43 Important Lakes in India with PDF Map & Key Facts [State-wise]

India, with its diverse geography, is home to a variety of lakes, ranging from freshwater to saltwater, and natural to man-made. These lakes hold ecological, cultural, and economic significance. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the importance of these lakes, their location, and unique features is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of these important lakes in India, along with their state-wise locations, key facts, and a free downloadable PDF map.

State-wise Important Lakes in India

Here is a table that presents a state-wise list of major lakes in India, along with their types, such as freshwater, saltwater, brackish, artificial, oxbow, and more.

Key Facts About India’s Major Lakes

Famous Lakes and Important Facts

1. Wular Lake

• Largest freshwater lake in India.
• Formed as a result of tectonic activity.
• Receives water from the Jhelum River.
• Declared a Ramsar site due to its ecological importance.
• Supports a rich diversity of aquatic life and is a key fishing ground.

2. Dal Lake

• Famous for its houseboats and Shikara rides.
• Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir“.
• Major source of water supply to Srinagar city.
• Divided into four parts: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nigeen.

3. Pangong Tso

• A high-altitude lake at 4,350 meters.
• Extends from India to China, with 60% of it in China.
• Known for its changing colors between blue, green, and red.
• Popularized by Bollywood movies.
• Saline water, but freezes completely in winter.

4. Chilika Lake

• Largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world.
• Declared a Ramsar site due to its biodiversity.
• Major wintering ground for migratory birds.
• Home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
• Famous for the annual bird festival and eco-tourism.

5. Sambhar lake

• Largest inland saltwater lake in India.
• Source of most of Rajasthan’s salt production.
• Produces about 196,000 tonnes of clean salt every year.
• Faces environmental challenges due to excessive illegal salt extraction.

6. Pulicat Lake

• Second largest brackish water lake in India.
• Located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Hosts the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, known for flamingos.
• Major fishing ground supporting local livelihoods.
• The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal and is home to the ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

7. Loktak Lake

• Largest freshwater lake in northeastern India.
• Known for its floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation).
• Home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world.
• Supports the endangered Sangai deer.

8. Vembanad Lake

• Longest lake in India and the Largest in Kerala.
• Known for the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
• Designated as a Ramsar site.
• Contains both freshwater and brackish water zones.
• Kuttanad, also known as The Rice Bowl of Kerala, lies on the southern portion of Vembanad. It has the lowest altitude in India and is also one of the few places in the world where cultivation takes place below sea level.

9. Sasthamkotta Lake

• Largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
• Source of drinking water for surrounding areas.
• Designated as a Ramsar site.
• Named after the ancient Sastha temple located on its bank.

10. Ashtamudi Lake

• Second-largest lake in Kerala, known for its eight arms.
• A Ramsar site, known for its rich biodiversity.
• Also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.
• Major center for coir industry and backwater tourism.
• Connected to the Arabian Sea via a narrow channel.

11. Bhojtal

• Formerly known as Upper Lake, located in Bhopal.
• Artificial lake constructed by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century.
• A major source of drinking water for Bhopal.
• Part of the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site.
• Supports a wide variety of aquatic species.

12. Tsomgo Lake

• High-altitude lake located at 3,753 meters.
• Sacred to the Sikkimese people.
• Known for its pristine beauty and changing colors.
• A popular tourist destination near Gangtok.
• Freezes completely in winter, offering a stunning view.

13. Nainital Lake

• Located in Nainital, a popular hill station.
• Shaped like a pear, it is surrounded by hills.
• Divided into two parts: Tallital and Mallital.
• Major tourist attraction, famous for boating and scenic views.
• Mentioned in Hindu mythology, associated with Goddess Naina Devi.

14. Kolleru Lake

• Largest shallow freshwater lake in Asia.
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary, known for migratory birds.
• Faces threats from illegal aquaculture practices.
• A Ramsar site due to its ecological importance.
• Acts as a flood-balancing reservoir during the monsoon.

15. Pushkar Lake

• Sacred lake in Pushkar, associated with Lord Brahma.
• Hosts the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, attracting tourists.
• Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats.
• Known for its religious significance in Hinduism.

16. Lonar Lake

• Only hyper-velocity impact crater lake in basaltic rock in the world.
• Formed due to a meteorite impact.
• Alkaline and saline water, supporting unique microorganisms.
• Declared a National Geo-heritage Monument and also a Ramasar Site.
• Attracts geologists and tourists for its uniqueness.

17. Hussain Sagar

• Artificial lake in Hyderabad, built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1563.
• Known for the massive Buddha statue in the middle of the lake.
• Connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
• Recognized as a “Heart Shaped Lake” and a popular tourist spot.

18. Shivsagar Lake

• Reservoir formed by the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra.
• Major source of hydroelectric power generation.
• Supports irrigation in the surrounding regions.
• Known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
• Popular tourist spot for boating and nature exploration.

19. Pichola Lake

• Artificial lake in Udaipur, built in 1362.
• Surrounded by palaces, including the famous Lake Palace.
• Known for its scenic beauty and romantic boat rides.
• A popular tourist destination, especially during sunset.

20. Rajsamand Lake

• Artificial lake built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660.
• Known for its beautiful marble ghats.
• Holds historical significance, with inscriptions on the Raj Prasasti.
• Important source of irrigation and drinking water.

21. Nakki Lake

• Located in Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan.
• Considered sacred by the local people.
• Associated with the mythological story of the Gods digging the lake with their nails.
• Major tourist attraction, offering boating and scenic views.
• Surrounded by mountains and temples.

22. Kanwar Lake

• Asia’s largest oxbow lake, located in Begusarai district, Bihar.
• Declared a Ramsar site due to its ecological importance.
• Major bird sanctuary, attracting migratory birds.
• Faces threats from illegal encroachment and water pollution.
• Supports the local fishing community and agriculture.

23. Chandra Taal

• High-altitude lake located in the Spiti Valley.
• Known as the “Lake of the Moon” due to its crescent shape.
• Popular among trekkers and adventure seekers.
• Sacred to the local people and mentioned in mythology.
• Freezes during winter, offering a unique sight.

24. Renuka Lake

• Largest lake in Himachal Pradesh.
• Named after the goddess Renuka, mother of Lord Parshuram.
• Surrounded by dense forests and temples.
• Popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.
• Known for the annual Renuka Fair, celebrating local traditions.

25. Roopkund

• Known as the “Mystery Lake” or “Skeleton Lake” due to the human skeletons found at its bottom.
• The skeletons are believed to date back to the 9th century.
• Located at an altitude of 5,029 meters.
• A popular trekking destination, attracting adventure seekers.

26. Tsomoriri Lake

• High-altitude lake at 4,522 meters.
• Declared a Ramsar site due to its unique ecosystem.
• Supports rare and endangered species like the black-necked crane.
• Sacred to the local Changpa nomads.

27. Gobind Sagar

• Reservoir created by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River.
• Major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation.
• Popular for water sports and fishing.
• Surrounded by scenic hills and forests.

28. Deepor Beel

• Freshwater lake located on the outskirts of Guwahati.
• Declared a Ramsar site due to its ecological importance.
• Major spot for bird watching, attracting migratory birds.
• Supports local livelihoods through fishing and agriculture.

29. Bhimtal

• Located in the town of Bhimtal, named after Bhima from the Mahabharata.
• Larger than Nainital Lake, offering boating and scenic views.
• Known for the island in the middle of the lake.
• Popular tourist destination, especially during summer.

30. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake

• Created by Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna River.
• One of the largest masonry dams in the world.
• Supports extensive irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
• Home to the archaeological site Nagarjunakonda.
• Part of the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

31. Nal Lake

• Located in Gujarat, part of the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
• Known for being a seasonal lake, expanding during monsoons.
• Major stopover for migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
• Declared a Ramsar site for its ecological significance.
• Popular for bird watching and boating activities.

32. Sardar Sarovar Lake

• Formed by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat.
• One of India’s largest reservoirs, providing water to multiple states.
• Generates significant hydroelectric power.
• Supports extensive irrigation for agriculture in arid regions.
• Popular tourist spot, offering scenic views and boating.

33. Brahma Sarovar

• Located in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
• Considered a sacred water body in Hinduism.
• Associated with the Mahabharata, believed to be the site of Brahma’s yagna.
• Popular pilgrimage spot, especially during solar eclipses.

34. Maharana Pratap Sagar

• Also known as Pong Dam Lake, located in Himachal Pradesh.
• Created by the Pong Dam on the Beas River.
• Recognized as a Ramsar site for its rich biodiversity.
• Important habitat for migratory birds, especially during winter.
• Supports fishing, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

35. Indira Sagar Lake

• Formed by the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
• One of the largest artificial lakes in India.
• Used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
• Supports local fisheries and provides drinking water.

36. Salim Ali Lake

• Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
• Named after the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali.
• Known for its rich birdlife, especially migratory species.
• Popular spot for bird watching and nature enthusiasts.

37. Harike Lake

• Located in Punjab, formed by the Harike Barrage on the Sutlej and Beas rivers.
• A major wetland and a Ramsar site due to its ecological importance.
• Important habitat for migratory birds, including several endangered species.
• Supports local fisheries and agriculture through irrigation.
• Popular for bird watching and boating activities.

38. Kanjli Lake

• Located in Punjab, near the town of Kapurthala.
• An artificial lake created by a barrage on the Beas River.
• Important for local irrigation and agriculture.
• Known for its birdlife and fishing opportunities.

39. Cholamu Lake

• One of the highest lakes in India, situated at around 5,330 meters, near the Tibet border.
• Known for its pristine, crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty.
• Sacred to the local Tibetan community.
• Accessible mainly through trekking and requires special permits.

40. Chembarambakkam Lake

• Located near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Major source of drinking water for Chennai city.
• Also used for irrigation and flood control.
• Popular for bird watching and local recreational activities.

41. Kaliveli Lake

• Located in Tamil Nadu, near the town of Kaliveli.
• Known for its biodiversity, particularly migratory birds.
• A Ramsar site due to its ecological significance.
• Supports local fisheries and provides irrigation.

42. Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar

• Formed by the Rihand Dam on the Rihand River in Uttar Pradesh.
• Also known as Rihand Lake.
• Provides water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
• Supports local fisheries and agriculture.
• Popular for scenic views and boating activities.

43. Bellandur Lake

• Located in Bangalore, Karnataka.
• Known for severe pollution and frothy, contaminated water.
• One of the largest lakes in Bangalore, used for wastewater treatment.
• Faces significant environmental challenges due to urban runoff.
• Efforts are underway to restore and rejuvenate the lake.