Manasbal Lake, Kashmir – A Hidden Scenic Paradise

At a certain point, the snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys become monotonous for a prolonged period of stay in Kashmir. All you need is the inclusion of a fun activity or a change of environment in your Kashmir holiday itinerary, and Manasbal Lake is a place that brings variance.

It’s also a hub for the lotus plant where locals harvest them to sell in the market, making it a part of their livelihood. The green meadows and fragrance of roses and earthy smells are enough to release endorphins and make a person happy.

Here’s a pen-down version of the Manasbal Park, and why it’s worth the visit.

Table of Contents:

What’s So Special About Manasbal Lake in Kashmir?

Manasbal Lake holds a spiritual significance in Hinduism, as it is believed that the pond itself was created by Lord Brahma. Apart from the general tranquilizing beauty and striking views of the mountains in the backdrop, there are tons of activities that tourists can indulge in.

During June and July, the entire lake gets crowned with lotuses and migrating aquatic birds like the white-throat kingfisher, Siberian stonechat, Gray Wagtail, and many more.

Instead of visiting a commercial tourist destination like Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Pahalgham, or Sonmarg, this region offers fewer crowds and a distinctive experience. Moreover, there are various handicrafts and local markets around the region, so while heading out from the park, don’t forget to shop top things to buy in Kashmir.

How to Reach Manasbal Lake?

Manasbal Lake is situated in the Ganderbal district, which is 30 km away from Srinagar. Via the road, you will witness some of the mesmerizing views of Shadipora and Nasim.

If you go ahead for another hour of straight driving, you’ll reach Wular Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in J&K. You can easily get a shared or private taxi from Srinagar International Airport.

Activities Around Mansbal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir

The entire park has an abundance of activities that bring thrill as well as relaxation. Manasbal Park offers you a chance to indulge in

Boating: Boating or also known as shikara rides, is a quite popular activity in Manasbal Lake that strolls you through the cool breeze. The average charge for a 45-minute boat ride is around ₹500, which is worth the experience you get.
Picnic: Manasbal Park is a tranquil picnic spot, you can spend quality and relaxing time with your friends or family, and carry your own food as there are not many options there. Just make sure you don’t litter the park.
Birdwatching: Birdwatching is yet another fun activity for city dwellers, where you can witness exotic species of aquatic birds. Out of those birds, swans add a majestic beauty to the lake, and you can also see some fish around the lake, mostly carp.
Nature Walk: There is no comparison for the joy and the composure you get just by taking a walk around. The entire park is filled with greenery, fountains, and some of the most striking flowers that you would wish to pluck and them home, but don’t do that, visitors are not permitted and could be fined for doing so.

Nearby Attractions of Manasbal Park, Kashmir

Hardly 3-4 hours are enough to cover the entire park; you would still be left with the entire day, allowing you to cover other regions as well.

Mughal Garden Mansabal: The Mughal Garden near Mansabal is a perfect portrayal of Mughal architecture. The rooftop terrace and panoramic view of the Pir Panjal mountain range are on top of the world.
Safapora Village: While heading towards Srinagar, Safapora Village is nestled at the northern side of Manasbal, where the traditional Kashmiri heritage persists. You can interact with locals and try their famous traditional Kashmiri foods, which would be a memorable and unique thing to do.
Jarokha Bagh: Just an 8-minute drive away from Manasbal, a small garden which was built by Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan. It’s a quiet and peaceful area and is usually regarded as an offbeat destination in Kashmir. By visiting Jarokhha after Manasbal, you are dedicating an entire day to a peaceful stroll.

Best Time to Visit Manasbal Park

April to July is regarded as the perfect time to visit Manasbal Park, but it’s also the time when the crowd is at its peak. No wonder it is due to how mesmerized the entire area gets adorned with a wide range of flowers, including lilies, lotuses, daffodils, and wild roses.

For a less crowded and bustling time, free wandering around the park, from August to October, is the most suitable time. And if you are someone who wants to explore the white frosty heaven, December is deemed a good time, but you have to be careful with the area, as it gets slippery.

That being said, this was the entire itinerary guide for Manasbal Lake and how it can add a sparkle to your Kashmir holiday package.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the largest fresh spring water in Kashmir?

Ans. Kokernag is regarded as the largest fresh spring water in Kashmir, which is also popular for its miraculous healing properties.

Q2. What are the entry fees at Mansabal Park?

Ans. The entry fee for Manasbal Lake is Rs. 20, which fluctuates, and it will cost you extra for shikara rides and other activities.

Q3. Is Manasbal Lake crowded?

Ans. During the holiday season, the spot gets crowded with tourists, as the place offers picturesque spots and enthralling activities.

Q4. What kind of birds will I see in Manasbal Park?

Ans. Manasbal attracts some of the rarest and exotic species of aquatic birds, including coots, grebes, kingfishers, and a lot more.

Author

Dushyant Kumar

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Profile Summary Dushyant is a globetrotter with the urge to seek new cultures with the vision to present the hidden gems to the world. Each chapter of his journey showcases rich cuisine and tranquilizing beauty. Kashmir Holiday is not just a platform but a very own personal diary that has some of the best adventure guides.