Nature and Sport in Srinagar : Manasbal Lake

The Manasbal Lake is situated almost 30 kilometers to the north of Srinagar. Three villages Gratbal, Jarokbal and Kondabal overlook the lake.

In the months of July and August, the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) flowers that bloom on the margins of the lake are so beautiful and abundant that Manasbal is considered as the ‘supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes.’

This lake is spread over an area of 2.81 square kilometers and the maximum depth is 13 meters.

To the north of the lake are the ruins of a fort that was constructed by a Moghul king in the 17th century to assist the caravans that traveled from Punjab to Srinagar.

To the south of the lake, there is a hillock named Ahtung that is used for extraction of limestone.

To the east of the lake, there is mountainous region and to the north there is ‘karewa’ an elevated plateau that consists of deposits of loessic, fluviatile and lacustrine.