the vibrant state of Kerala, the Vembanad-Kol Wetland is a sprawling network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals. Recognized as one of the Ramsar Sites in India, this wetland ecosystem supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
- Sasthamkotta Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Kerala, known for its religious significance and pristine beauty.
- Ashtamudi Kayal Lake: A picturesque backwater destination, ideal for houseboat vacations and birdwatching.
Madhya Pradesh:
- Bhojtal: Also known as Upper Lake, it is a major water source for Bhopal city.
- Salim Ali Lake: Named after the renowned ornithologist, it is a popular birdwatching spot in Maharashtra.
- Shivsagar Lake: Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers boating and recreational activities in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra:
- Lonar Lake: A unique saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact, attracting scientists and tourists.
- Loktak Lake: Known for its phumdis (floating islands) and the endangered Sangai deer in Manipur.
- Umiam Lake: Also known as Barapani Lake, it is a scenic reservoir near Shillong, ideal for water sports.
Meghalaya:
- Umiam Lake: Also known as Barapani Lake, it is a scenic reservoir near Shillong, ideal for water sports.
Mizoram:
- Tam Dil: A serene lake surrounded by lush green hills, offering tranquil boat rides in Mizoram.
Odisha:
- Chilika Lake: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, famous for its bird sanctuary and dolphin sightings. Situated along the eastern coast of India in Odisha, Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India. This brackish water lake is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, serving as a crucial habitat for numerous avian species, including migratory birds.
- Anshupa Lake: A scenic freshwater lake with an island in its center, perfect for picnics and boating.
Punjab:
- Harike Wetland: A man-made wetland renowned for its bird diversity and eco-tourism activities.
- Kanjli Wetland: A haven for migratory birds and birdwatchers in Punjab.
Rajasthan:
- Sambhar Lake: India’s largest inland salt lake, famous for salt production and birdwatching.
- Rajsamand Lake: An artificial lake built by Maharana Raj Singh in the 17th century, surrounded by marble steps and temples.
Sikkim:
- Tsomgo Lake: Also known as Changu Lake, it is a glacial lake offering stunning views of the Himalayas and one of the major lakes of India.
Tamil Nadu:
- Ooty Lake: A scenic artificial lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees, offering boating and horse riding.
- Chembarambakkam Lake: One of the key water reservoirs supplying water to Chennai city.
Telangana:
- Hussain Sagar Lake: An iconic heart-shaped lake with a Buddha statue, a landmark of Hyderabad.
- Badrakali Lake: A picturesque freshwater lake near Hyderabad, perfect for relaxation and birdwatching.
Uttar Pradesh:
- Govind Vallabh Pant Sagar: Also known as Rihand Dam, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in India.
- Belasagar Lake: A scenic freshwater lake near Allahabad, offering serene surroundings for picnics.
Uttarakhand:
- Bhimtal Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by hills and forests and one of the major lakes of India, perfect for boating and nature walks.
West Bengal:
- East Calcutta Wetlands: A unique complex of natural and human-made wetlands, important for water purification and biodiversity conservation.
Largest Lakes in India:
- Vembanad Lake (Kerala)
- Area: 2033 sq km
- Significance: Largest lake in India, rich biodiversity, vital for local livelihoods and tourism.
- Chilika Lake (Odisha)
- Area: 1165 sq km
- Significance: Largest coastal lagoon, Ramsar Site, diverse avian population.
- Shivaji Sagar Lake (Maharashtra)
- Area: 891.7 sq km
- Significance: Essential for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation and one of the major lakes of India.
- Indira Sagar Lake (Madhya Pradesh)
- Area: 700 sq km
- Significance: Major reservoir, supports irrigation, flood control, and power generation.
- Pangong Lake (Ladakh)
- Area: 627 sq km
- Significance: Picturesque lake, popular tourist destination, featured in films.
- Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
- Area: 450 sq km
- Significance: Second largest brackish water lagoon, diverse ecosystem and one of the major lakes of India.
- Sardar Sarovar Lake (Gujarat)
- Area: 375 sq km
- Significance: Important reservoir for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.
- Nagarjuna Sagar Lake (Telangana)
- Area: 287 sq km
- Significance: Man-made lake, crucial for irrigation and hydropower.
- Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Area: 285 sq km
- Significance: Unique floating islands, Ramsar Site, supports local livelihoods.
- Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Area: 260 sq km
- Significance: Largest freshwater lake, vital for irrigation and fishing.
Important facts about major lakes in India
- Wular Lake:
- Significance: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
- Formation: Resulted from tectonic activity.
- Location: Situated in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Chilika Lake:
- Significance: Largest saline water lake in India and one of the major lakes of India.
- Location: Located in Odisha.
- Vembanad Lake:
- Significance: Longest lake in India.
- Location: Situated in Kerala.
- Cholamu Lake:
- Significance: Highest lake in India.
- Location: Found in Sikkim.
- Lonar Lake:
- Significance: Notified National Geo-heritage Monument.
- Type: Saline, soda lake.
- Location: Lonar, Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
List of Lakes in India by State:
| State | Lake | Type | Size (km²) | Size (Acres) | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Kolleru Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Kondakarla Ava | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kaniairi Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Cumbum | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pulicat Lake | Natural | – | – | Brackish | Second largest brackish water lagoon | |
| Assam | Dora Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Urpad Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Samaguri Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Morikalang Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Haflong Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sivasagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Joysagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gaurisagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chandubi Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rudrasagar Lake Sivasagar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Son Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Maguri Motapung Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Silsako Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chapnala Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Saron Beel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Bihar | Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Ghora Katora | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chandigarh | Sukhna Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Goa | Mayem Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Nanda Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gujarat | Chimnabai Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Gopi Talav | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Hamirsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kankaria Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nal Sarovar | Natural | – | – | Saline | Largest bird sanctuary in Gujarat | |
| Narayan Sarovar | Natural | – | – | Saline | ||
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Thol Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vastrapur Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Saputara Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Bor talav | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dharoi Dam | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Damodar Kund | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gomti Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Shakoor Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Soor Sagar Lake (Sursagar Lake) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lakhota Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Para Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nagalpur Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Haryana | Badkhal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Blue Bird Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Brahma Sarovar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Damdama Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Karna Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sannihit Sarovar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Surajkund | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tilyar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Bhindawas Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Himachal Pradesh | Bhrigu Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Chandra Taal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chander Naun | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dashair Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dehnasar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dhankar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ghadhasaru Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gobind Sagar | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kamrunag Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kareri Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lama Dal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Mahakali Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Manimahesh Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nako Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pong Dam Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Prashar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rewalsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Suraj Tal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Jammu and Kashmir | Anchar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Brari Nambal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Dal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gadsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gangabal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gil Sar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Hokersar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kausar Nag | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Khanpursar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Khushal Sar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Manasbal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Mansar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Marsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nandan Sar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sheshnag Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Satsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tarsar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tulian lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vishansar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Wular Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | Largest freshwater lake in India | |
| Nigeen Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nilnag Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nundkol Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Krishansar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ladakh | Tso Moriri | Natural | – | – | Brackish | |
| Tso Kar | Natural | – | – | Saline | ||
| Pangong Tso | Natural | – | – | Brackish | ||
| Kyagar Tso | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Karnataka | Mamadapur Badshah Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Bellandur Lake | Natural | – | – | Polluted | One of the largest lakes in Bangalore | |
| Hebbal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Jaraganahalli Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lalbagh Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Madiwala Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Puttenahalli Lake (JP Nagar) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Puttenahalli Lake (Yelahanka) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sarakki Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ulsoor Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Varthur Lake | Natural | – | – | Polluted | ||
| Yelahanka lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Karanji lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kukkarahalli lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lingambudhi Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sulekere | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Honnamana Kere | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pampa Sarovar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kerala | Ashtamudi Lake | Natural | – | – | Brackish | |
| Kuttanad Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Maanaanchira, Kozhikode | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Padinjarechira, Thrissur city | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Paravur Kayal | Natural | – | – | Brackish | ||
| Shasthamkotta lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vadakkechira, Thrissur | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vanchikulam, Thrissur | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vellayani Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vembanad Lake | Natural | 2033 | – | Brackish | Longest lake in India | |
| Veli Lake | Natural | – | – | Brackish | ||
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhojtal | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Lower Lake, Bhopal | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tawa Reservoir | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sagar Lake (Lakha Banjara Lake) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Maharashtra | Gorewada Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Khindsi Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lonar Lake | Natural | – | – | Saline | Notified National Geo-heritage Monument | |
| Pashan Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Powai Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rankala Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Salim Ali Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Shivasagar lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Talao Pali | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Futala Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tansa Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tulsi Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Upvan Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vaitarna Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Venna Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Vihar Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chatri Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Meherun Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Mastani Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Manipur | Loktak Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India |
| Pumlenpat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ikop Pat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Loukoipat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Yaralpat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Laphupat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Shilempat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Keisampat (Extinct) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Porompat (Extinct) | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Zaimeng Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Zeilad Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Meghalaya | Umiam Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Mizoram | Palak Dïl | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Tam Dil | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Odisha | Victoria Sagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Anshupa Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chilka Lake | Natural | 1165 | – | Brackish | Largest coastal lagoon in India | |
| Kanjia Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Puducherry | Bahour Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Ousteri Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Velrampet Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Nallambal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Punjab | Harike Wetland | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Kanjli Wetland | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ropar Wetland | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rajasthan | Balsamand lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Dhebar Lake / Jaisamand Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Jal Mahal, Man Sagar lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kaylana Lake, Kolayat | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Loonkaransar | Natural | – | – | Salt | ||
| Nakki Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pachpadra Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pushkar Lake, Pushkar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rajsamand Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ramgarh Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sambhar Salt Lake | Natural | – | – | Salt | Largest inland saltwater lake in India | |
| Talwara Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ummed Sagar Bandh | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Siliserh Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ana Sagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lake Foy Sagar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Fateh Sagar Lake | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pichola lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lake Badi | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Swaroop Sagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Udaisagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Govardhan Sagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sikkim | Gurudongmar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Khecheopalri Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Lake Cholamu | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | Highest lake in India | |
| Lake Tsongmo | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Samiti Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| South Lhonak Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Tamil Nadu | Adambakkam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Singanallur Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ukkadam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Periyakulam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Berijam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Chembarambakkam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kaliveli Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Kodaikanal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ooty Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Perumal Eri | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Red Hills Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sholavaram Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Veeranam Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Telangana | Bhadrakali Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | |
| Durgam Cheruvu | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Himayat Sagar | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Hussain Sagar | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Laknavaram Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Mir Alam Tank | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Osman Sagar | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Pakhal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Saroornagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Shamirpet Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Waddepally Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ramappa lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gangaram Cheruvu | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ameenpur Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Fox Sagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Gandigudem Cheruvu | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Uttar Pradesh | Gobind Vallabh Pant Sagar | Artificial | – | – | Freshwater | Largest man-made lake in India |
| Barua Sagar Tal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Belasagar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Keetham Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Ramgarh Tal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Bakhira Tal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sarsai Jheel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Moti Jheel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Sheetal Jheel | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Surha Tal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Phulhar Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Uttarakhand | Tehri Lake | Artificial | 52 | 12849.50 | Freshwater | Created by Tehri Dam, in New Tehri |
| Bhimtal Lake | Artificial | 0.48 | 118.61 | Freshwater | Created from masonry dam in Nainital Distt | |
| Nainital Lake | Natural | 0.48 | 118.61 | Freshwater | Kidney shaped natural freshwater lake in Nainital | |
| Roopkund Lake | Natural | 0.0015 | 0.37 | Freshwater | High altitude glacial lake in Chamoli. Also called Skeleton Lake. | |
| Deoria Tal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | Known for its wide 300° panorama | |
| Suryadhar Lake | Artificial | 0.55 | 0.135908 | Freshwater | Freshwater lake in Nainital Dehradun dist | |
| Kedar Tal | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| West Bengal | East Calcutta Wetlands | Natural | – | – | – | Important Ramsar site |
| Jore Pokhri | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Mirik Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Rabindra Sarobar | Natural | – | – | Artificial | Man-made lake in Kolkata | |
| Rasikbil | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Santragachhi Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater | ||
| Senchal Lake | Natural | – | – | Freshwater |
Conclusion of Major Lakes of India:
As vital components of India’s natural heritage, the conservation of major lakes of India is paramount. Sustainable management practices, coupled with community involvement and governmental initiatives, are essential to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for future generations. Preserving these the major lakes of India. is essential for the well-being of present and future generations.
The major lakes of India, spanning across various states and regions, play crucial roles in supporting ecosystems, providing water resources, and offering recreational opportunities. From the expansive Vembanad Lake in Kerala to the serene Pangong Tso in Ladakh, each lake contributes uniquely to India’s natural beauty and cultural landscape. Major lakes of India serve as habitats for diverse wildlife, sources of livelihood for local communities, or destinations for tourists, these lakes embody the rich diversity and significance of India’s aquatic heritage.