Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?

Jul 19, 2022

Last Updated on: Mar 24, 2025

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Question: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?

Options:

  • A.Chilka Lake ( Surface area  347 sq mi)
  • B.Wular Lake ( Surface area 12 to 73 sq mi )
  • C.Naini Lake ( Surface area 4.53 sq mi)
  • D.Periyar Lake (Surface area 2,084 sq mi)

 Answer: Wular Lake

Lake Wular is declared India’s largest freshwater lake and Asia’s second largest. 

                                “Wular Lake is still in floods,

The North Wind howling strong;

                                The shore is far away, and you

   Must steer your course with care.”

— Kashmiri poet Mahjoor (1885-1952)

Which Is The Largest Natural Freshwater Lake In India?

Bandipora, Kashmir, and Wular Lake are formed in the lap of paradise due to tectonic activity. Jhelum River is the lake’s main source of water.

At an altitude of 1,580 Km, Lake Wular is 24 Km in length. According to popular belief, the lake is the remains of Satisar Lake. 

The lake has willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among India’s most beautiful sites of natural heritage.

History Of Lake Wular

Sultan Zainul-Abi-Din gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444.

Based on folklore, a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen was once on the border of the lake. But as a punishment for his crimes, the lake’s water rose and drowned the king, his subject, and the city with him.

During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to folklore.

Zainul-Abi-Din constructed a huge barge in the Lake and built a brick wall that rose to the water level.

Wular Lake: History Amongst Nature

Lake Wular is among the 49 other wetlands of India; all are a part of the Ramsar Site. Although it falls under “The Conventions of Wetlands,” established by UNESCO in 1971, Lake Wular faces certain environmental threats.

They include threats like fertilizer pollution, waterfowl & migratory bird hunting, agriculture, and animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before.

Wular has several fish habitats, including rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and Schizothorax. The fish from Lake Wular comprise the diet of thousands of people living in the area and everywhere in Kashmir.

About eight thousand fishermen depend on Lake Wular for their livelihood. 60% of fish in Kashmir comes from the lake itself. People from the nearby villages also harvest the plants like the Nymphoides and the Phragmites for animal fodder.

The lake is home to thousands of birds. A few of them are the short-toed eagle, alpine swift, common cuckoo, golden eagle, and the Himalayan monal.

Lake Wular Tourism: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India

Lake Wular is not only a perfect tourist attraction for Indian tourists but also recognized by International tourists as well.

Wular lake plays a very important role in further expanding the tourism of Kashmir. When people ask, “which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India” this is what they refer to.

To improve the tourism industry in Kashmir, the government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in collaboration with J&K and Kashmir Tourism.

Sports such as water skiing and boating. The contract for this project was awarded in September 2011

In 1986, lake Wular was made a part of the Wetland of National importance. This project was carried out under the Wetlands Programme by the Ministry of Environment & Forestry

The lake was added was included due to its diverse hydrological, biological, and also socio-economic values. According to the Ramsar Convention project, the area surrounding the lake was a garbage dump. The inclusion in the Government project is for management purposes and also intensive conservation.

Restoration Of Lake Wular

A development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched to restore the former beauty of the lake. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down. 

The Ministry of Environment and Forest has already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. According to estimates, the work will take about 5 to 10 years. The schedule started in December 2011.

The SAVE organization, or South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists, took an interest in this initiative and joined the project. They aim to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular.

Restoring such an enormous lake, the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir will be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with.

Wular Lake: The Biggest Freshwater Lake In India And Its Maintenance Concerns (A Sneak Peek Into The Latest Developments)

Keeping the Wular Lake clean has been a concern for the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee. 

On 3rd August 2024, Atal Dulloo, the state’s Chief Secretary, met WUCMA, the JK Pollution Control Committee, and other concerned authorities to keep the lake clean.  Wular Lake has always been important in the tourism landscape of Baramulla and Kashmir at large.

So, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial to boost tourist footfall in the area. The main agenda of the meeting was to ensure:

1. Cleanliness of the lake
2. Take strict measures against encroachers 
3. Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake
4. Development of the surrounding area for tourism with Wular Lake at the core

Earlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the adoption of 30 villages around India’s largest freshwater lake. Saderkoot, Garoora, and Payeen are the first three villages to run the pilot project on solid waste management around the lake. 

Currently, the lake gathers the wastage of the Jhelum River and the lake’s surrounding villages. Solid waste management is crucial to keep the lake clean, maintain hygiene, and maintain tourism activities in the area.  

Places To See Near Wular Lake: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India 

Wular Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake, has many nearby tourist attractions. The lakes within 50 Km of the lake will soothe your eyes and offer you moments of tranquility. 

The nearby Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes have mystical charm. Further, the Vishankar Lake is the source of the Neelum River. Krishnasar Lake is more popular as a fishing spot, and anglers visit here for trout. 

Other lakes near Wular are:

  • Alpather Lake
  • Gangabal Lake
  • Gadsar Lake
  • Mansabal Lake

Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can visit Apharwat Peak, just around 20 Km away from Wular Lake. It is a popular skiing destination. 

The best time to visit Wular Lake is June to April. So, plan your trip accordingly! 

Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia

Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds, fish, and underwater plants. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction.

Did You Know About The Top 10 Largest Lake In India?

With Wular Lake being the largest freshwater lake in India, it’s time to know about the top 10 largest lakes in India. 

  1. Vembanad Lake in Kerala
  2. Chilika Lake in Odisha.
  3. Shivsagar Lake in Maharashtra.
  4. Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh.
  5. Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh.
  6. Loktak Lake in Manipur.
  7. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake in Andhra Pradesh.
  8. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh.
  9. Maharana Pratap Sagar in Himachal Pradesh
  10. Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir

All these lakes are prominent tourist attractions and contribute to the local lives, economy, sustainability and environment. 

Things You Didn’t Know About India’s Largest Lake | Fun Facts

Wular Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in India was known as  Mahapadmasar in ancient times. Some people even call it Ullola as it has very high waves. 

Further, it is the natural heritage of Kashmir. It has been a witness to the cultural evolution of Kashmir and development of Kashmir through centuries. 

Largest Freshwater Lake In India FAQs

Here are some popular queries about the largest freshwater lake in India. Let’s find the right answers to these questions. 

What Is The Second Largest Freshwater Lake In India?

Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur District of Manipur is the second largest freshwater lake in India. Its surface area keeps varying from 250 to 500 square kms.

Further, this is an important lake for human lives and the ecosystem growing around it. Did you know that  Loktak Lake is the primary source of water for the nearby 55 villages? 

What Is The Biggest Lake In India?

Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the largest lake in India. Many people know Vembanad Lake by the name of Kochi Lake. 

The lake has a length of 96.5 Kilometers and at the widest point, it is 14 Kms wide. Overall, it spans an area of 2033 square kilometers and a diverse ecosystem has grown up around it. 

So, you will find various species of birds and fish around the lake. Moreover, today, Vembanad Lake is a popular tourist destination when it comes to Kerala tourism. 

It is a brackish water lake and some other important brackish water lakes in India are Chilika Lake in Odisha and Sambhar Salt Lake. Sambhar Salt Lake is also the largest inland saline lake of India.

Which Is The Biggest Sweet Water Lake In India?

The biggest sweet water lake in India is Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir. Further, Manipur’s Loktak Lake and Meghalaya’s Barapani Lake are some other choices if you want to name some freshwater lakes of India. 

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Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

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The Comeback Of Death Valley National Park Lake? Will It Stay?

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

The year 2023 fall saw the return of Lake Manly or the Death Valley National Park lake. The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Death Valley, as well as the entire North America. It is located 282 feet below sea level, and today, the world knows it as a dry and salted flat.   However, a massive downpour caused by Hurricane Hilary in fall 2023 and the “Atmospheric River Effect” this year made the dried lake appear magically. Lastly, the lake had a resurrection in 2005, and suddenly, this trace of life in the barren land looks and feels surreal.   But why did this lake appear all of a sudden? Will it stay? What can you see while exploring the area near Lake Manly? This article tries to find answers to all your questions. Further, there is a sneak peek into what NASA shows about the ghostly and ancient lake at Death Valley National Park.   Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned?  Yes, the ancient Death Valley National Park lake made a comeback. Hurricane Hilary hit Death Valley on 19th-21st August 2023, and its remnants caused more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall (2 inches) at the national park.   Further, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect on 4th-7th February 2024 caused 1.5 inches of rainfall. Altogether, the amount of rainfall in this park from the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024 was 4.9 inches.1   This sudden and unprecedented rainfall caused the rise of Death Valley National Park Lake. In mid-February 2024, the lake had one-foot deep water. Further, it was 6 miles long and 3 miles wide.   NASA has published a series of three images of Lake Manly. The pictures showed the difference between the barren, salted land in July and the waterlogged area in August after the rampage of Hurricane Hilary and Atmospheric River. Further, the pictures also depicted that the lake was almost the same size in August 2023 and February 2024.   Moreover, according to the latest update in April 2024, the lake is getting a steady number of visitors. The reflection of the surrounding peaks looks out of the world in the tranquil water of the lake. In addition, thanks to the rainfall and the resurgence of the lake, the national park had an abundance of wildflowers this season.   Elyscia Letterman2, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), has mentioned,   “It's quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset when you have these beautiful reflections from the mountains around the lake. There's some snow on the mountaintops. So, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the water is very beautiful. It doesn't feel like you're in Death Valley.”   Again, the Amargosa River keeps feeding the Badwater Basin area from the south. With its increased water level, it can help the Death Valley National Park lake to stay. Having said that, let’s discuss a few details about how Hurricane Hillary and the atmospheric river effect impacted the lake formation and overall national park.   Hurricane Hillary Hits Death Valley National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AgKKwLHMn/ The Death Valley National Park experienced flooding after a massive downpour started at Gower Gulch near Zabriskie Point. The rainfall took place on 20th August 2023, and the crew started assessing the havoc in the park on 21st August 2023.   Thanks to the flooding, Lake Manly made a comeback. However, some of the backcountry roads were completely washed. In addition, there was a major loss of pavements and undercutting.   “The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then. Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit!”   - Ranger Abby Wines on the return of the Death Valley National Park Lake after Hurricane Hillary  Atmospheric River Effect In Death Valley National Park  The Death Valley National Park was already recovering from the impact of Hurricane Hilary. Suddenly, in February 2024, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect hit the national park. The storm fed the Badwater Basin with water, which enhanced the temporary lake.  This storm also pulled down snow from the mountain peaks, and it came down to around 4000 feet in the park.   Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay?   Despite the endorheic nature of the Badwater Basin, the Death Valley National Park Lake is transitional or ephemeral in nature. The evaporation rate here is higher than the water feed it gets. However, the downpours caused by the August 2023 and February 2024 natural calamities have brought all the changes. We now have a lake that shows some potential to stay.   Again, the Amargosa River has flowing water at a high level. So, the basin is getting constantly fed by water from the south. As a result, the lake still stands in the driest place for a span of more than 6 months. In 2005, when the lake reappeared for the last time, it only lasted a week. This time, there is a new scenario around the lake and how long the water will last.  Having said that, nothing specific can be mentioned about how long the lake will stay as the rate of evaporation is still high. Even as I write this article, I realize that the lake may not remain fit for kayaking for long. Still, the lake is likely to exist for some time, offering visitors a renewed site of attraction in the national park.   Overall, the resurgence of the lake and its stay is an “extremely rare event,” as mentioned by the National Park Service authority.   Exploring The Death Valley National Park Lake Area   There is no denying that all roads in the Death Valley National Park lead to the ancient lake, which has come to life. Once you are done taking photographs or seeing the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water, you can take a walk around the area.   The shores of the lake have a white boundary wall, which is formed because of a high concentration of salt. Further, the Panamint Range, Black Mountains, and barren land surrounding the lake offer you an other-worldly experience.   Moreover, you can explore the nearby looking points in the park to have diverse views of the place. Enjoy your time at the oasis of Death Valley!   What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024)  NASA showed the change in the Death Valley National Park Lake from February to March using SWOT, a U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. In just six weeks, the water level came down to 1.5 feet from 3 feet.   The NASA report has further highlighted the temporary nature of the lake and the fact that a gust of a strong wind can move this lake by a couple of miles.  Final Words   With “billions of gallons of water,” the Death Valley National Park lake is alive again. The sapphire blue water in the midst of a barren land shows the magic of nature. In February 2024, the lake became a go-to destination for kayaking, thanks to its 1-foot-deep water. However, by March, the lake was closed to opening, and in April, the lake was transformed into a waterbody of a few inches’ depth.   This has also become a tourist attraction thanks to the most amazing sunrise and sunset views.  Further, there is no assurance or specific information available about how long the lake will last. So, make it to the Death Valley National Park till the lake lasts. Also, don’t forget to share your experience as you explore the Badwater Basin area around the ghostly (now alive) lake. Also read Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio. You Can’t MISS These Best Songs for Instagram Travel Reels (Real People, Real Choice 2024) Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.