Have you ever imagined sitting by a peaceful lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, or surrounded by pine trees as far as the eye can see? Listen to the endless singing of birds or monitor the movement of fish and other aquatic bodies as you leisurely glide across the lake in a kayak. Blinking at your own reflection on the surface and watching the light dance on the water, particularly at dawn and sunset. Feel the smooth water on your skin as you drop your fingers into the dazzling water, which is always throbbing with life and energy. The quiet and calmness reinforced by calm seas, cold air, and stunning surroundings create an atmosphere that must be experienced.
There is something so serene and uplifting about sitting beside a lake. Perhaps this is why lakes in India captivate and impress so many people, both natives and visitors. Being near open water provides a sensation of lightness and freedom. Furthermore, as you observe and appreciate its development, you begin to understand that there is much more to life than what is in front of you.
Here’s A List Of The Most-Known Largest Lakes In India Which Need A Visit!
Lakes are a wonderful choice for the next getaway, whether it's a fun weekend break or a family trip. Time spent at the lake is always a good idea. It's impossible to imagine a finer way to spend a holiday than at one of India's stunning lakes, from resting on starry evenings to fun-filled days spent boating on the water.
1. Vembanad Lake:
Vembandau, Punnamada, or Kochi Lake, whatever you call it, Vembanad Lake is a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking to unwind and enjoy their trip. Vembanad is India's longest and largest lake, spanning many districts and regarded as one of the country's most popular backwater getaways. Vembanad is India's largest lake and a marvel to behold.
It is the longest lake in India, covering an area of 2033 square kilometers and measuring 39 feet deep and 96.5 kilometers long. It offers a diversified scenery that includes coastal backwaters, lagoons, mangroves, and marshes, and it is an excellent location to see natural beauty from one of the houseboats docked on the lakefront.
2. Chilika Lake: Chilika
Lake is one of Odisha's most prominent eco-tourism attractions, known as the greatest wintering ground for migratory birds such as white-beaked common coots, northern pintails, white-bellied sea eagles, flamingos, and others. Covering an extent of 1165 sq. km and 13.8 ft. deep, Chilika Lake is the largest lake in India after Vembanad. It is India's largest saltwater lake, with tiny islands scattered over Puri, Ganjam, and Khurda districts.
Aside from common species, the lake and its surroundings contain a rich vegetation, including a large number of aquatic and non-aquatic plants. It is also well-known for sheltering the only known population of Irrawaddy Dolphins. Boating is among the most popular activities at Chilika.
3. Shivaji Sagar Lake:
Next up is Shivaji Sagar Lake, a massive lake formed by Maharashtra's Koyna Dam. This lake is one of India's largest man-made lakes, covering about 900 square kilometers and playing an important role in the state's water supply and hydroelectric power generation. But Shivaji Sagar is more than simply a utility; it is also a breathtakingly beautiful setting.
Nestled in the thick foliage of the Western Ghats, the lake provides stunning panoramic views, particularly during the monsoon season, when the surrounding hills become a rich green and waterfalls stream down the mountainsides. For wildlife enthusiasts, the lake is near to the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and a variety of bird species.
4. Gurudongmar Lake:
Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim, India's and the world's highest freshwater lake, is located north of the Kanchenjunga Range near the Tibetan border. The lake has a surface size of 290 acres and a circumference of 5.34 kilometers. It is without a doubt the most picturesque and elevated spot on the North Sikkim journey.
The lake is tranquil, and the environment is stunning. It's hardly an exaggeration to describe it as a paradise in the midst of nothing. Gurudongmar, flanked by snow-capped mountains mirrored on the surface of the dazzling lake, is steeped in local legend. It is said that Guru Nanak Dev preserved the lake. Since then, it's become one of the most respected locations.
5. Pulicat Lake:
Pulicat Lake, India's second-largest brackish water lagoon, is located on the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It is a peaceful sanctuary for migrating birds and environment enthusiasts alike, especially during the flamingo migration season, when the lake becomes pink as thousands of flamingos arrive from distant regions.
The variety of species present here, such as pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and egrets, will delight birdwatchers. The lake maintains a strong fishing sector, with locals catching fish and prawns using traditional ways. Pulicat Lake is also deep in history, with the surrounding Dutch-era town of Pulicat providing insight into India's colonial history. Visit the historic Dutch cemetery, fort, and market, and hear stories about trading and sailing adventures.
6. Pangong Tso:
The beautiful Pangong Tso, a high-altitude saltwater lake nestled amid Ladakh's gorgeous environment. Pangong Tso, which covers 700 square kilometers, is known for its dreamlike blue waters that change color with the sun, ranging from deep blue to aqua to green. The lake, located at an elevation of 4,350 meters, is a popular tourist destination in Ladakh, particularly after being featured in Bollywood films such as "3 Idiots."
Despite being a saline lake, Pangong Tso freezes entirely in the winter, giving a mystical twist to its already stunning beauty. Going camping near Pangong Tso is an adventure in and of itself. Imagine getting up to a sweeping view of unmistakable blue seas surrounded by sharp Himalayan mountains - it feels like something out of a dream!
7. Wular Lake:
Wular Lake, located in the magnificent Kashmir Valley, is one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes. Wular, surrounded by the Himalayas' snow-capped peaks, is more than simply an attraction to see; it is also an essential ecosystem that sustains local agriculture, fishing and wildlife.The lake also serves as home to an abundance of aquatic life, such as fish, birds, and beautiful wetlands.
Wular's appeal lies in its quiet surroundings. Take a boat trip to discover its huge extent, or take a peaceful walk along its banks, where you'll see locals going about their everyday lives, fishing or farming. Water activities such as kayaking and canoeing are popular among adventurers in Wular.
8. Loktak Lake:
Heading northeast, you turn up to Manipur's Loktak Lake, a natural beauty unlike any other. Loktak, Northeast India's biggest freshwater lake, is known for its "phumdis" (floating islands). These floating islands, composed of organic particles, dirt, and flora, are a unique characteristic of the lake.
Loktak is likewise home to the world's first floating national park, Keibul Lamjao! This national park is home to the Sangai deer, commonly known as the dancing deer, which are native to the region. Locals rely on the lake for their survival, with fishing being the most common activity. You can also tour the lake in traditional boats, see local fishermen's floating houses, and even stay a night for your own experience.
Conclusion
India's largest lakes provide more than simply natural beauty. They are a mix of past, present, nature, and adventure. These lakes deliver fun for everyone, whether you enjoy bird watching, water activities, photography, or simply relaxing in nature.
These huge water reservoirs, ranging from the backwaters of Kerala to the high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, demonstrate that India's natural beauty is as diverse as its culture. So, pack your luggage, grab your camera, and prepare to see India's 8 greatest lakes - a voyage of the environment, adventure, and calm awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the largest lake in India?
Vembanad Lake is India's largest lake, located in Kerala. It covers an area of around 2,033 square kilometers.
2. Which is India's largest saltwater lake?
Chilika Lake in Odisha is India's largest coastal saltwater lagoon, as well as Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.
3. What is the largest freshwater lake in India?
Wular Lake, in Jammu and Kashmir, is India's biggest freshwater lake, encompassing an area of around 260 square kilometers.
4. Which lake is known for dolphin sightings?
Chilika Lake in Odisha is notable for sightings of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, particularly in the Satapada region.
5. What is the highest lake in India?
Pangong Tso, at 4,350 meters in Ladakh, is India's highest saltwater lake. It is famous for its gorgeous blue seas and shifting colors.
6. What is the best month to visit Vembanad Lake?
The best months to visit Vembanad Lake are October through March, when the weather is favorable and migrating birds swarm to the region.
7. What separates Loktak Lake in Manipur?
Loktak Lake is known for its phumdis, which are floating islands made up of flora, dirt, and organic materials. It also includes Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park.
8. What activities can you take on in Shivaji Sagar Lake?
You can enjoy boats, outdoor hikes, and a visit to the next Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Why is Wular Lake important for Kashmir?
Wular Lake contributes significantly to flood management by collecting extra water from the Jhelum River. It also benefits local agriculture and fisheries and is an important component of the Kashmir Valley's environment.
10. What makes Pulicat Lake so famous among bird watchers?
Pulicat Lake is a birdwatcher's dream, especially between October and March, when migrating species like flamingos, pelicans, and herons arrive.
11. Can visitors camp in Pangong Tso, Ladakh?
Yes, travelers can camp near Pangong Tso from June to September, when the weather is pleasant. Several campsites provide beautiful views of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
12. Is Loktak Lake open all year?
Yes, Loktak Lake is open all year, but the best months to come are October through March, when the weather is great for boating and sightseeing.
13. Which lake in India has floating islands?
Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its phumdis, or floating islands, which are special to the lake and play an important role in the surrounding environment.
14. Is Chilika Lake fresh or saltwater?
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, which means it has a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. It is supplied by rivers but also has an outlet onto the Bay of Bengal, which allows seawater to enter.