The northeastern state of Manipur is home to the remarkable Loktak Lake, a freshwater body renowned for its perfectly circular floating islands known as phumdis. These phumdis, composed of vegetation, soil, and organic matter, create a unique landscape visible from outer space. Often referred to as India's "floating lake," Loktak Lake encompasses the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. Beyond its uniqueness, the lake hosts rare wildlife, including the king cobra, one of the longest venomous snakes globally.
The Mystery Behind Loktak Lake's Floating Islands
No other lake in India resembles Loktak Lake. Spanning approximately 287 square kilometers, the lake features natural floating islands called phumdis, formed from decomposed vegetation, roots, and organic materials that accumulate over time. According to experts from TERI, the phumdis are special because they float on the lake's surface while remaining robust enough to support human settlements, fishing huts, and animal habitats. During dry seasons, certain parts of these floating islands sink to the lake bottom to absorb nutrients and rise again when water levels increase.
A study by UNESCO recognized the lake as a nutrient-rich ecosystem due to its hydrology and ecological significance. The study described phumdis as "a heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition." Scientists have studied the formation and movement of these circular floating islands for decades, noting that their constant motion creates a changing landscape.
The World's Only Floating National Park
The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located within Loktak Lake, is the only floating national park in the world. It resides on phumdis and is home to the endangered sangai deer, also known as the brow-antlered deer. The Manipur Forest Department describes the park as a "globally unique wetland ecosystem." These floating grasslands provide habitat for migratory birds, reptiles, and aquatic animals.
Scientists warn that hydrological alterations and climatic factors threaten the phumdi ecosystem. If the floating masses become too thin, the animals inhabiting them could be endangered. Conservationists, including those from Wetlands International South Asia, have repeatedly appealed for sustainable conservation of the lake's ecosystem.
Loktak Lake and the King Cobra Connection
Among the most fascinating creatures in the wetlands near Loktak Lake is the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). King cobras inhabit forested and wetland areas in parts of India and Southeast Asia. As the largest venomous snake in the world, they can grow up to 5.6 meters long, with some individuals reaching 18 feet, according to the Centre of Advanced Study in Life Sciences at Manipur University. Despite their fearsome reputation, king cobras are not aggressive and typically avoid humans. They play a crucial role as predators, controlling the population of other snakes.
The wetlands and thick vegetation around Loktak Lake provide an ideal shelter for reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic animals, making it one of the most biodiverse places in India. Loktak Lake remains one of India's most wonderful natural wonders, with floating islands drifting across the lake and ancient animals thriving beneath the hills of Manipur.
