Biggest Lake in India: Chilika Lake is the largest lake in India, located along the eastern coast in the state of Odisha. It is a brackish water lagoon, not a freshwater lake, and spans over 1,100 square kilometres during the monsoon season. Chilika is famous for its ecological richness, supporting over 160 species of birds and hundreds of fish species. Keep reading for more details.
Which is the biggest lake in India?
Chilika Lake is the biggest lake in India by surface area and lies in the state of Odisha in the geographic area of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. Unlike other lakes in India, Chilika is brackish. Brackish water lakes, including Chilika Lake, require the presence of both seawater and fresh water from rivers. This mixing of saltwater and freshwater is essential for the development of many different aquatic species. Because of this uniqueness, Chilika Lake attracts serious wildlife observers, biodiversity, environmental, and marine researchers, and tourists from abroad and across India.
In size and biodiversity, there is no other lake in India that compares to Chilika Lake. Chilika Lake provides for more than 150,000 people for fishing and ecotourism and links their livelihoods to the natural world.
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Top 7 Largest Lakes in India
| Rank by Area | Lake Name | Type | State(s) | Area (Approx.) |
| 1 | Chilika Lake | Brackish water | Odisha | 1,100 sq. km |
| 2 | Vembanad Lake | Brackish water | Kerala | 950 sq. km |
| 3 | Indira Sagar Lake | Artificial (Dam) | Madhya Pradesh | 913 sq. km |
| 4 | Shivaji Sagar Lake | Artificial (Dam) | Maharashtra | 891 sq. km |
| 5 | Pulicat Lake | Brackish water | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | 759 sq. km |
| 6 | Sardar Sarovar Lake | Artificial (Dam) | Gujarat | 375 sq. km |
| 7 | Loktak Lake | Freshwater | Manipur | 287 sq. km |
What Is a Brackish Water Lake?
A brackish water lake contains a mix of saltwater and freshwater. This happens when a lake connects to the sea but still receives river water. Brackish lakes like Chilika and Vembanad are rich in biodiversity and ideal for certain species that can’t survive in fully salty or freshwater environments.
Which is India's first Ramsar site?
Chilika Lake is well known for its biological richness and supports over 160 species of birds and hundreds of species of fish, as well as an endangered species, the Irrawaddy dolphin. Chilika Lake is recognised by the Ramsar Convention as the country's first wetland of international significance.
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Interesting Facts About Chilika Lake
Home to the Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins
Chilika Lake is one of the few places in the world where you can spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. These shy and unique dolphins are found mostly near Satapada, making the lake a popular dolphin-watching destination.
Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon
Spanning over 1,100 square kilometers, Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Its water is a mix of saltwater from the Bay of Bengal and freshwater from rivers, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Every winter, Chilika becomes a haven for over 160 species of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Birds travel thousands of kilometers from Siberia, Central Asia, and Iran to nest and feed here.
Nalabana Island
Located within the lake, Nalabana Island is a seasonal island that disappears during the monsoon and reappears in winter. It is a protected bird sanctuary and one of the best spots for birdwatching in India.
Kalijai Temple
The lake is home to the Kalijai Temple, built on an island and dedicated to Goddess Kalijai. According to local legend, a girl named Jaai was lost in a storm while crossing the lake and became a deity. The temple is now a major spiritual and cultural attraction.
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