Kashmir is the most visited place in India and visit to the lakes of Kashmir is a must do thing for all the tourists. Apart from dazzling mountains and beautiful valleys, the lakes in Kashmir are another attractive landmark for travellers’ delight. The water bodies in Kashmir signify calmness, serenity, peacefulness and tranquillity that give a soothing feeling to all. The fantastic views of the lakes in Kashmir leave anyone speechless with the beauty of its surroundings. The clear water of these reservoirs reflects the sunlight, offering an outstanding view.
The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is home to many rivers. Most of the rivers of the state have their origin in the Himalayas. The “Paradise on the Earth” is a land of lakes, rivers and flowers. Those lying in the valley against the charming mountain background are the Wular, the Dal and the Manasbal. The Wular, lying in the north-east of the valley, is the largest fresh-water lake in India. Against the mountain background which is reflected in its calm expanse and enclosed by trees, the lake looks superb. The Manasbal lake is the deepest, its greenish-blue waters reflecting the hills that surround it. Besides these lakes which are fed by the springs and melting snow streams trickling down the mountains, there are several teams formed by glacial action.
Another main attraction of Kashmir is its great waterways. Kashmir abounds in water bodies due to its cool climate and snow-clad mountains that surround it. There are a few streams in the valley that are famous all over the world. These streams, apart from playing an essential role in the agriculture valley, are also a great source of tourist attraction. At the centre of the activities in Kashmir Valley lies Jhelum River which is integral to the valley, particularly to the Srinagar City, so much that it is referred to as the “Lifeline of Kashmir”.
Jammu, the winter capital of the state, stands on the spur of a hill overlooking the picturesque small Tawi River. Both the Tawi and the Ujh, another small river flowing nearby are chiefly dependent on rain which often floods them during the monsoon. The vegetation of the region is tropical. The produce of these districts varies according to altitude below 610 metres grow the crops as in the Punjab such as sugar cane and plantain.
Cotton thrives and on the sides of the hills, maize, wheat and barley are extensively cultivated. The upper reaches of the hills are thickly covered with forests of pine and deodar. Lack of water is, however, responsible for frequent crop failures. Canals that have recently been built are fed by the Chenab and the Tawi. This region is rich in minerals and has already become the industrial belt of the state.
No description of the valley would be complete without a mention of its useful river, the Jhelum which rising at Verinag in the south and traversing the entire length of the valley, escapes at Baramulla as a roaring, foaming torrent. The Jhelum, known in the valley as Vitasta, is its very life, supplying water to its field. The river is navigable without a single lock from Khanabal to Baramulla over the course of 164 kilometres with its numerous canals and tributaries, serves as a cheap means of transport through flat-bottomed boats ranging from the tiny shikhara to huge bats. The lakes and lakelets found in the upper valleys around Haramukh are Gangable, Loo1 Goo1 and Sarbal. They are at an elevation of nearly 3,692 metres above sea level. Gangabal Lake with its shimmering waters is held sacred by the Hindus of Kashmir. To the southeast of the Pir Panjal range lies the beautiful lake of Kaunsar Nag (3,938 metres), fed by a glacier and surrounded by three peaks. It is said to be a source of the Jhelum River. In the Lidder valley, there are large glaciers like Kolahoi which is about 8 kilometres in length and comes down as low as 3,410 metres. A large number of lakes make an important part of this gorgeous landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. With the colossal Himalayan ranges overlooking them, they appear as the perfect walkways to heaven. The gorgeous lakes in Jammu and Kashmir differ in their size, location, altitude and snature and some have some religious significance while some are known for trout fishing opportunities. Blessed immensely with natural beauty, the lakes in Jammu and Kashmir can win one’s heart instantly.
