Jammu Kashmir Lakes Location : Jammu and Kashmir. Famous Lakes : Dal Lake, Nagin, Mansar, Wular and Mansbal Lake. Activities : Boating In Shikaras, Water Skiing, Watching Marine Life. Best Time to Visit : From April Till Early November.

Live Your Dream on the Lakes of Kashmir

Srinagar

Jammu

The lakes of Kashmir are the prime attraction that draws the tourist to this paradise. The lakes of Kashmir with their ethereal and gauzy attributions, makes it a peculiar destination. The beautiful beads of nature in the necklace called Kashmir, magnetizes its tourist to become a part of the world's most favored terminal. The beguiling lakes of Kashmir play the role of blue-ribbons. The lakes of Kashmir are the remains of the rivers that flowed during the ancient times, making it an essential for the denizens of the state. Surrounded by the Himalayas on all sides, these lakes became the major source of attraction as well as the paramount for earning.

The foremost thing that you will catch your attention while looking at these lakes, are the 'Shikaras' or the houseboats floating on these lakes. Kashmir is hospice, for the people who love to love to enjoy placidity along with wilderness. Kashmir is the proprietor of some of the famous lakes in the world. Some of them are the Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Wular Lake. Besides being the ornaments of the paradisaical jewel, these lakes are also epochal for their ecological as well as sociological factors. Plan this furlough to seek solace of mind and body by enjoying the tranquility of the sedate lakes in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dal Lake – Lake Par Excellence

House Boats Hotels

Mughal Gardens Kashmiri Cuisine

The view of this lake will instantly make you believe in the cognomen given by Sir Walter Lawrence, as “Lake Par Excellence”. With majestic mountains encircling it from three sides, this lake is the second largest in Kashmir and the most beautiful in India. Sprawled over an area of 26 sq.km, it is 8 km long and 4 km wide. Full of local tint, you can find floating shops and even hotels which seem to be floating constantly. The main attraction are the houseboats that can be found anchored around the lake. Each houseboat is furnished in great style and has a boy working as an assistant. From spacious bedrooms to sun decked washrooms, each houseboat is a world in itself and some of them even provide the amenities of a five star hotel. All category of houseboats are available, depending upon the choice of the tourist. The things to notice while you are here are the few islands that you might witness, the willows where vegetables are grown, and of course the floating gardens. The floating gardens are artificial floating islands where melons and vegetables are grown. The pleasure of shopping while floating will enrapture you to some dreamland that you always wished, could come to life someday.

Nagin Lake – The Jewel In The Ring

Shopping Monuments

Wildlife Adventure

Protruding from the Dal Lake, this lake is also referred as the 'Cousin of Dal Lake'. Spreading on the foot of the Zabarwan Mountain to the east of Srinagar and Hari Parbat on the left, the best time to visit this lake in in the month of June to August. It is a very peaceful lake an you will get a chance to view the life of these Hanjis, the boat people, from propinquity. This too has a floating garden used for the purpose of vegetation. The vegetables produced in these gardens are then sold on the floating market.

You can enjoy an unruffled ride on the 'Shikaras' in this this lake. You can also experience walking on the floating patches of weeds and mud held together by the thin willow trees. There is a vast option to indulge in many sports like swimming and water skiing. The rumination of the willow and poplar trees, standing on the periphery of this lake, is scenic. People ferrying to and fro on Shikaras, is a riveting sight. For people who want to indulge in sports, there is availability of bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches, which can be hired.

Mansbal Lake – The Home To Aquatic Birds

A lake of ancient times and regarded to be bottomless, it is located in Jammu and Kashmir about 30 kms from Srinagar. Considered as the 'supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes' with lotus surrounding the lakes, it overlooks the Kondabal, Jarokbal and Gratbal village. With an average depth of 12m., it is the deepest lake in this valley and the water is supplied by the spring water inflow and precipitation. This lake is mostly used for water, fishing and acquiring vegetables. Selling of the lotus root, consumed extensively, is also the source of livelihood.

It is one of the largest stamping ground of many migratory birds. The best time to visit this lake is from April to early November. Recently tourism has gained momentum in this lake. One of the reasons being the fort build my the Mughal king during the 17th century. This however has turned into ruins now, but still attracts huge chunk of tourists. Sail through this lake only to enjoy the chirping of the birds.

Wular Lake – The Picnic Spot of The Paradise

The largest fresh water lake in Asia, it is an asset to Kashmir as it acts as a huge absorbing basin for the floodwater. This lake is important for the source of livelihood of the locals and generates around 60% of the total fish produced in the state. You can find the glorious coniferous forest around the draining or catchment area. The trees, alpine pastures and the redolent woodlots makes it a popular wetland.

Wular Lake is known for its flora and fauna as well. From the zooplankton to phytoplankton, all the species can be seen here. Fishes form the bulk of the fauna. Cyprinus carpio, Barbus conchonius, Gambusia affinis, Nemacheilus are some of the regnant species. It is also home to some of the rare species of birds. The ideal time to visit this lake is during the month of June till August. It is considered to be the perfect picnic spot by tourists.

Mansar Lake

Situated at a distance of 62 km east of Jammu, is the Mansar Lake symbolizes a holy spot sharing the fable and sanctitude of Lake Mansarovar. The newly weds seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the Lord of Serpents, for a happy and blissful life. For this purpose the couples perform three circumambulations (‘Parikarma’) around the lake.

It has some historical ruins that drive the people towards it. It is also a popular excursion destination where people can also enjoy boating facilities provided by the government's Tourism department. The prime attraction are the ruins of Mahor Garh, and the festivals celebrated during the jubilations of Baisakhi. From April to October is the beau ideal months to visit this lake.