Lakes, Water

Lakes are of two types in world. Lakes are natural lakes and artificial or man-made lakes. A lake is a body of water that is bigger than a pond. Lakes can range in size from very small to large. They can be very deep or relatively shallow.

Lakes that have depths of less than six or seven feet and plant life on the bottom are often called ponds. There are no rooted plants at the bottom of lakes, because the water is too deep for sunlight to reach. Lakes get their water from precipitation, from rivers and streams and from underground water. Lake water makes up about 0.4 percent of the entire world's fresh water! 

About 80 percent of all the lake water in the world can be found in 40 large lakes and 70 percent of all the lake water in the world can be found in North America, Africa, and Asia.

Lakes are not permanent. Some lakes over a period of time will shrink and disappear. Some will dry out; others will fill up with sediment. This process doesn't happen overnight and it goes on for thousands and thousands of years.

A country as diverse and vast as India has hundred’s of lakes across the breadth and width of the nation. Some of these lakes are manmade and artificial. Here we list out a few of these beautiful and must see lakes in India. Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, North-Western state and Northern state of India, respectively, are undoubtedly in possession of larger number of lakes than anywhere else in the country. Dhebar lake, Nakki lake, Pushkar lake, Chandra Tal, Suraj Tal, Dal Lake are some of the most important lakes that lies in these regions. Down south especially in Kerala there are a number of famous Lake Spots to visit.

One of the top lakes in the country is the Dal lake in Kashmir. This is located in the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful Lake is one of the most beautiful lake in India. The lake is divided into the major three parts known as Gagri bal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal.

Bhimtal Lake is located 22 km from Nainital, Bhimtal Lake, is named after the second pandava called Bhima of the famous epic Mahabharata. It is one of the largest lakes in the Nainital and the second largest lake in Kumaoun. Tourists can do fishing and angling at the Lake.

Roopokund Lake lies in the Chamoli district of Uttranchal at the height of 5029 meter. Bordering the lake is the view of the majestic Trishul peak (7122 meter).Unlike other popular lakes this is a very shallow lake. The best time to visit the lake lies between December to April.

Vembanad lake lies in Kumarakom, which is 15 kms away from the Kottayam district of Kerala. This largest and beautiful lakes in Kerala forms the backbone of the backwaters in this heavenly state.It is the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Vembanad Lake supports the large variety of flora and fauna. A vast network of several rivers and canals drains water into the large Vembanad Lake.

Pushkar is an artificial lake located in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is situated near the Pushkar town in the district of Ajmer. The lake was constructed in the 12th century with the estabishment of the dam across the headwaters of the Luni river. The pious Pushkar Lake is regarded as the sacred lake among the Hindus in India. This lake is a confluence for pilgrims during the popular Pushkar festival.

The pristine Chilka lake is situated on the east coast of Orissa India. It is largest brakish salt water lagoon in Asia. Chilka Lake is home to a large number of aquatic flora and fishes.. The lake receives direct water supply from the Mahanadi river. The lake holds the rich flora and fauna and is the famous birding site in India.

Like the above listed lakes there are scores of lakes around the world. So, plan a trip to some of these visual treats in the world.