List of Important Lakes in India: Largest, Types, and Features

India is home to a remarkable diversity of lakes—natural and man-made, freshwater and brackish—each with its own ecological and cultural significance. This page brings you the complete List of Important Lakes in India (Largest Lakes and Types of Lakes) along with key facts, area rankings, and their unique types, perfect for quick reference and general knowledge enhancement.

Top 10 Largest Lakes in India: Names, Locations & Area

These top 10 largest lakes in India include natural wonders and some of the country's major reservoirs. Each supports livelihoods, tourism, and biodiversity, reflecting the incredible variety found across India’s water bodies.

Types of Lakes in India: Key Facts and Examples

The List of Important Lakes in India (Largest Lakes and Types of Lakes) is incomplete without understanding the different lake types. India’s lakes are classified based on origin, water quality, and location. Each type supports different ecosystems and human uses.

• Freshwater Lakes: Vital for drinking water and irrigation, e.g., Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), Loktak Lake (Manipur).

• Brackish Water Lakes: Mix of salty and fresh water, important for fisheries, e.g., Chilika Lake (Odisha), Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh).

• Saltwater Lakes: High salinity, often found in arid/semi-arid regions, e.g., Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan).

• Artificial (Man-Made) Lakes: Created by dams or reservoirs, e.g., Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar (Uttar Pradesh), Indira Sagar Lake (Madhya Pradesh), the largest artificial lake in India.

• Crater Lakes: Formed by meteorite impacts or volcanic activity, e.g., Lonar Lake (Maharashtra).

• Oxbow Lakes: Shape left by meandering rivers, e.g., Kanwar Lake (Bihar).

State-Wise List of Lakes in India

A list of lakes in India state wise highlights the country's vast hydrographical diversity. Every state and UT features significant lakes catering to regional demands. Here are examples from different states:

• Andhra Pradesh: Pulicat Lake, Kolleru Lake, Nagarjuna Sagar (Reservoir)

• Assam: Deepor Beel, Haflong Lake, Chandubi Lake

• Karnataka: Ulsoor Lake, Kukkarahalli Lake, Pampa Sarovar

• Maharashtra: Lonar Lake (Crater Lake), Shivsagar Lake

• Manipur: Loktak Lake (largest in North-East India)

• Rajasthan: Sambhar Lake (largest saltwater), Rajsamand Lake, Dhebar Lake (Jaisamand - artificial)

• Jammu & Kashmir: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Nigeen Lake

• Tamil Nadu: Ooty Lake, Chembarambakkam (Artificial)

This state-wise approach makes it easy to remember 10 lake name in India from different regions. Knowing these helps in general knowledge and competitive exams alike.

Largest Freshwater Lake and Largest Artificial Lake in India

The largest freshwater lake in India is Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, central to local ecology and economy. Among man-made lakes, Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar (Rihand Dam) in Uttar Pradesh is the largest artificial lake in India, supporting both irrigation and hydropower needs.

• Largest Freshwater Lake (Natural): Wular Lake, Bandipora district, J&K (area varies seasonally: up to 260 sq km)

• Largest Artificial Lake: Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar (Rihand Reservoir), Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh (area: approx. 480 sq km)

On a global scale, the largest lake in world is the Caspian Sea, which also holds immense geopolitical importance. The vast range of lakes in India forms a key part of the country's natural and human heritage.

Quick Facts: 10 Lake Name in India for GK

Here is a quick reference list of 10 lake name in India commonly featured in quizzes and school exams:

• Vembanad Lake (Kerala)

• Chilika Lake (Odisha)

• Wular Lake (J&K)

• Dal Lake (J&K)

• Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh)

• Loktak Lake (Manipur)

• Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)

• Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)

• Shivaji Sagar Lake (Maharashtra)

• Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar (Uttar Pradesh)

These lakes represent the variety found in India—freshwater, saline, natural, artificial, and more.

Why Are Lakes in India Important?

Lakes support irrigation, drinking water, fisheries, tourism, climate moderation, and biodiversity. Understanding the important lakes in India helps students, travelers, and anyone interested in India’s environment or geography. For deeper learning, Vedantu’s resources provide state-wise, regional, and ecological insights beyond just lists and records.

India's lakes—natural and man-made—offer rich biodiversity, water resources, and cultural value. From Vembanad to Wular, their variety is impressive. Knowing the List of Important Lakes in India (Largest Lakes and Types of Lakes) is crucial for a strong general knowledge foundation and helps us appreciate India’s remarkable natural heritage.