You will be amazed to know that there are around 1230 water bodies in Kashmir, which comprise several lakes, rivers and streams, all adding to the scenic beauty of this place. Rightly nicknamed as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir boasts of some stunning valleys, mesmerizing mountain ranges, and splendid lakes. Some of them are known for the rich plant and animal life, while others have a calming vibe. Many of Kashmir’s lakes are popular tourist destinations, with facilities for water sports and recreational activities. Enjoy boat or shikara rides, indulge in adventure, explore some tourist spots around the lakes, or just stroll along the lake shore; a visit to any of these lakes will be worthwhile. Here is a list of the 7 most beautiful lakes in Kashmir.
Dal Lake: Known as the ‘Lake of Flowers’, ‘Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir’ or ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’, Dal is the second-largest lake in the union territory of J&K and the most visited place in Srinagar. Spanning an area of 15.5 km, the Dal Lake is famous for its floating gardens and shikara rides.
Wular Lake: Located in the Bandipora district, Wular is among the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. Its area varies from 30 to 189 sq.km, based on the season. It houses a variety of fish and many different birds.
Manasbal Lake: It is located in the Ganderbal district, is among the deepest lakes in Kashmir, and is known by names like ‘supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes’ and ‘Bird Paradise in Kashmir’. It is good for birdwatching and a large number of lotuses grow on its periphery.
Gadsar Lake: It is located in the Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley, has a length of 0.85 km and a width of 0.76 km. This lake is known by other names like ‘the lake of fishes’, because many types of fish are found here, ‘the valley of flowers’, as it is surrounded by meadows full of alpine flowers, and ‘Yemsar’, meaning the lake of death, because it is believed to be inhabited by a Lake Monster who pulls in creatures from the shore.
Nigeen Lake: Sometimes considered as a part of the Dal lake, it is deeper, less crowded, and relatively more beautiful than the Dal. It is located in Srinagar, close to the Hari Parbat hill, and is surrounded by several willow and poplar trees.
Tulian Lake: Located amid pine forests, between the Himalayan Mountain ranges Pir Panjal and Zanskar, this lake is a popular tourist destination in Pahalgam. At a height of 3684 m above sea level, this lake often has ice floating over it, which is worth seeing.
Mansar Lake: This lake situated near Jammu traces its history to the time of Mahabharata. There are many ancient temples along its shore which are visited by devotees. It is also an excursion destination in Jammu. It is surrounded by forests and many types of snakes, fish and some rare animals are found in the lake and the area around it.
There are several reasons why travellers across the globe visit Kashmir, some enjoy trekking in the Himalayan ranges, some prefer water sports; some visit Kashmir to experience the calm this place exudes, while others come here to catch a glimpse of the rich Kashmiri culture. These incredible lakes of Kashmir are definitely another reason to explore this place.
