Manasbal is a pleasant lake located on the Jhelum Valley, in
Srinagar District of
Jammu and Kashmir. The name Manasbal is derived from Manusarwar, the holy lake skirting the
Kailash Mountain. Manasbal Lake is about 32 km from
Srinagar.
Considered as the jewel among all the Kashmir lakes, it is the best places for many water sports. The mirror like sheen on the surface makes Manasbal an attractive water-skiing spot. The lake is about 22 km long and 19 km wide.
Manasbal Lake, surrounded by majestic hills, is abundant with beautiful lotus plants and other vegetation. The lake is also riddled with springs and covered with watercress, on the northern and eastern shores.
There are good campsites in the vicinity - the Garoka and the Padshah Boni are famous. Plenty of fruit gardens and large orchards are seen on the shores.
Manasbal Temple and the ruins of a terraced Mughal Garden are the major attractions. A number of sculptured stones, which belongs to some Buddhist shrine, scattered about on top of the low ridge on the northern banks.
In the middle of the lake there is a fissure, which runs from east to west. Kondabal village (Kiln Place) is situated on the north-eastern side of the lake.
