Lakes & Waterfalls — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Kunchikal Falls

• **Kunchikal Falls** = Located in Karnataka, it is recognized as the highest waterfall in India. • With a spectacular height of **455 meters** (1,493 feet), it is formed by the Varahi River in the Western Ghats. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jog Falls: Located in Karnataka on the Sharavathi River, it is a prominent waterfall but not the highest; Dudhsagar Falls: Located on the Mandovi River on the border of Goa and Karnataka, known for its milky white appearance; Nohkalikai Falls: Located in Meghalaya, it is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, but not the highest overall.

Correct Answer: C. Jammu and Kashmir

• **Wular Lake** = One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, situated in Jammu and Kashmir. • Fed by the **Jhelum River**, it plays a crucial role as a natural flood reservoir and habitat for diverse species. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Himachal Pradesh: Has Renuka Lake, Prashar Lake, but not Wular; Uttarakhand: Has Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake, but not Wular; Ladakh: Has Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, but Wular is not in Ladakh.

Correct Answer: C. Chitrakote Falls

• **Chitrakote Falls** = In Chhattisgarh, it is famously known as the 'Niagara of India' due to its impressive width and horse-shoe shape. • Located on the Indravati River, it can be up to **300 meters** (980 feet) wide during the monsoon season. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jog Falls: Known for its four distinct cascades, a major tourist attraction, but not called 'Niagara of India'; Athirappilly Falls: Located in Kerala, known for its lush surroundings and being the largest waterfall in the state; Hogenakkal Falls: Located in Tamil Nadu, known for its carbonatite rocks and medicinal bathing.

Correct Answer: C. Kerala

• **Vembanad Lake** = The longest lake in India and the largest lake in Kerala. • Spanning over **96 km** (60 miles) in length, it is famous for hosting the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Karnataka: Has Lingambudhi Lake, Ulsoor Lake, but not Vembanad; Tamil Nadu: Has Pulicat Lake (partially), Chembarambakkam Lake, but not Vembanad; Maharashtra: Has Lonar Lake, Powai Lake, but not Vembanad.

Correct Answer: A. Narmada

• **Dhuandhar Falls** = A majestic waterfall formed by the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. • Located in Bhedaghat, the name 'Dhuandhar' signifies 'smoke-flow' due to the intense mist generated by its **30-meter** (98-foot) drop. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tapti: Flows west, parallel to Narmada, but does not form Dhuandhar Falls; Mahanadi: Flows east, an important river in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, not associated with Dhuandhar; Godavari: Largest peninsular river, flows east, not associated with Dhuandhar Falls.

Correct Answer: A. Loktak Lake

• **Loktak Lake** = Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, famous for its 'Phumdis' (floating islands). • **Keibul Lamjao National Park** — This is the world's only floating national park, situated on Loktak Lake and home to the endangered Sangai deer. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Umiam Lake]: is located in Meghalaya; [Tam Dil]: is a lake in Mizoram; [Khecheopalri Lake]: is a sacred lake in Sikkim.

Correct Answer: B. Sharavati

• **Sharavati** = Jog Falls, one of India's highest plunge waterfalls, is located on the Sharavati River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. • **253 meters** — This is the impressive height from which Jog Falls drops in four distinct cascades. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kaveri]: is a major river but Jog Falls is not on it; [Krishna]: is a prominent river in south India but not the location of Jog Falls; [Tungabhadra]: is a tributary of the Krishna River, but Jog Falls is not situated on it.

Correct Answer: B. Maharashtra

• **Maharashtra** = Lonar Lake, a unique crater lake formed by a meteorite impact thousands of years ago, is located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. • **Thousands of years ago** — This is the approximate period when Lonar Lake was formed by a hyper-velocity meteorite impact. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Gujarat]: does not have Lonar Lake; [Madhya Pradesh]: is a neighboring state but not home to Lonar Lake; [Karnataka]: is a southern Indian state, where Lonar Lake is not found.

Correct Answer: A. Dudhsagar Falls

• **Dudhsagar Falls** = Dudhsagar Falls, a four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi River, is known as the 'Sea of Milk' due to its white, foamy appearance. • **Four-tiered** — This describes the impressive cascading structure of Dudhsagar Falls, making it one of India's tallest waterfalls. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jog Falls]: is in Karnataka; [Courtallam Falls]: is located in Tamil Nadu; [Abbey Falls]: is situated in Karnataka.

Correct Answer: C. Srinagar

• **Srinagar** = Dal Lake, known as the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir', is situated in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. • **'Shikara'** — These traditional wooden boats are famous for rides on Dal Lake, offering a unique cultural experience amidst the scenic beauty. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jammu]: is a different city in J&K, known as the winter capital; [Leh]: is the largest town in Ladakh, a different region; [Gulmarg]: is a popular hill station and skiing destination in J&K, not home to Dal Lake.