The state of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern part of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by several valleys, rivers such as the Indus River and several Himalayan glaciers. The natural beauty of this state, along with various shrines and Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh draw a plethora of tourists to this state every year. Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir are no exception in this regard. They also have the potential to draw the attention of tourists visiting this state.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is located in Srinagar. Characteristically, it is shallow, open-drainage warm monomictic lake. The source of this lake is Dachigam-Telbal Nallah, Dara Nallah and various other small streams. This lake has catchment area of about 316 square kilometers, maximum length of about 7.44 kilometers and maximum width of about 3.5 kilometers. The lake is open to commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
Gadsar Lake
Gadsar Lake is located in Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley. Characteristically, it is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake. This lake is fed by melted snow. This lake has maximum length of about 0.85 kilometers, maximum width of about 0.76 kilometers and surface elevation of about 3,600 meters. This lake serves as a natural habitat for trout and other types of fishes.
Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake is situated in the district of Ganderbal. This fresh water lake has catchment area of about 33 square kilometers, maximum length and width of about 5 km and 1 km respectively and average depth of about 4.5 m. Since this lake serves as one of the largest natural stamping grounds for aquatic birds in Kashmir, it thus becomes an ideal place for bird lovers.
Nundkol Lake
Nundkol Lake adorns the Kashmir Valley in Ganderbal district. Characteristically, it is an oligotrophic alpine lake. This lake is fed by Gangbal Lake and its outlet is formed by Sind River. This lake has maximum length of about 1.2 kilometers and maximum width of about 0.5 kilometers. Its surface area is about 1.5 square kilometers and surface elevation of about 3,505 meters. Licensed anglers can engage in fishing in this lake.
Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is located in Pahalgam in Anantnag District. This fresh water lake has maximum length of about 0.35 kilometers and maximum width of about 0.16 kilometers. The surface elevation of this lake is about 3,684 meters.
Other Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir
Pangong Tso, Anchar Lake, Tarsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gil Sar and Sheshnag Lake are some of the other Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir.