Introduction
India’s landscape is richly adorned with a variety of lakes — some natural, others man-made — each playing a vital role in water conservation, ecosystem support, and regional livelihood. From the sprawling Wular Lake in the north to the ecologically rich Kolleru Lake in the south, India’s largest lakes are more than scenic wonders. They are environmental treasures, bird sanctuaries, and cultural hotspots that reflect the diversity and depth of the Indian subcontinent.
This blog takes you on a journey to discover India’s largest lakes by area, unveiling their origins, ecological importance, and unique characteristics.
1. Vembanad Lake – Kerala
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Area: ~2,033 sq km
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Type: Brackish Lagoon
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State: Kerala
Vembanad is India’s longest lake and the largest in terms of area, stretching across several districts including Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. It supports:
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Backwater tourism (houseboats, cruises)
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Kuttanad farming (below sea-level cultivation)
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Nehrutrophy boat race
It is an ecologically sensitive zone, rich in biodiversity and part of the Ramsar Wetland Site list.
2. Chilika Lake – Odisha
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Area: ~1,100 sq km (varies seasonally)
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Type: Brackish Water Lagoon
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State: Odisha
Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site. It supports:
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Over 160 species of birds, including migratory flamingos
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Dolphins (notably the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin)
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Fishing and aquaculture for over 2 lakh people
The Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary is a major tourist draw during the winter season.
3. Shivaji Sagar Lake – Maharashtra
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Area: ~891.78 sq km
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Type: Artificial (Reservoir)
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State: Maharashtra
Created by the Koyna Dam across the Koyna River, this reservoir serves as:
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A hydroelectric source
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A site for irrigation and flood control
Though artificial, its size makes it one of India’s largest water bodies.
4. Indira Sagar Lake – Madhya Pradesh
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Area: ~913 sq km
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Type: Artificial (Reservoir)
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State: Madhya Pradesh
Formed by the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River, this lake plays a crucial role in:
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Hydropower generation
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Irrigation and drinking water supply
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Fisheries and local employment
It’s a great example of how water engineering shapes modern lake ecosystems.
5. Pangong Tso – Ladakh
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Area: ~700 sq km (Indian side)
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Type: Saltwater
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Union Territory: Ladakh
Famous after its appearance in Bollywood movies, Pangong Lake is situated at 4,225 meters above sea level, making it:
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One of the highest altitude lakes in the world
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Partially located in China (only one-third lies in India)
It freezes in winter and lacks fish due to high salinity but is stunningly beautiful.
6. Wular Lake – Jammu & Kashmir
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Area: ~260 sq km (varies seasonally)
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Type: Freshwater
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Union Territory: Jammu & Kashmir
Wular is India’s largest freshwater lake and acts as a natural flood reservoir for the Jhelum River. It’s essential for:
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Fish production and flood absorption
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Bird nesting grounds
Sadly, it is under threat from encroachment, pollution, and siltation, requiring urgent restoration efforts.
7. Pulicat Lake – Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
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Area: ~759 sq km
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Type: Brackish Lagoon
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States: Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
Second in size after Chilika among brackish lagoons, Pulicat is known for:
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The Pulicat Bird Sanctuary
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Annual migrations of greater flamingos
It supports fishermen communities and acts as a buffer zone during coastal storms.
8. Kolleru Lake – Andhra Pradesh
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Area: ~245 sq km (can go up to 901 sq km in flood season)
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Type: Freshwater
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State: Andhra Pradesh
Kolleru is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes located between the Krishna and Godavari deltas. It's famous for:
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Bird species like grey pelicans and painted storks
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Ramsar Site status
Agricultural encroachment has significantly shrunk its area in recent years.
Why India’s Lakes Matter
Ecological Significance
Lakes serve as biodiversity hubs, supporting:
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Migratory birds
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Wetland flora and fauna
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Rare aquatic life (e.g., Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika)
Economic Support
Millions depend on lakes for:
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Fishing and aquaculture
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Tourism (houseboats, bird sanctuaries)
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Irrigation and drinking water
Cultural and Historical Role
Many lakes are tied to:
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Religious significance (Pushkar Lake, Mansarovar)
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Festivals and traditions
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Historical kingdoms and architecture
Conclusion
From the high-altitude Pangong Tso to the vast freshwater expanse of Wular, India’s largest lakes are more than geographical features. They are lifelines of biodiversity, reservoirs of heritage, and engines of rural economies. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and encroachment threaten their survival.
Preserving these aquatic treasures is not just an environmental responsibility — it’s essential for India’s sustainable future.