Lonar Lake: Explore the Stunning Beauty of India’s only Meteorite Lake!

A treasure-trove of rich biodiversity, bustling flocks of birds, green foliage and tiny hillocks are the surroundings of the Lonar Lake. Located in the heart of Maharashtra in the Buldhana district, lies a National Geo-Heritage Monument declared by the Geological Survey of India. The Lonar Lake or popularly also known as the Lonar Crater Lake is the consequence of a meteorite hitting the earth’s surface around 50,000 years ago. It is rather mind boggling how a devastating comic event could lead to the formation of such a unique biological wonder. Explore the flora and fauna and the untold legends of this lake, in this article.

The Geological Wonder

It is believed that the Lonar Lake came into existence during the Pleistocene Epoch. The lake was a result due to a high-impact crater. This phenomenal structure is as old as 50,000 years ago by a meteorite. This lake is formed in the Deccan Plateau formed by the volcanic eruption that occurred around 67 million years ago.  A devastating cosmic event struck the basaltic Deccan Plateau and left with a crater a mean diameter of 1.2 km (3,900 ft) and is about 137 metres (449 ft) below the crater rim. The rim of the meteor crater is about 1.8 km (5,900 ft) in diameter. This Lake truly is one of the most mysterious and fascinating natural geological monuments in the world, with scientists, geologists, archaeologists and explorers from all over the world visiting this destination. Due to its peculiar geography and science, the lake houses unique ecological properties. The flora and fauna found here is endemic to this region. As a result, the water content found here is high in salinity and is alkaline.

A study conducted in 2019, by IIT Bombay revealed that the minerals in the soil found here are very similar to the minerals found in the Moon rocks brought back from the Apollo Mission. In 2022, this lake was declared as a RAMSAR site (Ramsar sites are crucial for biodiversity conservation and are observed as wetlands of international importance). 

The lake is oval in shape and boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna. It has a series of hillocks around the basin. The sides of the basin rise to an angle of 75 degrees. One can find a plethora of birds, insects and varied shades of foliage. If one wishes too, they can also trek down the lake. The slopes of these tiny hills are said to be covered with tree-savannah, housing teak and also many other species like Wrightia tinctoria, Butea Monosprema, Helicteres isora and thorny-shrub vegetations. The local farmers also cultivate crops like maize, millet, okra, banana and papaya to name a few. Over the years, the lake has grown prone to many invasive species. To name one of them would be the non-native Prosopis julifora, a thorny shrub usually found in Mexico or certain parts of the USA. 

Flora and Fauna at the Lonar Crater Lake

Despite, high content of salinity and alkaline water, various flora and fauna flourish in this unique ecology. The biodiversity found here is truly, one of its kind. The chemical characteristics of the lake show two very distinct categories that never mix. The outer neutral pH of the lake is 7 whereas the inner alkaline pH is 11. Thus, one can find species of flora and fauna who thrive in the saline water as well as the alkaline water. Due to high contents of sulphur, the lake has chemical reactions that change the colour of the water from a vivid blue to an ochre shaded yellow and even a bright pink at times. The site is the abode of more than 160 birds, 46 reptiles and 10 animal species.

A few resident migratory birds found here are the white-winged duck, black-wimged stilts, brahmini kites, grebes, red-wattled lapwings and insects like the tailed jay butterfly, exotic coloured dragonflies. Reptiles like the monitor lizard dwell here. The lake is a haven for peafowls, deer and gazelles. A certain area of the Lonar forest vegetation was declared as the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government on November, 20, 2025.

During harsh summers, the water content of the lake significantly dries up. And at times, the evaporated water leaves behind a trace of salt along the rim of the lake. The locals here collect the soda and salt from the lake. Water flow in the lake is perennial by two small streams and a main stream called Purna and Penganga. The salt found here from the sodas are Kala Namak, Nimak Dilla, Khuppal, Pipadi and Bhuski. One can also find freshwater supply at the southern side of the lake. 

This lake is the perfect place for those who love to explore nature, are wildlife lovers and also have a keen interest in stargazing. As the lake is situated faraway from any human settlement, the skies are as clear as water and are perfect for stargazing. From here, one can also spot various celestial bodies and if you’re lucky enough, even an entire galaxy.

The Historical Significance of Lonar Lake

Despite being a natural geological wonder, the Lonar Lake is also of religious significance. The lake houses numerous temples that are worshipped by locals who reside here. Daitya sudan Temple, Kamalaja Devi Temple, Gomukh Temple, Motha Maruti and the Shankara Ganesh Temple are a few spots that are worshipped by the locals. Out of all these, the Daitya sudan temple is worshipped to a large extent. Various historians have conflicting opinions of the origin of the temple but the majority state that it was built during the Chalukya Dynasty. The Daitya sudan temple is dedicated to the hindu God Vishnu.

The architecture of this temple can be derived as the ‘Hemadpanti’ style of architecture. Hemadpanti style is seen in numerous temples of Maharashtra and is popular for its usage of an interlocking-mortar to build the temple. This architectural style also has a zig-zag exterior and a star-shaped outer structure. 

The locals believe in a popular legend attached to the temple. It is said, near the lake a giant demon by the name of Lonarasura would dwell. He would threaten the locals, cause havoc and even overthrow the Gods. Later the Gods asked for assistance from Lord Vishnu who took the form of a young man and tamed the demons' two younger sisters. After this, Lonarasura’s underground dwelling was discovered. Lord Vishnu threw the demon in a pit and slid a cover on the top of the pit to trap him. The locals believe the Lonar Lake is the pit and the nearby hill is the lid which was used to trap him.

Why do we need to preserve the biodiversity of Lonar Lake?

The Lonar Crater Lake is the result of a rare cosmic event which makes it a special National Geo-Heritage Monument. In a recent study conducted by a group of scientists, the reports state, the unique eco-system of this lake is under major threat. Locals are polluting the flowing streams; that are the water supply for this lake. Due to this, the flora and fauna endemic to this region is under the endangered category.

Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals for cultivation of the crops, also affects the soil fertility which later, disrupts the eco-system of the lake. Due to its geological significance, the lake has become a popular tourist spot. Thus, illegal excavation and constructions near the lake to build hotels and residents also contaminates the ground water. 

After all, the Lonar Crater Lake is one of world's most precious and preserved geological site and as humans, it is our responsibility to take care of the nature around us.