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Lakes of Kashmir
Dal Lake
Dal is a Himalayan urban lake which is mainly used for tourism. Fishery is of secondary importance. The lake comprises five basins and a myriad of inter- connecting channels. It is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by mountains on its three sides. A large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. Dal Lake is unique in having hundreds of house boats which afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The boats are served by Shikaras which more or less resemble the gondolas of Venice but are smaller in size and are tastefully decorated. Besides the Moghul monuments the campus of the University of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake. Overlooking the lake are two hillocks which house the famous temples of Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat. A perennial inflow channel enters the lake from the north and supplies about 80% of the water. Towards the southwest side an outflow channel drains the lake water into a tributary of the River Jhelum. Parallel to this exit is a stone-lined canal which connects the lake with the tributary. This channel is used for movement of boats in and out of the lake and prevents inundation of floating gardens during high floods.
The famous Moghul gardens around the lake have been laid during 16-17th century and their number was about five hundred but now only a few of these have survived. The origin of the lake has remained unresolved. It is believed by some geologists that the Dal Lake is the remnant of a Pleistocene oligotrophic lake which once covered the entire valley of Kashmir. There are other geologists who believe Dal to be a flood plain lake. The lake water is being used for irrigation of vegetable fields which have grown in number and extent during recent years. The present maximum depth of the lake is 6 m (Nagin basin). Many aquatic plants growing in the lake are used as food, fodder and compost.
The water quality of Dal Lake has deteriorated considerably in the last two decades. Large peripheral areas have been reclaimed and converted into floating gardens. With the increase in the tourist influx a large number of residential buildings, restaurants and hotels have come up along the lake front. The number of house boats has also been increasing at an alarming rate. As a result of rapid and unplanned urbanization, large quantities of raw sewage are discharged in the lake water, which might pose health problems in the near future.
The main environmental issues are excessive weed growth, reduction in water clarity, enrichment of waters and high microbial activity. A Dal Development Project was formulated in 1978 and the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir adopted it with some modifications. The main thrust of the project is to improve the lake environment by using both physical and biological approaches. The work is in progress (Q).
Dal is a Himalayan urban lake which is mainly used for tourism. Fishery is of secondary importance. The lake comprises five basins and a myriad of inter- connecting channels. It is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by mountains on its three sides. A large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. Dal Lake is unique in having hundreds of house boats which afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The boats are served by Shikaras which more or less resemble the gondolas of Venice but are smaller in size and are tastefully decorated. Besides the Moghul monuments the campus of the University of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake. Overlooking the lake are two hillocks which house the famous temples of Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat. A perennial inflow channel enters the lake from the north and supplies about 80% of the water. Towards the southwest side an outflow channel drains the lake water into a tributary of the River Jhelum. Parallel to this exit is a stone-lined canal which connects the lake with the tributary. This channel is used for movement of boats in and out of the lake and prevents inundation of floating gardens during high floods.The famous Moghul gardens around the lake have been laid during 16-17th century and their number was about five hundred but now only a few of these have survived. The origin of the lake has remained unresolved. It is believed by some geologists that the Dal Lake is the remnant of a Pleistocene oligotrophic lake which once covered the entire valley of Kashmir. There are other geologists who believe Dal to be a flood plain lake. The lake water is being used for irrigation of vegetable fields which have grown in number and extent during recent years. The present maximum depth of the lake is 6 m (Nagin basin). Many aquatic plants growing in the lake are used as food, fodder and compost.
The water quality of Dal Lake has deteriorated considerably in the last two decades. Large peripheral areas have been reclaimed and converted into floating gardens. With the increase in the tourist influx a large number of residential buildings, restaurants and hotels have come up along the lake front. The number of house boats has also been increasing at an alarming rate. As a result of rapid and unplanned urbanization, large quantities of raw sewage are discharged in the lake water, which might pose health problems in the near future.
The main environmental issues are excessive weed growth, reduction in water clarity, enrichment of waters and high microbial activity. A Dal Development Project was formulated in 1978 and the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir adopted it with some modifications. The main thrust of the project is to improve the lake environment by using both physical and biological approaches. The work is in progress (Q).
Nagin Lake
Nagin Lake of Kashmir is an offshoot leading from the Dal Lake. The Nagin Lake is located to the east of the city, at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan. On the edges of the Nageen Lake are a number of willow and poplar trees. The reflection of these tees in the water of the lake lends it a beautiful view. Surrounded by Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west, the Nagin Lake of Kashmir presents a charming sight. Shikaras, ferrying people to and from the lake, are a fascinating feature of the lake. Bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches are also available for hire at the lake.
Nagin Lake of Kashmir is an offshoot leading from the Dal Lake. The Nagin Lake is located to the east of the city, at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan. On the edges of the Nageen Lake are a number of willow and poplar trees. The reflection of these tees in the water of the lake lends it a beautiful view. Surrounded by Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west, the Nagin Lake of Kashmir presents a charming sight. Shikaras, ferrying people to and from the lake, are a fascinating feature of the lake. Bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches are also available for hire at the lake.
Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most important Tourist Attractions in Srinagar and is also known as the bird watcher’s paradise. Located about 30 kilometers to the north of Srinagar Mansabal Lake in Srinagar is surrounded by three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Gratbal overlooking this beautiful lake. The lake is the deepest lake of Kashmir valley and its beauty is further boosted by the presence of the beautiful lotuses which adorn this lake. The origin of this ancient lake is still a mystery but legendarily it is believed to be a bottomless lake.
From the Srinagar Overview we come to know that close to the northern shore of the Manasbal Lake in Srinagar are the remains of a fort which was built in 17th century by a Mughal ruler. On the south, hillock-Ahtung overlooks the lake which was earlier used for limestone extraction. In the north of the lake is an elevated plateau known as 'Karewa' consisting of fluviatile, lacustrine and loessic deposits while the eastern part of the lake is mainly hilly.
The lake does not have any major inlet channels and the supply of water is maintained through precipitation and spring water inflow. There is an outlet channel which connects the lake with the Jhelum River. The lake is of great significance to the local people as they use it as a source of water, for fishing and for obtaining food and fodder plants. Many of the local people earn their living by harvesting and marketing the lotus rootstocks which are extensively eaten in these parts of the State. Of late Srinagar Tourism has gained momentum with the Manasbal Lake in Srinagar in a big way and due to that there is lots of pressure on the ecosystem of the place which is being exploited variously.
Mansabal Lake in Srinagar has rightly been considered as the ‘supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes’ because of its stunning beauty which is beyond comparison and it is one of the most beautiful places of Sightseeing in Srinagar.
Manasbal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most important Tourist Attractions in Srinagar and is also known as the bird watcher’s paradise. Located about 30 kilometers to the north of Srinagar Mansabal Lake in Srinagar is surrounded by three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Gratbal overlooking this beautiful lake. The lake is the deepest lake of Kashmir valley and its beauty is further boosted by the presence of the beautiful lotuses which adorn this lake. The origin of this ancient lake is still a mystery but legendarily it is believed to be a bottomless lake.From the Srinagar Overview we come to know that close to the northern shore of the Manasbal Lake in Srinagar are the remains of a fort which was built in 17th century by a Mughal ruler. On the south, hillock-Ahtung overlooks the lake which was earlier used for limestone extraction. In the north of the lake is an elevated plateau known as 'Karewa' consisting of fluviatile, lacustrine and loessic deposits while the eastern part of the lake is mainly hilly.
The lake does not have any major inlet channels and the supply of water is maintained through precipitation and spring water inflow. There is an outlet channel which connects the lake with the Jhelum River. The lake is of great significance to the local people as they use it as a source of water, for fishing and for obtaining food and fodder plants. Many of the local people earn their living by harvesting and marketing the lotus rootstocks which are extensively eaten in these parts of the State. Of late Srinagar Tourism has gained momentum with the Manasbal Lake in Srinagar in a big way and due to that there is lots of pressure on the ecosystem of the place which is being exploited variously.
Mansabal Lake in Srinagar has rightly been considered as the ‘supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes’ because of its stunning beauty which is beyond comparison and it is one of the most beautiful places of Sightseeing in Srinagar.
Wular Lake
Wullar Lake is approximately 60 km from the city of Srinagar, between the towns of Bandipore and Sopore. Spreading over an area of 125 km, Wular Lake is said to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The Wular Lake of Kashmir changes character after every few miles of its course. The lake serves as a natural flood reservoir for Jhelum River, draining off the excess water. The beauty of Wullar Lake is beyond description of words. Devoid of any artificial feature, the Wullar Lake in Kashmir reflects the beauty of nature at its best. Set amongst scenic locales, the Wular Lake is also home to an exotic and wide variety of avian life.
Other attractions of the Wullar Lake are some ruins, standing in the middle of the lake. These remains are that of an island of Zaina Lanka, built by King Zain-ul-abidin. It is believed that the lake is a remnant of the Satisar Lake, which used to be here in the per-historic times. The tour of Wullar Lake generally includes the neighboring town of Bandipore. This town is quite famous as a shopping destination for the purchase of woolen carpets manufactured in this area. Another must see place near Wullar is the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, bird watcher's paradise.
Wullar Lake is approximately 60 km from the city of Srinagar, between the towns of Bandipore and Sopore. Spreading over an area of 125 km, Wular Lake is said to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The Wular Lake of Kashmir changes character after every few miles of its course. The lake serves as a natural flood reservoir for Jhelum River, draining off the excess water. The beauty of Wullar Lake is beyond description of words. Devoid of any artificial feature, the Wullar Lake in Kashmir reflects the beauty of nature at its best. Set amongst scenic locales, the Wular Lake is also home to an exotic and wide variety of avian life.Other attractions of the Wullar Lake are some ruins, standing in the middle of the lake. These remains are that of an island of Zaina Lanka, built by King Zain-ul-abidin. It is believed that the lake is a remnant of the Satisar Lake, which used to be here in the per-historic times. The tour of Wullar Lake generally includes the neighboring town of Bandipore. This town is quite famous as a shopping destination for the purchase of woolen carpets manufactured in this area. Another must see place near Wullar is the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, bird watcher's paradise.
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