Wullar Lake, Srinagar

Wullar Lake, situated in Kashmir, is the largest freshwater lake of India and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. The lake, originally known as Mahapadma Sar is situated in proximity to the famous Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and serves as a natural reservoir in the area. It is home to various species of birds and fishes and receives water from the river Jhelum.

The size of the Wullar Lake keeps changing depending on the season and ranges between 30 sq km to 260 sq km. The important species of the fish found here are the common carp, the rosy barb, the mosquitofish, the Nemacheilus species, the Crossocheilus latius and various snow trouts.

The fish found here take a place of importance in the diet of the locals and around 8,000 fishermen earn their living through fishery. The popular birds found in the area are the blue rock pigeon, golden oriole, alpine swift, sparrow hawk and short-toed eagle.

Ruins of an ancient island built by emperor Zain-ul-abidin in the middle of the lake can be seen. Pohru, Erin, Harbuji and Aarah are some of the major rivulets that flow into the lake. The best time to visit here is between April and June.