India is home to a diverse range of lakes—from freshwater and saltwater to artificial reservoirs and high-altitude glacial lakes. Understanding the major lakes of India, their location, and unique features is extremely important for defence aspirants preparing for competitive exams and SSB interviews.
At GAPS SSB, known for providing the best SSB coaching in Delhi, candidates are trained to master such important geography topics that are frequently asked in interviews, group discussions, and written exams.
Why Study Major Lakes of India?
Questions related to major lakes of India and their location are commonly asked in:
- SSB Interviews
- NDA & CDS Exams
- General Awareness rounds
- Lecturette topics
A strong understanding of these topics reflects awareness and officer-like clarity.
List of Lakes in India State Wise
Here is a well-structured list of lakes in India state wise along with important facts:
Jammu & Kashmir
- Wular Lake – Largest freshwater lake in India
- Dal Lake – Famous as the “Jewel of Srinagar”
- Anchar Lake
- Surinsar Lake
Ladakh
- Pangong Tso – Shared with China
- Tso Moriri – High-altitude saltwater lake
- Tso Kar – Ramsar site
Uttarakhand
- Roopkund Lake – Known as the “Mystery Lake”
- Bhimtal
(Note: “Tal” and “Kund” are common lake terms in this region)
Himachal Pradesh
- Chandratal Lake – “Moon Lake”
- Maharana Pratap Sagar – Reservoir on Beas River
- Renuka Lake
Haryana
- Sukhna Lake – Man-made lake
- Surajkund – Known for crafts fair
Rajasthan
- Sambhar Lake – Largest inland saltwater lake in India
- Pushkar Lake – Religious significance
- Jaisamand Lake – Asia’s second-largest artificial lake
- Lake Pichola – Famous tourist lake
- Nakki Lake
Uttar Pradesh
- Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar (Rihand Reservoir) – Largest artificial lake in Asia
- Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)
- Fulhar Lake
- Sarsai Nawar Jheel (Ramsar site)
Bihar
- Kanwar Taal – Asia’s largest oxbow lake
Madhya Pradesh
- Bhojtal (Upper Lake)
- Indira Sagar Reservoir
- Gandhi Sagar Reservoir
- Bansagar Reservoir
Gujarat
- Sudarshan Lake – Historical lake from ancient times
Maharashtra
- Lonar Lake – Meteorite crater lake
- Koyna Reservoir
- Shivsagar Lake
Kerala – “Water Gateway of South India”
- Vembanad Lake – Longest lake in India
- Periyar Lake
(Backwaters are called “Kayals”)
Tamil Nadu
- Pulicat Lake – Second-largest brackish water lake
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Kaliveli Lake
Telangana
- Hussain Sagar Lake
- Kolleru Lake (shared region)
Goa
- Nanda Lake
Odisha
- Chilika Lake – Largest brackish water lagoon in India
- Ansupa Lake
- Rengali Reservoir
Assam
- Deepor Beel – Important Ramsar site
- Chapanala Lake
Meghalaya
- Umiam Lake (Barapani)
Tripura
- Rudrasagar Lake – Known for Neermahal Palace
Manipur
- Loktak Lake – Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India
(Famous for floating phumdis)
Sikkim
- Gurudongmar Lake – High-altitude sacred lake
- Tso Lhamo Lake – Among the highest lakes in the world
10 Major Lakes of India (Quick Revision List)
For quick preparation, here are the 10 major lakes of India:
- Wular Lake
- Dal Lake
- Sambhar Lake
- Chilika Lake
- Vembanad Lake
- Pulicat Lake
- Loktak Lake
- Pangong Tso
- Lonar Lake
- Kolleru Lake
Important Facts About Lakes in India
- Largest Freshwater Lake: Wular Lake
- Largest Saltwater Lake: Sambhar Lake
- Largest Brackish Water Lake: Chilika Lake
- Longest Lake: Vembanad Lake
- Crater Lake: Lonar Lake
- Floating Lake: Loktak Lake
India has over 90 Ramsar sites, highlighting the ecological importance of wetlands and lakes.
Why This Topic is Important for SSB Aspirants
In SSB interviews, candidates are often asked:
- Name major lakes of India
- Which is the largest freshwater lake?
- Explain types of lakes in India
- Discuss Ramsar sites in India
Your ability to answer confidently shows awareness and preparedness.
At GAPS SSB, candidates are trained to cover such topics in a structured way, ensuring clarity and confidence during interviews and group discussions.
How GAPS SSB Helps You Prepare
To succeed in SSB, knowledge must be combined with personality development.
GAPS SSB – Best SSB Coaching in Delhi offers:
- Complete SSB preparation programs
- Current affairs and general knowledge sessions
- Lecturette and GD practice
- Personal interview guidance
- OLQ (Officer Like Qualities) development
The focus is on building well-rounded candidates ready for defence services.
Final Words
Understanding the major lakes of India, their location, and significance is essential for every defence aspirant. It not only helps in exams but also builds your overall awareness as a future officer.
Start your preparation with the right guidance and structured approach. With expert mentorship from GAPS SSB, you can confidently face any question in your SSB interview.















