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Jammu and Kashmir is often referred to as 'Heaven on Earth' due to its scenic beauty. Travellers come here from far and wide to explore the vast landscapes and take in the tranquility of the region. There are many attractions spread out in this region and tourists who come here are left speechless by its beauty.
Of the many attractions that are known to lure tourists here, the lakes of Jammu and Kashmir hold a special position thanks to their charming locales and the serenity spread around them. These picturesque lakes are major crowd pullers, and visitors who travel the region spend loads of time enjoying the peaceful environment around these lakes. Here is a guide to the five amazing lakes that add to the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.
1. Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is popularly known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir' and ‘Srinagar's Jewel'. It is the second largest lake in the valley of Kashmir and is spread over an area of 26 sq km. The lake is one of the major tourist attractions in Srinagar. It is set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas and is known for its houseboats and 'shikara' or wooden boat rides. The houseboats at the Dal Lake take tourists around on rides around the lake while the 'shikaras' offers ferry rides to and from the Dal Lake to the houseboats. Travellers can enjoy beautiful sunsets here while taking rides on these houseboats and 'shikaras'. You can also enjoy several watersport activities organised here such as swimming, water surfing, kayaking, angling, canoeing and many more.
Sunset at Dal Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Tony Gladvin George
2. Pangong Lake
The Pangong Lake also known as Pangong Tso, rests at an elevation of 4,350 mt above sea level. It is a major hub for birdwatchers who can spend their time at this lake spotting various avian species such as the Bar-Headed geese, Siberian crane, and waterfowls. It is also visited by nature lovers and photographers who come here to capture the beauty of the lake and its surrounding terrain. A unique feature about this lake is that during winters it completely freezes over, despite being saline.
The still waters of Pangong Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Bappaditya Dasgupta
3. Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake, situated at a distance of around 27 km from Pahalgam is another major tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake derives its name from the seven-headed serpent king of the Hindu mythology, Seshnag. Travellers wanting to visit this lake have to undertake a two-day long hike from Pahalgam. It remains covered in ice throughout the winter till the month of June. Thousands of devotees visit this site during the summer season while on their trip to the Amarnath Cave. The Sheshnag Lake is perfect for tourists looking forward to camping.
Scenic view of Sheshnag Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Himanshu Thalyari
4. Wular Lake
Wular Lake, located at the base of Haramuk Mountain, has been declared as one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It is known among travellers and locals as an ideal sunset point. The Jhelum River is the prime source of water for this lake. The unique feature about this lake is that it has a small island named ‘Zaina Lank', built by King Zainul-Abi-Din, sitting right in the middle of it.
Boating on Wular Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Girish
5. Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is situated at a height of 4,000 mt above sea level, and is located at a distance of about 15 km from Aru. Also known as Tarsir Lake, it can be reached after a two-day long trek from Aru. You can also reach this place by taking a pony ride. A prominent feature of this lake is that it remains frozen almost throughout the year.
Picturesque view of Tulian Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Jammu Kashmir Tourist Places
