Must visit 10 Largest Lakes in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in the state of Kerala and one of the largest in India. Located on the Malabar Coast in southwestern India, the lake spans several districts, including Alleppey, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.

 

The lake is an important part of Kerala's backwaters, which are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The backwaters are a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species.

Vembanad Lake is a popular destination for tourists who come to explore the backwaters and experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, go fishing, or try their hand at the local technique of fishing with Chinese fishing nets.

The lake is also famous for its houseboat cruises, which offer a unique and luxurious way to explore the backwaters. One of the biggest attractions on Vembanad Lake is the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is held in August every year.

In conclusion, Vembanad Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kerala. Its vast expanse of water, scenic backwaters, and traditional way of life make it an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to take a leisurely boat ride or explore the backwaters on a luxurious houseboat, there is something for everyone at Vembanad Lake.

 

Chilika Lake, situated in the state of Odisha, is the largest brackish water lake in India. It is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. The lake is also an important source of livelihood for the local fishermen and is a popular destination for eco-tourism.

 

Chilika Lake is situated at the mouth of the Daya River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal. Chilika Lake is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 160 species of birds calling the lagoon home. The lake is an important wintering ground for many migratory birds, including the endangered Siberian crane.

One of the main attractions of Chilika Lake is the Irrawaddy dolphins that call the lagoon home. These dolphins are a unique species that are only found in brackish water. Chilika Lake is home to one of the largest populations of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world.

Chilika Lake is also an important economic resource for the local people. The lake is a major source of fish and other aquatic products. The local people also rely on the lake for transportation and irrigation.

Things to do: Boat ride, fishing, bird watching and  enjoy local cuisines

Shivaji Sagar Lake is a man-made lake located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It was created in 1973 by building the Koyna Dam on the Koyna River. The lake is named after the legendary Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born in the region.
The Shivaji Sagar Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in Maharashtra and is a major source of hydroelectric power generation. It is also an important tourist destination and a popular spot for boating and fishing. The lake is surrounded by scenic hills and forests, making it a picturesque location.

The area around the Shivaji Sagar Lake is also known for its biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located nearby, is a protected area and is known for its rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.

Overall, the Shivaji Sagar Lake is a beautiful and important location in Maharashtra, and is a must-visit destination for those interested in nature, history, and culture.

 

Indira Sagar Lake is a large reservoir located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The lake was created by the Indira Sagar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India, built on the Narmada River. 

The lake provides irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands, which has led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity in the region.

The Indira Sagar Lake is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, making it a picturesque location for nature lovers.

 

Overall, the Indira Sagar Lake is an important location in India, providing a range of benefits to the local community and attracting visitors from all over the world.

 

Pangong Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake situated in the Himalayas on the border of India and China. The lake is around 134 km long, extending from India's Ladakh region to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.

Pangong Tso Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and is known for its crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is a treat to the eyes. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,350 meters above sea level and is considered one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.

 

The lake is also famous for its appearance in the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots" and has since become a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Ladakh. However, due to its strategic location on the border of India and China, visitors are required to obtain permits from the local government authorities before visiting the lake.

 

Pulicat Lake is a saltwater lagoon located in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in South India. It is the second-largest brackish water lake in India and is situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.

 

The lake is approximately 60 km long and 17 km wide, covering an area of about 500 square kilometers. It is a crucial habitat for several species of birds, including migratory birds that visit the lake during the winter months.

Pulicat Lake is a significant source of livelihood for the local communities surrounding it, who are involved in fishing and salt production. The lake also plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

The lake has several islands within it, the largest of which is the Sriharikota Island. Pulicat Lake is also a popular tourist destination and offers activities such as boating, bird watching, and camping. The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a plan to develop the lake into an eco-tourism destination while preserving its natural beauty and ecological balance.

 

Sardar Sarovar Lake, also known as the Sardar Sarovar Reservoir, is a man-made lake located on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, India. The reservoir was created by building the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in the world.

 

The lake serves as a major source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes for the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It has also been developed as a popular tourist destination, with facilities for boating, water sports, and nature trails.

 

Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake located in the town of Pushkar, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (steps leading to the water), and is considered to be one of the holiest places in Hinduism.

According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created when Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, dropped a lotus flower on the ground. The lake is also associated with the god Vishnu, who is said to have visited the lake in the form of a boar.

The lake is a popular pilgrimage site, with thousands of people visiting it every year. The town of Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair, which takes place on the banks of the lake. The fair is a major tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the spectacle.

 

Things to do: Holi dip, camel safari, temple hopping, shopping
 

Dal Lake is a large, freshwater lake located in the city of Srinagar, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is an important tourist attraction and is known for its scenic beauty and the traditional houseboats that float on its waters.

 

The lake covers an area of around 18 square kilometers and is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. It is a major source of water for the local population and is also used for fishing, irrigation, and other purposes.

Dal lake is one of the most sought after destinations in india. And a boat ride in the Dal lake is a memory to cherish forever. 

 

Things to do: Shikara ride, stay in a houseboat