Indian lakes are classified into three categories namely
(i) Fresh Water Lakes. They are mainly found in Himalayan region. They are of glacial origin. They are formed when glaciers dug out a basin, which was later filled with snowmelt. The Wular Lake is the largest fresh water lake of India. Other freshwater lakes are the Dal Lake, Bhimtal, Loktak and Barapani.
(ii) Salt Water Lakes. They are mainly found in Rajasthan. The Sambhar Lake in the desert region of Rajasthan is a salt water lake. Its water is used for making salt.
(iii) Lagoon. It is a shallow body of water separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land or by a sand bar. Spits and bars form lagoons in the coastal areas. The Chilika Lake in Orissa and the Pulocat Lake near Chennai are examples of lagoons on the eastern coast of India.