On the way from Srinagar to Wular (30 kms) is the beautiful Manasbal Lake at an Altitude of 1,583 meters , said to be named after the famous Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. It is estimated to be 13 m at its deepest, making it the deepest lake in the Valley.
According to an old legend, a sage once decided to measure its depth, and dropped a string into it. The string kept on unraveling and, frustrated by his failure, the sage decided to take a leap into the lake to resolve the matter himself. Locals believe that the sage is still floating in its unfathomable depths. Manasbal is most attractive in July-August when thousands of lotuses bloom on the periphery of the lake, stunning in their abundance and striking in their beauty.
'The banks of the Manasbal are deserted now, the gardens are in ruins ... the Mughals, with their love of scenery and genius for garden-building, rarely chose a better site than the shores of this loveliest and loneliest of all the Kashmir lakes.' (CM Villiers, Gardens of the Great Mughals) A Mughal garden called Jaroka Bagh, on the northeastern banks of the lake, overlooks the tranquil waters of the lake, though not much remains of the medieval pavillions. A few kilometres ahead is the new Manasbal Park with its beautifully laid garden and walking paths along the banks of the lake.
Many local and migratory birds can also be spotted here, making the lake an absolute delight for birdwatchers!
The lake and its peaceful environs are a treat for all tourists and nature-lovers, and a quiet shikara ride on the lake is highly recommended. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism also organises water skiing, which is a favourite with most visitors.
The excursion to this lake can be combined with other touristic destination in Jammu and Kashmir such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, the best time to visit is around the year except for the peak winter months of December, January and February.
For more information on Kashmir holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place Delhi India.