And the Lakes are Still, Silent and Serene – Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir

 November 01 2010 | Category : Lakes | | (1) Comment Tweet

There exists a time in life when you need to just unwind and relax for hours together, sucking in the marrow of life and just experiencing the true sense of being. This serenity and tranquillity coupled with beauteous sights of flowers and gondolas is what lakes of Jammu and Kashmir will have in store for you. From the August kings of the country, to the Nawabs and Nizams of the Muslim middle-east and the British rulers, these lakes have been the favorite vacation spots for centuries. Pack your bags and take a tour which will place you right in the middle of what can be called a heavenly experience.

Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir: Photo by williewonker

Dal Lake

Rightly known as Srinagar’s Jewel, Dal Lake is that waters where one gets to float on following a trail of flowers. Known to have a floating garden the lake blooms into a thousand lotuses during the months of July to August. Drifting through the sea of flowers one get to see the historic monuments of Srinagar. One can see the snowy white peaks of the Himalayas cast their reflection in the waters of the lake.

On the banks of the lake stand the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Mugal Gardens built during the times of Mugal Emperor Jahangir. The age old Kashmir University also stands in the shores of the lake. The gardens which have a rich variety of flora and fauna can be a real feast to the eye. The lake which has a shoreline of 15.5 km can take you on a journey the memory of which can last for an eternity. The trip can take a Venetian twist when one boards the Shikaras which are gondolas with an Indian feel. For a long stay one can opt for a house boat. The place can be reached by a 15 km ride from the capital city, Srinagar.

Dal Lake: Photo by Mikecork

Nagin Lake

Nagin lake which is an extension of Dal Lake is a much feast to the eye as the latter. A Shikara ride in the lake will take tourists through the length and breadth of the city of Srinagar and especially the foothills of the Zabarwan hill.

The hills surrounding the lake cast their reflection on the crystal clear waters of the lake making one feel that heaven has indeed mated with earth. The Sankaracharya Hills and Hari Parbat, both provide a good hiking opportunity for the tourist who has all the time in the world at his/her disposal. One can also water-ski and experience bathing boats and motor launches to speed through the lake. The lake can be reached on road from Srinagar.

Nagin lake: Photo by mckaysavage

Wular Lake

Located in Bandipur district of Jammu and Kashmir is the Wular lake where the ancient history of the Muslim population in India rests. The lake is considered to be the largest fresh water lakes in the state with a history of having an artificial garden right in its middle. Built in 1444, the garden is a rich experience to feel through the shards of history.

The waters border the most beautiful locations in the state with thick green vegetation on all sides. The coniferous forests on all sides on the lake with its orchards and pine trees are also abodes of rich varieties of plants and animals. While sailing on the lake one can spot rare varieties of birds including black-eared kite, short-toed eagle and Himalayan golden eagle. There are several species of orchids and other wild flowers which are found in this area. The lake is just 20 km from Srinagar and can be reached on road.

Wular Lake: Photo by Mikecork

Manasbal Lake

Another lotus lake, Manasbal is considered to be the favorite of the emperors in ancient India. Mughal Garden which is known as the window which opens to the bay (Garokha) of the beauteous queen Noor Jahan opens out into the lake. A sail on its waters could give you the sight of the gardens and even the ancient structures of the lost empire of Islamic rule.

The 13 m long shoreline of the lake could reveal to you, the most beauteous site of the flowers on land meeting the floating lotuses in the lake. In the first months of the year, the lake fills with lotuses and would look like a pink sea with waves rippling it when the Indian gondolas pass by. The gondolas in the region are also seen carrying flowers which are meant for sale. Drifting from one town to another on the lake shore one can enjoy the true sight of the country in its grandeur and motley best. The lake is just 30 km from Srinagar and can be reached on road.

Manasbal Lake: Photo by agurkha

Pangong Lake

The lake which connects India to China, Pangong is peculiar because of its saline water status. Floating through the black waters of the lake one can see the birds alight the crystal waters floating along with it for seconds to catch fish and small vegetation. Many migratory birds can be found near the lake and hence it is also a heavenly bird watching destination. The lake might soon be considered as an important wet land area of the world.

The house boat tours which one can undertake to travel on the lake could be a cozy sail revealing the beauteous the silent surroundings. Even devoid of fish, the brackish waters of the lake can just make one feel adrift with solitude and peace. The lake is just a five km drive from Leh, the town situated at the foothills of Himalayas.

Pangong Lake: Photo by Lovell D’souza

Tsomoriri Lake

Located in Ladakh, the lake can give you the chill of cold wind and the warmth of pleasant sights. The lake which is set right at the foothills of Himalayas is a picture perfect location where the crystal clear waters reflect the tall peaks of the great mountain. On a cold winter nights the lake freezes into a plain of ice where one can even ice fish. A perfect adventure location, the lake is ideally enjoyed during the summer months with several migratory birds visiting its length and breadth.

The lake becomes abuzz with tourists in the months of May-September. Located close to Tibetan border and Buddhist shrine the lake is also that place where one can find a restful existence where nothing but nature keeps one company. What attracts the traveler to the lake is the rich presence of flora and fauna. From Black Neck Cranes to Rare Chested Grebe one can find the rarest varieties of birds in the locale. To reach the lake on will have to take an adventure tour on road for over 215 km.

Tsomoriri Lake: Photo by paper_3

Mansar Lake

Just 62 km drive from Jammu, the Mansar Lake which is fringed with a lush green cover along its shoreline. The waters of this lake mates with mythology and the result are the evergreen legend which makes it holy. If you are still on you honeymoon, this lake should not be given a miss as according to Indian mythology the lake is an auspicious water body where one can perform Parikarma or the holy matrimonial ceremony. The place is also known to be an initiation location for young boys into the holy and ancient Hindu religion.

One of the most scenic locations in the state, the lake hosts many birds and animals on its banks. The forests fringe which the lake bank harbor deer, gujjars and other wild animals which can be spotted when on sail. The lake is just 24 km drive from Udhampur town.

Mansar Lake: Photo by ashutosh.shandilya

Surinsar Lake

Situated around 42 km from Jammu, the lake is known to be a picturesque locale which attracts tourists. The lake with forests and hills forming its borders offers one a real holiday spot which is quiet and also beautiful. The hills around the lake can be good hiking destination which leads one through a thick forest cover. The birds and animals can also be spotted during the hike. The lake can be reached on road.

Surinsar Lake: Photo by dearfriend_dileep