20 Most Beautiful and Largest Lakes of the World

Lakes are the great manifestation of natural beauty. These are the part of mountain where water is present in large quantity and surrounded by mountains or land. Mostly rivers start from lakes and end at the ocean. Natural lakes are present in the mountain area.

Many lakes are artificial and are constructed for industrial, agriculture and hydroelectricity use. Natural lakes are distributed in the northern hemisphere of higher altitude.

Canada has the highest number of lakes. It is estimated that Canada has 31,752 larger than 3 square km and a total number of 2 million. Finland has 187,888 lakes of 500 square meters of which 5600 are large than 1000 square meters.

Most lakes have natural outflow in the form of rivers and streams. Lakes can also form by mean of landslides or by a glacial blockage. Natural lakes contain 29 percent of inland standing water.

There are different types of lakes such as salt lakes, oxbow lakes, crater lakes and glow lakes. Most lakes are shiny, beautiful and extraordinary charming, which refresh our minds and souls.

Many lakes have cultural importance and romantic inspiration for poets. Lakes provide peace, harmony and give breathtaking visuals. We have an amazing collection of lakes. According to the area, depth and beauty top 20 lakes are following.

1) LAKE CASPIAN SEA

This is the largest lake in the world in area.Mostly people think it is the ocean, but it is Lake.It is not natural fresh water lake. It is located in Iran, Russia and neighboring countries.

Its maximum length is 1030 km, width is 435 km, and depth is 1025 m surface area is 376000 km square. It is divided into three distinct physically regions; the Northern, Middle and southern. Over 130 rivers provide flow to Caspian. It contains about 3.5 times more water than combined water than Great Lakes.

Important faunae are sturgeon caviar and tuna fish. Important flora is many rare species of plants. It becomes landlocked about 5.5 million years ago due to continental drift. The Caspian Sea has many ice lands.

2) GREAT LAKES

Great lakes are 2nd largest lakes by area in North America. These are 5 lakes interconnected with each other. These are fresh water lakes. The name of these lakes are superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

Total surface area of these lakes is 244, 106 km square. Lake Superior is largest among these. These are begun to form at the end of last glacial period around 10,000 years ago.

These are a major highway for transportation, migration, and trade these are home to a large number of aquatic species. These form a chain connecting the East central interior of North America to the Atlantic Ocean.

3) VICTORIA LAKE

Victoria Lake is located in Tanzania and 3rd largest lake of the world by area. Its maximum length is 337 km, width 250 km, depth 80 m, and surface area is 68,800 km square. Its water volume is 2,750 km square.

It is the largest lake in Africa and 2nd largest freshwater lake by surface area. It gets water from thousands of small stream and rivers. The only out Flow River from it is River Nile and is considered the largest branch of the lake. The fishing has altered the fresh water ecosystem of this lake.

The release of untreated water from agriculture and industrial into the lake has greatly increased Nitrogen and Phosphorus level. However Northern part is protected area and used for recreation.

4) ARAL LAKE

Aral lake is located in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It is 4th largest lake with an area of 68000 km square, depth is 42 meters, and water volume is 27 km cube. Aral means islands. Aral has 15341 islands. This lake is and by 2007 it had declined to 10 percent to its original size. The shrinking of Aral has been called one of the planets worst environmental disasters. Kazakhstan Government is trying to save its remaining part. This lake was formed about 5.5 million years ago. Its water is used in irrigation by the construction of 1 canals. This is a recreational place for people of the country and around the world.

5) TANGANYIKA LAKE

Tanganyika Lake is located in Tanzania and neighboring countries. Its area is 231.000 km square, maximum length is 673 km, width is 72 km, and depth is 1470 meters. It is a 2nd largest fresh lake in Africa and 5th largest in the world. Mountain surrounds it with beautiful scenery, two main rivers and many small rivers inflow it this lake. One major outflow river is Lucero. The Lake has a complex history of changing flow pattern. There are 250 species of cichlid fish and 150 noncichlid species.

6) BAIKAL LAKE

Baikal Lake is 6th largest in the world. It is located in Russia and Mongolia. Its maximum length is 636 meters; width is 79 km, depth is 744 meters and surface area is 31,722 km square. It is a freshwater lake. It is world oldest lake and 25 million years old. Baikal Lake is home to 1700 species of plants and animals. It is world heritage site. It is rich in biodiversity. Watershed of it has many flora species. It has a long history of human habitation. During winter the lake freezes and could be crossed by foot. Several organizations are carrying out a natural research project on Lake Baikal. It is also used for recreation purpose and important tourist point.

7) GREAT BEAR LAKE

Great Bear Lake is located in Canada and 7th largest lake of the world. Its surface area is 31,168 km square. Its length is 373 km, width is 150 km, and depth is 413 meters. Water volume of the great lake is 2,236 km cube. There are 26 main Iceland. It is natural fresh water lake. Its shape is like a Giant with 5 great arms. The south and west shore are wooded, mostly with stunted with spruce. The lake is ice bound for 8 months of the year. The lake is well stocked with fish. The lake name is adapted due to the presence of bears in the area. Another reason for this name is a constellation of stars called Great Bear which is reflected in its water. Great Bear is beautiful and many people used for recreation and fishing purpose.

8) MALAWI OR NYASA LAKE

Malawi or Nyasa Lake is located in Tanzania and neighboring country. Its area is 29,600 km square. Maximum length is 560 km, width is 75 km, and depth is 706 meters. Its water volume is 8400 km cube. It is 3rd largest in Africa and 8th largest in the world. The largest river flowing into it is the Ruhuhu River, and Outlet River is Shire River. It is about 40000 years old. People of Malawi claims that its name is Malawi but people of Tanzania believed that its name is Nyasa is beautiful lake and tourist visit it Malawi Lake is also known as a lake of stars. Lake provides a major food source for people of a resident in its shores in the form of fish.

9) BULLARDS BAR RESERVOIR

Bullard’s bar reservoir is located in the California State of America. Its maximum length is 26 km, and the water reservoir is 969,600 acres fetes. It is used to control flood due to its depth of 194 meters. Its water is used for irrigation and hydroelectricity production. It is recreation place and used for boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping. The production of electricity is 315 MW. People come here in summer for boating and camping. The lake has a fine atmosphere and is family friendly. The water is always clear and shining in sun light. Peoples come to refresh their mind and souls.

10) CLEAR LAKE

Clear Lake is California largest fresh water lake and 10th in the world. Its maximum length is 31 km, and surface area is 180 km square. Average depth is 8 meters, and the maximum depth is 18 meters. Its water volume is 1,155,000 acres feet. It is considered one of the oldest lakes in North America. This lake is popular for all kinds of water recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. Hikers can enjoy various hiking trails through the park of the lake. Visitors may also enjoy the visitor’s center at clear lake state park. There are many resorts for a stay of visitors and tourist so they can enjoy full entertainment holidays and couples can make their honeymoon memorable.

11) YUCATAN CAVE LAKE

Yucatan Cave Lake is a beautiful lake located in Mexico. The resident believed that it is a gift of God. Yucatan peninsula in northern Mexico like a flat terrace of limestone. It is formed about 2 million years ago from the bottom of the shallow sea. The Yucatan caves were considered sacred by Mayans and are an inspiring place for any traveler to visit but when visiting this lake taking a guide is advised.

12) PLITVICE LAKE

PLITVICE LAKE a beautiful lake located in Croatia. Its area is 295.85 km square. It is also a largest National park in Croatia. It is world heritage site More than 1200,000 visitors come here each year. These are 16 lakes which are interconnected with each other. The beauty of lake left a strong pleasant memory on visitors. They go back with full of happiness.

13) ALMANOR LAKE

Lake Almoner is a large artificial lake in California. Its reservoir has a capacity of 1,308,000 acres feet, and the maximum depth is 90 feet. Its dam is 130 feet tall. There are great recreational opportunities, and many hotels are present for visitors. Cultural event is also celebrated in summer month to attract tourist and visitors. There are boating facilities of all kind. There are beautiful and romantic scenes all around the lake for the amusement of coming people.

14) TAHOE LAKE

Lake Tahoe is located In California and Nevada. Its maximum length is 35 km, width is 19 km, surface area 490 km square, depth is 300 to 500 meters, and water volume is 150 km cube. The lake was formed about 2 million years ago. It is known for the clarity of its water and panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. It is a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world. There are many sky resorts; summer outdoor recreation snow and skating are a significant part of the area economy and reputation. Mountain and lake scenery are attraction through the year. The highway provides access throughout the year.

15) GARDA LAKE

Lake Garda is located in Italy its maximum length is 51 km, width is 16 km, the surface area is 369.98 km square, and depth is 136 to 346 meters. Its water volume is 50.35 km cube. It is popular holiday location. It is surrounded by mountains. The lake has many small islands including five main ones. It is a popular tourist destination. Wedding at Lake Garda is most wonderful day one’s life in a beautiful spot. More and more people couples choose Lake Garda for their wedding. If you have dreamed of getting married under palm tree than your dream come true at Lake Garda. Hotels offer a fantastic view of the lake.

16) LOUISE LAKE

Louise Lake is one of the charming lakes with a largest SKI resort in Canada. It has spectacular scenery and beautiful terrain. Lake Louise has an attraction for everyone in the world. It is located in the heart of Banff National Park. There are many attractions for tourist such as hotels, restaurant, nightlife, and swimming. This lake has awarded as the best SKI resort in Canada. There is a visitors information center for tourist so that they do not face any problem during their visit.

17) SHANGRILA LAKE

Shangrila Lake is a part of Shangri-La resort located at a drive of 20 minutes from Skardu. It is a popular tourist destination and has a unique restaurant made of aircraft. Shangri-La has been established in 1983 with the opening of a first resort hotel in Skardu. The meaning of Shangri-La in local is Heaven on Earth. Shangrila Lake is 74 acres with a maximum depth of 24 feet. Many tourists comes to visit Shangri-La during summer due to its charming and exceptional beautify. You may also come for amusement on the heaven of Earth.

18) DAL LAKE

Dale Lake is located in Indian occupied Kashmir near Srinagar. Its maximum length is 7 km, width is 3 km, and surface area is 18 to 22 km square. It is near the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is integral to tourist and recreation in Kashmir and is known as Jewel of Kashmir. The Lake is also an important source of fishes and plants. There are gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. The floating gardens are known as RAD in Kashmir blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.

19) BLED LAKE

The bled lake is located in Slovenia. Its maximum length is 2 meters and width is 1 meter, the surface area is 1.45 km square, and the maximum depth is 30 meters. This lake is popular tourist point and destination for people of Europe and another world. The lake is situated in the picturesque environment surrounding by mountains and forests. The lake surrounds Bled islands which have historical buildings. The Lake is well known among rowers because it has a very good condition for sports. It hosted the world rowing championship four times.

20) SAIF UL MALOOK LAKE

Lake Saif UL Malook is located in kasha valley of Pakistan. It is an alpine lake. Its surface area is 2.75 km square. It is near the town of Narran and North East of Masher district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The weather is moderate during daytime while the temperature drops to minus degree at night. Malice par bat is the highest peak near the lake, and it is visible from popular tourist spot of the lake. The local people believed that furies come down to the lake in the full moon. A tourist from all over the world and Pakistan come to visit this shiny lake during summer.