Earth:Surinsar Lake

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Short description: Lake in Jammu and Kashmir
Surinsar Lake
Surinsar.jpg
Surinsar Lake view and a small island at the middle of lake
Location of the lake in India.
Location of the lake in India.
Surinsar Lake
LocationJammu and Kashmir
Coordinates [ ⚑ ] : 32°41′46″N 75°08′49″E / 32.696076°N 75.146806°E / 32.696076; 75.146806
Basin countriesIndia
IslandsSmall island at the middle
Official nameSurinsar-Mansar Lakes
Designated8 November 2005
Reference no.1573[1]

Surinsar Lake[2] is situated 42 km (26 mi) from Jammu city by road, surrounded by hills and dense forests, and has some mythological importance. Surinsar and Mansar Lakes are considered as twin lakes, as Mansar is located 9 km (5.6 mi) away from it. The Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the midst of both lakes.[3]

File:Surinsar Welcome.jpg
A board of Welcome to Surinsar by J&K Tourism

The region is populated with abundant fauna, flora and avifauna. A small island is at the middle of the lake.[4] This island is home to thousands of bats.[3] Due to some religious beliefs, swimming and boating are discouraged in this lake.[4]

History

According to Hindu mythology, the origin of this lake is associated with the warrior of Mahabharata, Arjun. It is believed that son of Arjun shot an illustrious arrow on the ground of Mansar and a spring gushed from the land and became Surinsar Lake.[3] Firstly, it was known as Surang Sar[lower-alpha 1] and by the time it became Surinsar.[4]

Notes

  1. Surang: a tunnel, is a long passage usually through a hill, which has been made under the ground.[5]

References