Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake, in the Ganderbal district, is often described as India's deepest lake at around 13 metres, and takes its name from the sacred Lake Manasarovar. The Mughal-era Jarokbal garden, built by Nur Jahan, sits on its banks and is a popular spot to view the lake's clear water.

Renowned as the "supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes," Manasbal is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Its expansive waters serve as a natural stomping ground for a diverse range of aquatic birds, making it an ideal location for bird watching. The rootstocks of lotus plants, abundant along the lake's periphery, are not only a visual delight but also a local delicacy, harvested and consumed by the residents.

The lake holds historical treasures, including the ruins of the 17th-century Jharokha Bagh fort, a Mughal construction utilized by caravans traveling from Punjab to Srinagar. Close to the lake's northern shore lies the Jharokha Bagh, a testament to the region's rich historical tapestry.