Mansar Lake — Attraction in Jammu and Kashmir

Mansar Lake is a very nice lake in District Udhampur. Mansar Lake is situated 62 km (39 mi) from Jammu, Mansar is a lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes is designated as Ramsar Convention  in November 2005.

Official nameSurinsar-Mansar LakesDesignated8 November 2005 Reference no.1573[1]

Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Manasarovar. 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.

With all religions belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna. The lake has cemented path all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Neelgai etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks etc. One can also witness the traditional and typical distinct life style of Gujjar and Backarwals wearing ethnic costume, living in open Kullhas around on the hills of Mansar Lake.

This Mansar lake road joins to another important road that directly links Pathankot (Punjab) to Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu Province. Udhampur is a Town of strategic importance, again on National Highway No. 1A. The shortcut road from Mansar or Samba to Udhampur by-passes the Jammu town. Surinsar Lake, a smaller lake that is linked to Mansar, is 24 km (15 mi) from Jammu (via a...

Mansar Lake is situated 62 km (39 mi) from Jammu, According to Hindu mythology the lakes of Surinsar and Mansar emerged due to the blow of bow shot by one of the sons of Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata. Jammu is a land of shrines and pilgrimages. They are numerous and varied, and belongs to various faiths. The legend of Surinsar Lake states that during the wander of the Pandavas in exile, the five brothers once sojourned in these parts and Arjuna disported with a Nagakanya, Alupi, whose beauty captivated his heart at the very first sight. Their meeting resulted in the birth of a son. Babruvahana, who grew up into a youth of great physical power. But Arjuna knew nothing about it. At the conclusion of the Great War, however, when the Pandavas performed the Yajna, Babruvahana held the horse released by Arjuna near the site of the present lake TatKhooni. A battle royal ensued when Arjuna asked to youthful Babruvahana to let go the horse in the fight the great Mahabharata hero was worsted. He fell down in the swoon.

When Babruvahana’s mother heard of this, she hurried to the spot and admonished her son, telling him that he had killed his own father. The son was full of remorse and hurries consultations took place about how the dying hero could be saved. The consensus was that could be done only with the help of an herb which grew in the neither world. Babruvahana therefore shot an arrow onto the ground. The miraculous arrow pierced the earth and picking up the life-saving herb on the other side on the planet, returned by a different passage with the herb at its tail end. Arjuna was thus saved and the two depressions created by the arrow’s passage across the earth got filled up in course of time to make the two gem-like Mansar and Surinsar, which shine like jewels on the blossom of Jammu.

The original sites of depressions created by the arrow’s passage across the earth have changed very much owing to the topographical changes through the centuries. The water gushing out from these original depressions making whole lake as the nectar fills the lake...

Mansar Lake is situated in the Samba-Udhampur district of the Jammu Division in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by hills and lush greenery. Spanning an area of approximately 126 hectares, and depth of 37 m, the lake is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty. Mansar Lake is considered a sacred site and is associated with religious beliefs. It offers boating facilities, and the surrounding area has parks and walking trails, making it a serene spot for visitors. Mansar Lake holds cultural significance as it is believed to be a site associated with the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. According to local legends, it is said that the sage Kashyapa created the lake by draining the waters of the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. The lake is adorned by the shrines of Sheshnag and Durga, attracting pilgrims during the annual Mansar Food and Craft Mela. Mela showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region, featuring traditional crafts, music, and dance. The lake not only offers a tranquil escape but also serves as a hub for cultural and religious events in the Jammu region. While Mansar Lake itself is not designated as a wildlife sanctuary, the surrounding areas contribute to local biodiversity. The lake and its environs serve as a habitat for various bird species, including migratory birds during certain seasons. The lake's wetlands support a diverse ecosystem, and birdwatchers can spot species such as cranes, ducks, and other waterfowl. Additionally, the Mansar Conservation Reserve, located near the lake, was established to protect and conserve the local flora and fauna. The reserve enhances the overall biodiversity of the region and acts as a buffer zone for the lake. The area surrounding Mansar Lake, with its diverse plant and animal life, contributes to the ecological balance and adds an environmental dimension to the cultural and recreational importance...