Here’s an explanation of the Lakes of India from a geographical perspective:
1. Dal Lake
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Type: Urban lake
- Features: Famous for its houseboats, floating gardens, and shikara rides. It is fed by the Jhelum River and surrounded by the Zabarwan range. The lake freezes partially in winter due to sub-zero temperatures.
2. Loktak Lake
- Location: Manipur
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Features: Known for its phumdis (floating islands) and the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
3. Pulicat Lake
- Location: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- Type: Brackish water lagoon
- Features: The second-largest saltwater lagoon in India, separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Sriharikota Island. It is an important bird sanctuary.
4. Hussain Sagar
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Type: Artificial lake
- Features: Constructed in 1562, it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The lake is famous for the large Buddha statue at its center.
5. Upper Lake
- Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Type: Artificial freshwater lake
- Features: Known as “Bada Talab,” it is the largest artificial lake in India, built in the 11th century. It is an important source of drinking water for Bhopal.
6. Bhimtal Lake
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Type: Natural freshwater lake
- Features: Situated in the town of Bhimtal, it is larger than the famous Nainital Lake and has an island at its center.
7. Wular Lake
- Location: Jammu & Kashmir
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Features: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, it is fed by the Jhelum River. The lake plays a crucial role in controlling floods in the Kashmir Valley.
8. Tsomgo Chho (Tsomgo Lake)
- Location: Sikkim
- Type: Glacial lake
- Features: Situated at an altitude of 3,753 meters, this lake remains frozen in winter and is revered by locals for its sacredness.
9. Shakambari Jheel (Sambhar Lake)
- Location: Rajasthan
- Type: Saltwater lake
- Features: India’s largest inland salt lake. It is part of the Sambhar Lake Wetland Reserve and is known for salt production.
10. Vembanad Lake
- Location: Kerala
- Type: Brackish water lagoon
- Features: The longest lake in India, it is part of the famous Kerala backwaters and a Ramsar Wetland site. It hosts the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
11. Shivsagar Lake
- Location: Maharashtra
- Type: Reservoir
- Features: Formed by the Koyna Dam on the Koyna River, this lake is a major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation.
12. Sasthamcotta Lake
- Location: Kerala
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Features: The largest freshwater lake in Kerala, it is fed by underground springs and provides drinking water to nearby areas.
13. Kolleru Lake
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Features: Located between the Krishna and Godavari deltas, it is a Ramsar Wetland site and an important bird sanctuary.
14. Pushkar Lake
- Location: Rajasthan
- Type: Sacred lake
- Features: Surrounded by 52 ghats, it is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Pushkar Camel Fair is held annually near the lake.
15. Renuka Lake
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Type: Natural lake
- Features: The largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, shaped like a reclining goddess, and considered sacred by Hindus.
16. Dipor Bil
- Location: Assam
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Features: A Ramsar Wetland site and an important bird sanctuary, it is fed by the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries.
17. Belasagar Lake
- Location: Uttar Pradesh
- Type: Artificial lake
- Features: Created during the Bundela dynasty, this lake provides water for irrigation and supports local biodiversity.
18. Kaliveli Lake
- Location: Tamil Nadu
- Type: Brackish water lake
- Features: Located near the Bay of Bengal, it serves as an important wetland for migratory birds.
19. Brahma Sarovar
- Location: Haryana
- Type: Sacred tank
- Features: Associated with Hindu mythology, it is a major pilgrimage site in Kurukshetra, especially during the solar eclipse.
20. Pangong Tso
- Location: Ladakh
- Type: Endorheic lake (saline)
- Features: Extending into China, it is situated at an altitude of 4,225 meters. Known for its changing colors and stunning beauty, it freezes completely in winter.
This arrangement captures the geographical diversity, cultural significance, and ecological importance of lakes across India.
Image credit : Google Map
