India is interspersed with water bodies, such as, rivers, lakes, ponds and others. As far as the lakes of India are concerned there are both natural and man made lakes to be found across the subcontinent. It is difficult to trace the history of the natural lakes of India. But the manmade ones have a historical background since most of these were built by kings and emperors as reservoirs. The lakes of India are generally categorised as fresh water and brackish lakes. Amazingly enough these water bodies differ form region to region. For instance the lakes in the Himalayan region are different from those lying in the Southern peninsula. As a result a regional survey of the lakes of India is easier than that of a historical evolution.

Religion in India is indispensable. Even the water bodies are religiously significant. Lakes of India, such as, Pushkar in Rajasthan, Gurudongmar in Sikkim, Mansarovar Lake and others are renowned for their religious importance. Unturbulent, calm, placid these lakes woo the hearts of millions of visitors. The striking beauty of lakes of India, like Vembanad Lake (Kerala), Bhimtal Lake (Uttarakhand), etc has made them favourite haunts for the tourists. The lakes of Rajasthan add zing to the colossal forts and palaces. Many of these, such as the Fateh Sagar Lake, are man made ones.

India is an agro based country. Hence the water bodies here are utilised for irrigation. The lakes of India are one of the primary sources for this water supply. Such water bodies are spread across India. While in North India the sates of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and others are popular for lakes; in South India it is Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and others. For the management of lakes of India, a number of measures have been adopted by the Indian Government. Several restoration activities for the lakes of India have been undertaken to prevent their degradation.

The lakes of India are also instrumental in promoting tourism. Several gardens and Indian wildlife sanctuaries owe their splendour to the lakes. Besides this these lakes are the water sources for the wild species that reside in the national parks. Recreational activities like angling, boating, fishing in the lakes are also encouraged for the tourists. Water bodies like the Chilka or the Dal Lake freezes completely during the winter season and it is absolutely impossible not to appreciate their exquisiteness. These are also popular picnic spots.