Largest Lakes in India: Top 10 Lakes to Visit in 2025

Vembanad is the largest lake in India, nestled in Kerala. Besides this, India is adorned with 100s of lakes that spread over kilometers. From the Brakis water of Chilika Lake in Odisha to the high-altitude Pangong Tso in Ladakh, these beautiful lakes reflect India’s incredible geographical diversity. 

These lakes are not only about size, but their ecosystem supports unique wildlife and livelihoods to local communities. Are you ready to explore India’s largest lake? This TripzyGo guide has curated the 10 largest lakes in India. Find out their location, area, length, and how you can visit them.

The Largest Lakes in India

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

The largest lakes in India are natural wonders, and some of them are man-made and attract the eye from every corner of the world. Each lake tells its story and offers everything from thrilling water sports to incredible wildlife experiences. Let’s learn about each of the largest lakes in India in detail:

Vembanad Lake

State	Kerala
Total Area	2033 sq. km
Length	96.5 km

Venbanad Lake, the largest lake in India, is a mesmerizing gem in Kerala. It spans over 2,033 sq. km across Kottayam and Alappuzha. This lake connects rivers like Meenachil and Pampa, creating a rich ecosystem filled with diverse birdlife and mangroves. 

A houseboat ride is the best way to enjoy the calm water of the lake and visit the Kumarakon Bird Sanctuary. The lake is even more exciting during Onam, one of the prominent festivals of Kerala, with colorful festivals and the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. 

This India’s largest lake is the perfect place to relax and experience the culture and natural beauty of Kerala. 

How to reach the largest lake in India, Venbanad Lake

1. By air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to the lake, which is  82 km away.
2. By train: Kottayam Railway Station is 13.4 km away from Vembanad Lake.
3. By Road: India’s largest lake, Vembanad, is situated on state highway Sh42, where private KSRTC buses and taxis are easily available. 

Chilika Lake

State	Odisha
Total Area	1165 sq km
Length	64.3 km

Chilika Lake is not only counted among the largest lakes in India but also Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. It is spread across coastal Odisha, a haven for migratory birds, especially in winter, when flocks arrive from Mongolia and Russia. 

The lake is connected to the Bay of Bengal and supports rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered species. While visiting India’s largest lake, you can also explore the Jagannath Puri Temple, one of the prominent religious places in India, just 35.7 km away. 

How to reach Chilika Lake

1. By air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, but there is no direct flight to Chilika. You can fly to Bhubaneswar and then hire a taxi or bus to Chilika. 
2. By train: Balugaon and Rambha are the nearest railway station(50 km) to Chilika. 
3. By road: National Highway NH5 toches Chilika Lake at Barkul, Rambha, and Balugaon. You can take a direct bus from Bhubneshwar, hire a taxi, or take a tuk-tuk.

Shivsagar Lake

State	Maharastra
Total Area	891.8 sq km
Length	50 km

Shivsagar Lake is a vast reservoir formed by the Koyna Dam in Satara, Maharastra. It is a perfect destination that offers both natural beauty and history. It is known for its lush surroundings and water sports like jet skiing and boating. 

With an area of 891.9 sq. km, it is the third-largest lake in India. After spending 3-4 hours at the lake, you can enjoy the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. This trip is definitely going to be your favorite!

How to reach Shivsagar Lake

1. By air: The nearest airport to the lake is Pune Airport, which is 99.7 km away
2. By train: Sangameshwar Railway Station is 86 km away.

Pangong Tso Lake

State	Leh Ladakh
Total Area	699.3 sq km
Length	134 km

Pangong Lake is located in Ladakh at a height of 4350 meters. It is a mesmerizing wonder and one of the most famous attractions in the region. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water that changes color from blue to green or sometimes even red. 

With its length of 134 km, it is the longest lake in India, and some parts stretch into China. Its serene beauty and unique setting make it attractive. For the best experience, plan your Leh Ladakh Private Holiday Tour during the summer. 

How to reach Pangong Lake

1. By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest, 143 km away.
2. By road: From Leh, you have to cover 175 km, which takes around 6-7 hours. You can hire a taxi, bike, or personal vehicle. 

Pulicat Lake

State	Andhra Pradesh
Total Area	450 sq km
Length	60 km

Pulicat Lake is the second-largest saltwater lagoon in India. It lies on the Coromandel Coast, spanning Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Stretching over 60 km in length, it ranks 5th among the largest lakes in India and is famous for its rich biodiversity, especially the flamingos that migrate here from October to March. 

Besides this serene beauty, Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley is the most beautiful among hill stations in South India. The charm of Pulicat is enhanced by its history, local crafts, and proximity to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island. 

How to reach Pulicat Lake

1. By air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 68 km away. 
2. By train: Thiruvallar railway station is about 59 km away. After that, you can hire a taxi or bus to reach the lake. 
3. By bus: The nearest bus stand is the Pulicat bus stand, which is 19.6 km away from the lake.  

Loktak Lake

State	Manipur
Total Area	287 sq km
Length	35 km

t is a natural treasure and the largest freshwater lake in India. Also counting among the largest lakes in India, Loktak is famous for its floating islands, called Phumdis, and the unique sight of fishermen living in floating huts. 

A visit to Sendra offers a bird’s eye view of this beautiful lake. This lake is also home to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and the habitat of the endangered Sangai deer.

How to reach Loktak Lake

1. By air: The nearest airport to the lake is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, which is 24.3 km away from the lake.
2. By bus: Moirang Bazar bus stop is 3 km away from Loktak Lake

Nagarjuna Sagar Lake

State	Andhra Pradesh
Total Area	285 sq km
Length	16 km

Nagarjuna Sagar Lake is an actual dam on the Krishna River, but its beauty and surroundings make it an attractive tourist place. It spans over 285 sq. km with a length of 16km. Counting among the largest lakes in India, this man-made marvel is not just a lifeline for irrigation and hydroelectricity but also a major tourist attraction. 

You can enjoy a boating trip to Nagarjunakonda Island, home to ancient Buddhist artifacts and a museum. The surrounding Nallamala forests and nearby attractions like Ethipothala Waterfalls add to its charm. 

How to reach Nagarjuna Sagar Lake

1. By air: Hyderabad airport with a distance of 149.3 km from the lake
2. By train: Macherla railway station is the nearest 21.5 km away from the lake 

Kolleru Lake

State	Andhra Pradesh
Total Area	245 sq km

Kolleru Lake, located between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas in Andhra Pradesh, is India’s largest freshwater lake and one of the largest shallow lakes in Asia. Spanning over 245 sq km, it is a habitat for migratory birds, including painted strokes and Siberian cranes. 

This lake was also declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999; it faced pollution challenges but remains an important ecosystem.  If you are planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, do not miss this lake and magical Gandikota Canyon for more nature wonder. 

How to reach Kolleru Lake

1. By air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, which is 63.2 km away.
2. By bus: The nearest bus stand is APSRTC’s new bus stand, which is 21.5 km away from the lake.

Maharana Pratap Sagar

State	Himachal Pradesh
Total Area	240 sq km
Length	42 km

Maharana Pratap Sagar, also famous as Pong Reservoir, is one of the largest lakes in India. It is nestled in the scenic Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a man-made lake that is not just a place to enjoy for nature lovers but also a nearby wildlife sanctuary that attracts migratory birds. 

You can also enjoy boating and fishing here with friends and family. The lush green surroundings, along with diverse flora and fauna, make it one of the must-have places in Himachal Pradesh. Do not forget to keep your camera to capture natural beauty!

How to reach Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake 

1. By air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, 82.4 km away from the lake 
2. By bus: The nearest bus stand is Nandpur Bhatoli Bus Stand, 61.9 km away from the lake

Wular Lake

State	Jammu Kashmir
Total Area	189 sq km
Length	16 km

Wular Lake is nestled in the crown of India, Kashmir Valley. It is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes, spread over 189 sq. km. This beautiful lake, formed by the River Jhelum, plays a crucial role in flood management and sustains a rich ecosystem. 

The lake is home to diverse bird species and makes a huge contribution to the livelihoods of over 8,000 fishermen. Zaina Lank adds more beauty to Wular Lake and is also recognized internationally. 

How to reach Wular Lake

1. By air: Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar is the nearest airport, which is 62.3 km away from the lake. 
2. By train: The nearest railway station is Sopore Railway Station, which takes 40 minutes to reach the lake.

Vembanad Lake is the Largest Lake in India

When we think of the largest lakes in India, Vembanad Lake in Kerala wins the race, covering an impressive 2033 sq km. Among the longest lakes in India, each offers its own unique beauty. From Chilika’s brackish water to attracting birds to Loktak and India’s largest freshwater lake, Wular, each has something amazing. 

Are you ready to experience these lakes? Contact TripzyGo today and plan your trip to the largest lakes in India at affordable prices!