Largest Lake in India (Name, Location and Area)

India boasts a diverse array of lakes, each playing a significant role in its ecological and cultural landscape. From the vast brackish waters of Chilika Lake to the scenic beauty of Vembanad Lake, these significant bodies of water contribute to regional biodiversity, support local economies, and offer vital resources. Exploring the largest lakes in India reveals their immense importance and unique characteristics that make them integral to the country’s natural heritage.

Largest Lake in India in terms of Area

Vembanad Lake is the biggest lake in India and the largest in Kerala. It covers a large area of 230 square kilometers and stretches for about 96.5 kilometers in length. The lake spreads across three districts in Kerala, where it is known by different names. In Kottayam and nearby areas, it’s called Vembanad Lake. In Alappuzha, it is referred to as Punnamada Lake, and in Kochi, it’s known as Kochi Lake.

This huge lake is surrounded by many small islands, such as Vypin, Mulavukad, Maradu, Udayamperoor, Vallarpadam, and Willingdon Island. The famous Kochi Port is located near Willingdon and Vallarpadam islands. The lake is not only important for its size but also for its role in the lives of the people around it, supporting fishing, tourism, and transportation.

Know About Name, Area and Location of Largest Lake of India By Area

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in India and the biggest in Kerala. It is known by different names in various regions, including Vembanad Lake, Punnamada Lake, and Kochi Lake, depending on the nearby district.

Location: The lake is located in the state of Kerala, spreading across three districts: Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Kochi. In these areas, it is called different names like Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, and Kochi Lake in Kochi.

Area: Vembanad Lake covers a huge area of 230 square kilometers, making it the largest lake in India. The lake is very long, stretching about 96.5 kilometers, and includes many small islands around it, especially near Kochi.

Second Largest Lake in India

Chilika Lake is the second largest lake in India and the biggest brackish water lagoon in Asia. It covers more than 1,100 square kilometers in size. The lake is located in Odisha, across the districts of Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam, on India’s eastern coast. Chilika is situated where the Daya River meets the Bay of Bengal, allowing a mix of freshwater and seawater.

Largest Freshwater Lake in India

Wular Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in India, found in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is quite large, covering an area between 30 to 260 square kilometers. It was created by natural movements in the Earth’s crust and gets its water mainly from the Jhelum River.

Wular Lake is rich in wildlife, especially fish. Some common fish found here include carp, rosy barb, mosquito fish, and different types of local species. It’s known as one of India’s most beautiful natural places and is considered a valuable natural heritage site. Other well-known freshwater lakes in India are Loktak Lake in Manipur and Barapani Lake in Meghalaya.

India’s Largest Man-Made Lake

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, also known as Rihand Dam, is the largest man-made lake in India. It is located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Madhya Pradesh. The lake covers an area of 480 square kilometers, with a reservoir area of 130 square kilometers.

The main purpose of the lake is to provide water for irrigation and to generate hydropower. Construction of the dam started in 1954 and was finished in 1962. The second largest man-made lake in India is Dhebar Lake, also called Jaisamand Lake, which is found in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan.

Other Important Lakes in India

India’s diverse landscape features numerous significant lakes, each with ecological, cultural, or economic importance. From the serene Dal Lake in Kashmir to the vast Chilika Lake in Odisha, these lakes play crucial roles in the country’s biodiversity and heritage. Here is the list of important lakes in India.

Important Lakes in Indian Union Territories

List of Top 10 Largest Lakes in India

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake of India in terms of area with an area of 2033 square kilometers, followed by Chilika Lake, Shivaji Sagar Lake and Indira Sagar Lake.

Here is the list of top-10 largest lakes in India: