The lakes Of Jammu and kashmir

December 23, 2015

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Most people have heard of just the 14.75 sq km Dal Lake. Some Know of the Nageen as well. In fact, Srinagar has major five lakes. This is how they are linked: The Dal merges with the Nageen. It is also connected, through a small estuary, to the 6.5 sq km Anchar lake. The Khushhal Sar and Gir Sar are two small, interlinked lakes that flow into the Anchar. The Brari Nimbal could be considered Srinagar’s sixth lake. However, the Khushhal and Gil Sars, as well as the Brari Nimbal, are not at present meant for casual, recreational tourists.

The Dal lake comprises five basins and a myriad of inter-connecting channels. It is the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by mountains on its three sides.

The Sindh river flows into the Anchar. The waters of the Anchar, in turn, flow into the Jehlum. The Dal Lake and the Jehlum would have flowed into each other had the Dal Gate not been built to seperate the two. This gate ensures that the Dal Lake does not empty itself into the Jehlum when the waters of the river are low. It also prevents the Dal from getting flooded by the Jehlum when the river is in spate. Between the Dal and the Jehlum is a canal called the Tsont (or Chunt)-e-Kol. The Tsont-e-Kol begins near the Dal gate, where it meets the Dal Lake. It ends near the Badshah Bridge/ Shergarhi (Divisional Commissioner’s office) complex, where it merges with River Jehlum. Actually, the Tsont-e-Kol begins well before the Dal Gate, but that end is closed at present.

Dal Lake:

Srinagar’s chief distinction is great body of water, the Dal Lake, which forms its focal point. The Dalhas, within its area, two enormous sheets-like expanses of water-Lokutdal and Boddal, the rest of its surface being broken up alternatively by man-made strips of land inhabited by whole colonies of people and vegetation. Thus the lake is not a flat, unbroken mass of water, but a labyrinth of water-ways, awash with a lifestyle not encountered elsewhere in the world. Leading from the Dal is the smaller Nageen Lake. Here too, the waters are edged by trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirrored in the lake.

Dal Lake Shikara Boat Ride Kashmir

Manasbal Lake:

Between the river and the foot of the mountains Sopur, at the lower end of the Sind Valley, is a small lake, enclosed by a low hill, Aha-thung on one side and an elevated plateau on the other. This is Manasbal. Though only a mile or two in diameter, it is very pretty, and, owing to its depth, always has a considerable expanse of clear water. At the upper end are some well shaded terraces watered by a canal brought from Sind River. These especially the highest, afford a very pleasant encampment.

The lake is a good place for bird watching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes”. The root stocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people.

Beautifull View From Manasbal Lake Kashmir

Nageen Lake:

Nageen Lake is very famous among foreign tourist. Nageen Lake, though sometimes referred to as a separate lake, is actually part of Dal Lake, being linked through a causeway which permits only bikers and walkers to enter the lake precincts. The caseway carries the water supply pipeline to the Srinagar city in the east. The lake is bounded by the Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west and is located at the foot of the Zabarwan hills. Willow and poplar trees flank the edges of the lake.

Beautifull View From Nageen Lake Kashmir

Anchar Lake:

Situated amongst scenic surroundings, the Anchar Lake is best enjoyed with the help of a Shikara. The lake serves as a bird watcher’s paradise. A large number of exotic bird species can be seen here.

WULAR LAKE- SRINAGAR:

Wular Lake is considered as one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia with size varies seasonally from 30 to 260 sq km (12 to 100 sq miles). It is located in Bandipora district and approximately at distance of 40 km from Srinagar city. This lake serves as the natural reservoir by drawing excess flood water of the River Jhelum. Tourists can explore the remains of a magnificent island built by King Zain-ul-abidin in the midst of the lake. Surrounded by majestic ranges of Himalayan Mountain and dense alpine forests, this unspoilt lake is home to diverse species of birds including migratory species like Little Egzet, Shoveler, Short toed Eagle and many more. In Wular Lake, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy adventure activities like water skiing, trout fishing and rafting. Every year, this picturesque lake attracts a number of domestic and international tourists. Rich marine life is an attractive feature of Wular Lake and it accounts more than 60 percent fish yield of Kashmir.

Beautifull View From Wullar Lake Kashmir

Gangbal Lake:

The Gangbal lake is amoung the largest high altitude lakes of Kashmir standing second to lake Kounsarnag

the length of the lake is about 2km and the breadth varies from 1/2km to 1km the lake is the source of the wanghat nalla which drains the wangat valley the lake drains into another lake known as the Nand sar a yet another high altitude lake only half a kilometre away from its gaint neighbour .Adjacent to these twin lakes is a large meadow which is also know as the gangbal where large number of cattle herders come in the summer months to graze their cattle.

Beautifull View From Gangbal Lake Kashmir

Vishansar lake and Krishnasar:

Also known as Twin Lakes, these twin lakes are located one kilometre apart and both these lakes have steep ridges which remain snow covered perpetually form their back ground, from vishan sar the track rises gradually and culminates in yet another pass which is know as the NICHINAI PASS.