Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake
View of Manasbal Lake
View of Manasbal Lake
Location of Manasbal lake within Jammu and Kashmir
Location of Manasbal lake within Jammu and Kashmir
Manasbal Lake
LocationGanderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Coordinates34°15′N 74°40′E / 34.250°N 74.667°E / 34.250; 74.667
Lake typeFresh water
Catchment area33 km2 (13 sq mi)
Basin countriesIndia
Max. length5 km (3.1 mi)
Max. width1 km (0.62 mi)[1]
Surface area2.81 km2 (1.08 sq mi)
Average depth4.5 m (15 ft)
Max. depth13 m (43 ft)
Water volume0.0128 km3 (0.0031 cu mi)
Residence time1.2 years
Shore length110.2 km (6.3 mi)
Surface elevation1,583 m (5,194 ft)
SettlementsKondabal
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Manasbal Lake is a freshwater lake located in Safapora area of Ganderbal District in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of Manasarovar.[2] The lake is encircled by four villages viz., Jarokbal, Kondabal, Nesbal (situated on the north-eastern side of the lake) and Gratbal.[3] The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) at the periphery of the lake (blooms during July and August) adds to the beauty of the clear waters of the lake. The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka Bagh, (meaning bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.[4]

The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of "supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes".[5][6] The rootstocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people.[2]

  1. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ a b http://kashmir-tourism.com/jammu-kashmir-lakes-mansabal-lake.htm, Manasbal Lake
  3. ^ "Neglect, of Manasbal Lake". Greater Kashmir. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Manasbal Lake, Manasbal Lake in Jammu, Lakes in Jammu, Jammu Kashmir Lake Tours, Travelling in Jammu Kashmir". Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012. Mansbal lake
  5. ^ "Manasbal Lake". Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012. Manasbal Lake
  6. ^ http://www.mascottravels.com/kashmirlakes.htm kashmir lakes