Largest Lake in India: Check Name, Origin, Location & Importance

Understanding the significance of the Largest Lake in India is very crucial for anyone who is preparing for the government exams. India encompasses diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. It houses numerous water bodies, each with their unique charm. The lakes, in general, are quiet reservoirs of tranquility and causeways of life. In some cases, they are true marvels of engineering. So here's an expedition to discover the largest lakes in India, its significance and its stories . From the grandeur of the largest natural lake to the ingenuity of man-made creations, let's delve into the depths and shores of these remarkable water bodies celebrating the vibrant tapestry of India's geographical and cultural heritage . Let us explore the biggest lake in India in this article .

Which is the Largest Lake in India?

Vembanad Lake, also known as Kochi Lake, is the largest lake in India. It is a brackish water lake located in the state of Kerala, in the southwest of the country. The lake is 96.5 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide at its widest point. It covers an area of 2033 square kilometers. Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in India and Kerala, spans across three districts and holds significant cultural and ecological importance. It is a prominent waterbody with diverse names, depending on the region it is located in.

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Key Facts About Vembanad Lake:

Notable Features:

• Cultural Significance : The lake is crucial for local communities, providing resources for fishing, transportation and agriculture .
• Ecological Importance : Vembanad is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a variety of aquatic species and birds .
• Tourism : The lake is a major tourist attraction, famous for its backwaters, houseboats and picturesque surroundings .

Keep reading about the biggest lake in India and Know about the Largest Lake in the World.

Chilika Lake, Odisha, is the second-largest lake of India and is a coastal lagoon covering an area of 1165 square kilometers. Chilika Lake is a very special ecosystem with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. It is particularly known for being one of the important breeding grounds for several migratory birds and is also home to several threatened species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and the blackbuck.

Chilika Lake, a prominent tourist destination in Odisha, captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. The lake offers various activities, including :

• Boat rides to explore its serene waters and picturesque islands .
• Bird watching opportunities especially during migratory seasons, when thousands of birds flock to the lake .
• Fishing excursions, catering to both locals and tourists .
• Sunrise and sunset cruises providing stunning views of the horizon .

Beyond its allure as a tourist hotspot, Chilika Lake is a vital ecological and economic resource . It supports key industries such as fishing, tourism and agriculture, while also serving as a significant transportation route, linking Puri with other regions of Odisha . 

However, the lake faces pressing challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Recognizing its importance, the Odisha government has initiated conservation measures to safeguard Chilika's unique ecosystem. Preserving this invaluable natural heritage is essential for sustaining its ecological and cultural significance for generations to come.

Keep reading about Largest Lake in India. Also Read about the Largest Saltwater Lake in India. 

Man Made Largest Lake in India

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, otherwise known as the Rihand Dam, is India's largest artificial lake. It is situated along Madhya Pradesh state on the Uttar Pradesh border in Sonbhadra district. The huge lake spans 480 square kilometers and the reservoir area is 130 square kilometers. The water body assists significantly important functions such as irrigation water and hydropower generation for the areas around it.

Rihand Dam:

• Construction commenced in 1954 and concluded in 1962.
• Plays a significant role in the economic development of the surrounding region.
• Supports water supply management and hydropower generation.

Dhebar Lake (Jaisamand Lake) :

• Recognized as the second-largest man-made lake in India .
• Located in the Udaipur district, Rajasthan .
• Essential for controlling water supply and supporting irrigation and local ecosystems .

Both reservoirs are vital to the nation's infrastructure serving as key sources for energy production and water management ensuring sustainable development . It is also important to understand that topics such as “largest lake of India” are crucial for your competitive exams . 

Largest Freshwater Lake in India

Wular Lake is a fresh water lake located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It has an area of approximately 30 to 260 square kilometers. It is a geographical landmark for the region. Wular Lake was naturally created by geological activities in the environment. This freshwater lake is highly recharged with the river water of Jhelum flowing across the region.

It is teeming with versatile and vibrant wildlife in numerous species of fish, including common carp, rosy barb, and mosquito fish, besides several indigenous species. It is also a place of great natural beauty, which gives ecological and cultural value. Besides that, other noted freshwater lakes in the country are Loktak Lake in Manipur and Barapani Lake in Meghalaya, each having its distinct aspect of the environment.

Also Read about Largest Island in the Indian Ocean Here.

Top 10 Largest Lakes in India

India is home to various types of lakes, each bringing with it a unique type of natural beauty, cultural importance and ecological significance . From tranquil backwaters to expansive reservoirs, these lakes are an essential lifeline for irrigation, tourism and biodiversity . Here's a glance at the top 10 largest lakes in India, with a highlight of their key features and attractions :

Lake Name	Location	Area Covered	Main Attractions
Vembanad Lake	Kerala	2033 sq km	Backwater house-boating, birdwatching, boat races
Chilika Lake	Odisha	1165 sq km	Bird sanctuary, dolphins, boat rides
Shivaji Sagar Lake	Maharashtra	891.7 sq km	Quiet lakeside, ideal for photography
Indira Sagar Lake	Madhya Pradesh	627 sq km	Major power source, irrigation, tranquil landscapes
Pangong Tso Lake	Ladakh	700 sq km	Scenic beauty, Bollywood fame, changing colors
Pulicat Lake	Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu	450 sq km	Birdwatching, flamingo, spoonbills, kingfishers
Sardar Sarovar Lake	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh	375 sq km	Statue of Unity, historic monuments, temples
Nagarjuna Sagar Lake	Telangana	285 sq km	Green Revolution, boating, picnics, weekend getaways
Loktak Lake	Manipur	287 sq km	Floating islands (Phumdis), water birds, wetland birds
Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir	260 sq km	Freshwater lake, exotic bird species, water activities

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