Mansar Lake Jammu - Popular Picnic Spot and Hindu Pilgrimage Site.

 

Mansar Lake, together with its twin lake surinsar is a popular excursion destination and it is also a holy site sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar in Jammu and Kashmir. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine to Sheshnag (a snake with six heads). The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Two ancient temples of Umapati Mahadev & Narsimha as also a temple of Durga are situated in the vicinity of the Mansar lake. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions. Newlyweds consider it auspicious to perform three circum-ambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents, whose shrine is located on its eastern bank. Certain communities of Hindus perform the Mundan ceremony (First hair cut) of their male children here. There are also some ancient temples on the lake's shores, which are visited by devotees in large numbers. Mansar is also ideal for boating for which the Tourism Department provides adequate facilities.

 

 

Mansar Lake is a lake located 62 km from the city of Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is fringed by forest-covered hills and is over a mile (1.6 km) in length and half-a-mile (0.80 km) in width. Mansar Lake is primarily fed by surface run-off and partially by mineralised water through paddy fields. The composite lake is high in micro nutrients for which it is an attractive habitat, breeding and nursey ground for migratory waterfolks like Fulica atra, Gallinula chloropus, Podiceps nigricollis, Aythya fuligula and various Anas species. Areas around Mansar lake are rich in forests. Many types of trees such as Scrub, Peepal and Acacia are found here. The lake is bordered with Pine trees and provides shelter to a number of Birds and Animals. There is also a wildlife sentury near the lake which provides home to a number of Birds and Animals such as Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Cranes and Ducks. Many types of Fishes and Tortoises are also found in the Lake. Some types of Snakes are also found in the lake.

 

 

Mansar Lake is a perfect destination for a quiet and quality time. People can take a good walk on the paved walkway that surrounds the lake or can drink in the aesthetic natural environment, sitting in the well-attended and manicured lawns. A number of paddle and row boats are moored along the eastern shore of the lake. You can hire one of these at a nominal fee of INR 100 per hour and enjoy the serenity of the holy lake. The boating facility is available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. People can buy prepared dough from vendors and feed the fishes in the lake.

 

 

You can visit the Mansar Lake anytime during the year. However, it is best to avoid the summer months (May-June), as during this time the temperature is quite high.

 

Mansar Lake is located within the Surinsar-Mansar wildlife sanctuary, which is 49 km east of Jammu city and about 20 kilometers from Samba town in Jammu and Kashmir, on the bypass between Samba and Udhampur. You can also take a bus from Jammu bus station and take private taxi for full day outing.