Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?

Jul 19, 2022

Last Updated on: Dec 19, 2024

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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 the 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 the 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 also animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before.

Wular has a number of fish habitation, which includes rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and also Schizothorax. The fish from lake Wular make up 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 also 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 better in Kashmir, the Government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in a joint 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 already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. And the work is estimated to take about 5 to 10 years of time. 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. Their aim is 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:

Cleanliness of the lakeTake.
strict measures against encroachers.
Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Which Is The Largest Lake In India?

The largest lake in India is the Wular Lake which is in Kashmir. It is also one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the whole of Asia.

2. Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In The World?

The largest freshwater lake in the world is Lake Baikal which is in Russia. Its length is 31,500 sq. km and has a depth of 1,632 meters.

3. Is Vembanad Lake The Largest In India?

Also known as the Punnamada, it is the longest lake in India, situated in Kerala. Vembanad is also the largest lake in India. It has a length of 2033 sq. km.

Wrapping Up!

So, now you know the answer to which is the largest freshwater lake in India. India is known as a land of wonders, and Lake Wular is definitely one of the wonders of India. Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia. The lake inspired many poets to write about its former glory, so restoring it is important.

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

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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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BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

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The terrain, with a rugged beauty, used to be part of an ancient lakebed.  Difficult Death Valley Hiking Trails  This national park has many challenging hiking trails, and exploring some of them demands technical skills. Here are the top three most difficult hiking trails to conquer in this park.  Telescope Peak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4TfIjJmSho Telescope Peak, with an elevation gain of 3,000 ft, is a round trip of around 7-8 hours. You can start trekking this route from the “Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose.”  This snow-capped mountain is a hikers’ paradise in summer. As you hike through the slopes and the forested areas and reach the peak, you will have the laurel of climbing the highest peak in the national park.  Further, the “ancient bristlecone pines,” wildflowers, and the panoramic vista of the valley from the top will take all your fatigue away.  Panamint Dunes Hiking to Panamint Dunes will be a delightful experience if you want to explore the remote parts of the park. The most immersive experience you can have here is camping in the soft sand, watching the night sky in its full glory. The hike (round-trip) will take around 5 hours, and the elevation will go up gradually. The sandy, uneven, and sometimes rocky landscape makes hiking to the top of four different dunes quite difficult.  Little Bridge Canyon With an elevation gain of 590 m, Little Bridge Canyon is a round-trip hiking route of around 5 hours. The Little Bridge Canyon has a red mouth, and as you reach there, crossing many minor washes, you will be surprised to find a rainbow of colors. Along with white stretches of Eureka Quartzite, you will also find red and bright yellow veins on the rocks. These colorful veins are formed by deposited iron oxide. Also, you will cherish the view of the sand dunes from Little Bridge Canyon.  Visit Eureka Dunes In Death Valley Eureka Dunes, the largest dune field in North America, is a must-visit place in Death Valley National Park. It rises more than 680 feet above the neighboring dry lakebed at the western base.  Things To Explore  You can camp at the Eureka Dunes Dry Camp, which is at the base of the sand dunes. This place is great for seeing the sunrise and sunset and experiencing the changing colors of the sand dunes with the rays of the sun.  A hike to Eureka Dunes is arduous due to loose sands frequently stalling your movements. However, once you reach the top, you will see the magnificent Last Chance Mountains with their limestone walls. Also, don’t forget to listen to the songs of the sand dunes. The experience is other-worldly, for sure. Further, it is hard to believe that a place like Eureka Dunes can have so much life and colors. You will love the Evening Primrose in a pristine white shade. You will also meet shining milkvetch (awaiting designation as an endangered species) and dune grass here.  Stay Safe Extreme heat is a major concern in Eureka Dunes or throughout the national park. So, choose your gear, sunscreen, hydrating solutions, and other essentials while exploring the Eureka Dunes. Further, October to April is the best time to be at Eureka Dunes as the temperature then remains bearable.  Stargazing At Eureka Dunes  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Death Valley National Park (@deathvalleynps) Moreover, Eureka Dunes is considered one of the favorite places for astrophotographers and skywatching enthusiasts. When you are at the Eureka Dunes at night, and you stare at the sky, you will feel like you are sinking in the world of stars and meteor showers.  Final Words  October to April is the best hiking season in the Death Valley National Park. Hiking during summer and spring, especially in the lower elevations of the park, can be very difficult.  Even during the months of winter, the weather conditions here remain dry. So, always carry treated drinking water and hydrating solutions with you while hiking in this national park, the quintessence of desert beauty.  Hiking in the park will allow you to visit the lowest elevation points of North America and the highest dunes. You can also conquer the snow-capped mountain peaks and the most vibrant trails made of colorful volcanic deposits. So, are you planning to visit this dramatic land anytime soon? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!  Death Valley National Park FAQs  Which Trail Is The Most Scenic Drive In Death Valley National Park?  Artists Palette is the most scenic drive in Death Valley National Park. As the name suggests, through the 0.5 km trail, you can see rocks showcasing various colors. The splashes of green, pink, yellow, orange, red, and blue colors in these rocks come from iron oxides, chlorite, and other compounds present in the local volcanic deposits. So, this scenic drive truly tales the “volcanic past” of the park. While exploring this driving route, you can also catch a glimpse of the Black Mountains and serpentine white salt flats.  For the best experience, you can visit the Artists Palette during the Sunset or Sunrise.  What Is Special In Death Valley? Despite its extreme desert conditions (Death Valley recorded the highest temperature in the world in July 1936, and the temperature was 134 degrees.), Death Valley is a wonderful place to explore from autumn to spring.  Hiking through the vibrant canyons can be the most amazing outdoor pursuit in Death Valley. Hike to Dante’s View in the Black Mountains and enjoy the diverse landscape of Death Valley. Go for a trek along the 1.5-mile trail that follows the Ubehebe Crater rim. Have a look into the abyss, which is 600 feet deep.  Further, you can enjoy the best Sunrise and Sunset moments and a panoramic view of the adjacent area from Zabriskie Point.  You can even take a ride through the lowest elevation in North America, Badwater, with its salt flats and pools.  Moreover, when you are in this national park, you must have an encounter with the Mesquite Flat Dunes wildlife and wildflowers, which are in full bloom in the spring.  Where Is The Most Photographed Place In Death Valley?  Diverse weather conditions and intriguing geology make Death Valley a favorite of photography enthusiasts. You must have seen Zabriskie Point as the background for many posts on socials. This place is named after Christian Zabriskie, a noted figure of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. Zabriskie Point, close to Furnace Creek, has a vantage point that offers an amazing view of the park and the surrounding area. You will enjoy the view of the badlands with brown and yellow hills. Further, don’t forget to behold the salt flats covering the Death Valley floors. Zabriskie Point is also a great place to cherish the golden and red hues of the Sunrise and Sunset. When you especially look at the Manly Beacon from Zabriskie Point during the Sunrise or Sunset, you get an unforgettable view. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is another great place to click photographs if you are looking for a classic desert landscape. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.