Lakes of India — 1
Lonar: The Lake That Came From Space
In Maharashtra lies a lake unlike almost any other in India.
It is Lonar Lake—and its story begins not on Earth, but in space.
About 50,000 years ago, a meteorite travelling at enormous speed struck the Deccan basalt rock of Maharashtra. The impact created a huge circular crater. Over time, rainwater collected in the depression and Lonar Lake was born.
What makes it even more remarkable is that the crater was formed in basalt, the hard volcanic rock of the Deccan Plateau.
The lake is also unusual chemically. Its water is saline and alkaline, creating an environment in which unusual microorganisms can survive.
Around the crater grew forests, temples and other signs of human settlement. So Lonar is not merely a geological wonder—it is also a place where nature, science and history meet.
And there is one more curiosity.
From above, Lonar looks almost like a perfect circular eye set into the Earth.
Imagine standing beside it and looking across the water:
You are looking into a scar left on Earth by something that came from space.
That is Lonar.
One lake. One meteorite. One extraordinary story.
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