Manasbal Lake

Manasbal lies near Safapora in Ganderbal district, about an hour from Srinagar. It is the deepest lake in Kashmir, and its water is noticeably clearer and calmer than Dal’s. Hills rise on the north side and villages ring the shore.

In July and August the margins fill with pink lotus flowers. Birders come for kingfishers, herons and, in winter, migratory ducks. On the northern shore are the remains of Jharokha Bagh, a Mughal garden associated with Nur Jahan.

Visiting

Shikaras are available at the shore. A tourist complex has lawns and a café. Combine with Wular and Watlab for a lakes day, or with Kheer Bhawani on the way.