Chapter-8
of (15)
Today,
28th of July 2012, our plan was to Visit Shankaracharya Temple, Dal
Lake, Nagin Lake, Wullar Lake and Manasbal Lake.
In
Kashmir valley, 365 days, the only News that comes at any time of the day or
night, that too with a lightning speed, is the”Bandh Call forced by Separatists”.
Previous night by the time we slept every thing was fine and normal. But in the
next morning as we got ready to go for our today’s planned trip, we were told
that whole Kashmir valley has been shut down because of one of the groups of the
separatists have given indefinite bandh call. That’s it, By the bandh calls, Laks and Laks of
tourists get stranded and have no choice rather than frustratedly sitting
cooped up in doors.
Imagine
by these Bandh Calls of the separatists, the plight of the inconvenience caused
to laks and Laks of tourists. Each tourist spend thousands of rupees to visit
Kashmir and in the bargain, we are not able to venture out satisfy touring Kashmir
as per each ones plan. We met a group of 6 young IT professionals from Delhi,
those had books a package tour of Kashmir for 5 days by paying Rs. 45,000/-
each. The first day itself when they landed at the air port, they came to know
that the whole Kashmir valley has been shut down by bandh call. From airport
they were taken to the hotel where they were booked. And on the 5th
day they flew back to Delhi even without stepping out of their hotel. Imagine
their miserable plight that they spent Rs. 2,70,00/- total, and just got cooped
up in a hotel room. That is Kashmir.
Because
of Bandh call given by separatist, we didn't want risking our lives by moving around on motor bikes around Srinagar city. So we preferred to move around
safer areas such as Shankaracharya temple and Dal Lake vicinity only.
Shankaracharya Temple
The
Shankaracharya temple is situated in the Srinagar city on the hill known as
Takht-e-Suleiman. It is housed at a height of 1100 ft. above the sea level. It
is believed that Raja Gopadatya son of Raja Ashoka, got the temple constructed
in 371 BC, giving it the name of Gopadri. The great philosopher Shankaracharya
is supposed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir to revive Sanatan
Dharma.
This
incident, which took place ten centuries ago, led to the renaming of the temple
as the Shankracharya temple. The Shankracharya remple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is thought to be one of the oldest shrine in the Kashmir
valley. The temple, as it stands today, has undergone many repairs throughout
its life. The first repair is supposed to have been done under the rule of
Lalitaditya. The second repairs were undertaken by Zain-ul-Abideen after the
temple got damaged in an earthquake. These repairs were carried out during the
Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. Maharaja Gulab Singh, a Dogra ruler, is
credited for the stone steps that form a part of the passage to the shrine. The
electrification of the Shankracharya temple was done in 1925.
The
temple is of great importance, not only from the point of view of religion, but
also from architectural viewpoint. A high octagonal platform supports the
temple, approached by a flight of approximately hundred steps. The side walls of
the steps once bore some valuable inscriptions. There is also a Persian
inscription inside the temple, dating back to Emperor Shahjahan's rule. The
main surviving shrine, consisting of a circular cell, provides a magnificent
view of the valley below. The inner chamber of the Shankaracharya temple, after
being repaired, is now covered with a modern ceiling.
Shankarcharya lies in Srinagar District across the Nehru Park: a beautiful
island within the Dal Lake One can either trek to Shankaracharya Temple from
the Durganag Temple lying in civillines area or alternatively can take a
automobile upto the footsteps from the Boulevard road. The climb is approx. 7
Kms and then there is a flight of 100 odd steps up. the road passes through
jungle and offers beautiful views all around.
Dal Lake
The
Dal Lake lies on the suburbs of Srinagar in the east and is divided into four
parts by causeways, namely Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin.. The lake is
4 miles long and 11 miles broad. Against the Zabarwan mountains background
which is reflected in its calm expanse and enclosed by trees the lake looks
superb. In summer, it is a paradise for visitors who glide over its waters in
shikaras and houseboats.The Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes, not
only in Kashmir, rather in the whole of India. It is the second largest lake in
Kashmir. The main attractions of the lake are the encircling mountains,
blossoming gardens and orchards, Islands of Char-Chinar and Nehru Park, Kootar-Khana,
Shikaras and Houseboats.
The
embankments of Dal Lake also house a number of Mughal monuments, Maharaja’s Hari
singh’s Palace, number of five-star hotels, Governars residence, Hazaratbal
Mosque and the campus of the University of Kashmir. Further beautifying the
scenery of the lake are two hillocks that house the famous shrine of
Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat temples. Numerous houseboats line the lake,
providing their guests with serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. The
Shikaras provide ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the
houseboats. Scenery of this lake also consists of clusters of sloping
roofed houses on its islands. Apart from being one of the greatest attractions
of the valley, Dal Lake also supports the second largest industry of the
region, fishing. The plethora of fishes in the lake provides occupation to a
large number of people in the valley.
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Sailing
Shikara Shops in Dal Lake, selling Kashmiri Artifacts, Handicrafts, Silk
sarees, Woollen and Pashmina Shawls,
|
Dal
lake is located within a catchment area in the foothills of
the Zabarwan Range, which surrounds it on three sides. The lake, which
lies to the east and north of Srinagar city covers an area of 18 square
kilometres (6.9 sq mi), although including the floating gardens
of Lotus blooms, The main basin draining the lake is a complex of
five interconnected basins with causeways; the Nehru Park basin, the
Nishat basin, the Hazratbal basin, the Nagin basin and the Barari
Nambad basin. Navigational channels provide the transportation links to all the
five basins.
The
average elevation of the lake is 1,583 metres (5,194 ft). The depth of
water varies from 6 metres (20 ft) at its deepest in Nagin lake to 2.5
metres (8.2 ft), the shallowest at Gagribal.
The
shallow, open-drainage lake is fed by Dachigam-Telbal Nallah (with perennial
flow), Dara Nallah ('Nallah' means "stream") and many other small
streams.
Floating
gardens, labelled the 'RAD' in the Kashmiri language are a special feature of
the lake. They basically constitute of matted vegetation and earth, but are
floating. These are detached from the bottom of the lake and drawn to a
suitable place (generally to the north west of the houseboats' location) and
anchored. Given its rich nutrient properties, tomatoes, cucumbers, nulkhol
and melons are grown with noteworthy results.
Fishing resources
The
fishing industry on Dal Lake is the second largest industry in the region and
is central to many of the people's livelihoods who reside on the lake's
periphery. Dal lake's commercial fisheries are particularly reliant on
carp fish species, which were introduced into the lake in 1957. As a result,
carp constitutes 70% of all the fish caught in the lake while the schizothonax
constitutes 20% and other species account for 10%. Fishermen use a locally
manufactured cast net which comprises six parts with a diameter of 6 metres. It
is operated from a wooden fishing boat made out of deodar, typically
20ftx4ft in size. The gradual decline in quality of the lake water through
pollution has resulted in lower fish stocks and the extinction of endemic
varieties of fish. The causes for such deterioration have been identified and
remedial actions have been initiated.
Since, because of the indefinite “Kashmir Bhand”
we could not visit to other remaining Lakes. So I decided while just sitting
and wasting my time, I better introduce all of my blog readers to the remaing important
and famous Lakes of Kashmir Valley. The city of Srinagar itself is quite famous
for its lakes. Peace, serenity, calm, tranquility all defines the beautiful
lakes of Kashmir. Apart from that, the delightful backdrop of the lakes almost
leaves you speechless.
THESE
LAKES ARE “GANGABAL-LAKE, GADSAR-LAKE, (ALSO CALLED AS THE LAKE OF DEATH),
KRISHANSAR-LAKE, NUNDKOL-LAKE, SATSAR-LAKE, VISHANSAR-LAKE, SHESHNAG-LAKE,
KOUNSAR-LAKE, WULAR-LAKE, MANASBAL-LAKE, DAL-LAKE, NAGIN LAKE.
The Gangabal
Lake is situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh (the
highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley) in Ganderbal district.
Its an home to many species of fish, including the brown Trout.
The
lake has a maximum length of two and a half kilometres and maximum width of one
kilometre. It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs. The lake water
outflows to a nearby Nundkol Lake and then via Wangath
nallah to Sindh River.
Access
The
Gangabal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometres by road via Ganderbal
up to Naranag and then a trek of 15 kilometres upslopes leads to the
lake, which can be covered by a horse ride or by foot. The Shepherds and Gujjars can be seen during the
trek with their flocks of Sheep and Goats. Another trek (25 kilometres
long) leads to the lake site from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake crossing
three mountain passes Nichnai pass, Gadsar pass and Zajibal pass of an average
elevation of 4100 meteres.It can also be accessed through a trek from bandipore via
Arin.
Religious beliefs
In Hindu tradition
Gangbal is also called Harmukut Ganga, and it is believed that this place is as
pious as Haridwar where Hindu pilgrims perform prayers and immerse ashes of the
dead. A traditional annual three-day-long yatra has been revived by APMCC and
Kashmiri Pabdits to preserve their cultural and religious
history. This Harmukh Gangbal Yatra is performed annually in the month of
September
The Gadsar
Lake or the Yemsar Lake is also called as the lake of
flowers is a picturesque sight, in Ganderbal district of Kashmir
valley. It’s at an elevation of 3600 metres. It has a max. length of 0.85
kilometres and max. width of 0.76 kilometres. Gadsar in Kashmiri
language means the lake of fishes, a natural habitat of trout and
other types of fishes. The lake freezes in the month of November to April and
is mostly covered by snow during these months, the floating ice bergs are seen
even in summer. It is surrounded by alpine meadows full of various kinds of
wild alpine flowers, therefore the lake is also called as the valley of
flowers. The lake is mainly fed by melting of galaciers. The Gadsar
Lake out flows through a stream flows north westwards and joins Neelum
River at Tulail.
Access
The
Gadsar Lake is situated 108 kilometres northeast from Srinagar city.
From Naranag a 28 km alpine track leads to the lake. Another track of
41 km northwest from Shitkadi Sonamarg Via Vishansar Lake and Krishansar
Lake leads to the Gadsar Lake crossing two mountain passes of Nichnai and
Gadsar of more than 4100 meters above sea level. The best time to visit is
from the month of June to September.
Gadsar, the lake of death
The
Gadsar Lake is also named as Yemsar which means the lake of
demon and is referred as the lake of death. A myth still
unresolved. The Shepherds grazing their folks in the outskirts of
Gadsar lake during summers believe that, there lives a Lake Monster, a
freshwater Octopus which drags the creatures from shores by its
tentackles into the water. There is an uncertainty in the minds of visitors, a
kind of threat which prevents them going near the shores. The Shepherds also
chose otherwise grazing their folks at the shores of the lake. There has never
been any attempt made by anyone to find the reality. The fishes are being
caught outside the lake in a stream from which it flows out.
Krishansar Lake
The Krishansar Lake is an
alpine high altitude situated in the vicinity of Sonamarg less
than one kilometre from Vishansar Lake north westwards at an
elevation of 3710 meters. It has a maximum length of 0.95 kilometres and
maximum width of 0.6 kilometres.
Krishansar in Hindi means the
lake of Lord Krishma. It is home to many types of fishes among of
which is the brown trout. It freezes during winter, and is inaccessible
during this season due to heavy snowfall. It is surrounded by green lush
meadows and attracts local shepherds who graze their flocks of sheep and goat
during summer.The Krishansar Lake is adjacent to Vishansar Lake , at its
back are the mountains standing covered with snow in which lies the Gadsar
Pass, a mountain pass which leads to the Gadsar Lake. The lake is a famous
trekking site in the Kashmir valley . It is mostly fed by melting of snow
and glaciers. It drains out through a small stream which falls into the
Vishansar Lake and gives rise to Neelum River;
Access
The
Krishansar Lake is situated 115 km. northeast from Srinagar and
35 km from Shitkadi Sonamarg. From village Shitkadi ponies can be
hired to cover an alpine trek of 35 km to reach the Krishansar Lake, which
takes a complete day of trekking passing Nichnai Pass of 4100 meters above sea
level. The Gadsar Lake is some 9 kilometers in the north westwards.
The best time to visit the lake is from the month of June to September.
The Nundkol
Lake also known as Kalodaka Lake is situated in the in
Garderbal district The Nundkol Lake lies at the foothills of Mount
Haramuhk (5,142 metres (16,870 ft)). TheGangabal Lake which is
bigger and at higher elevation lies 1.5 km to the north of the lake.
Surrounded by the lush green meadows, the banks of the Nundkol Lake serve as
the camping site during the summers. Nranag is the nearest settlement
and serves as the base camp for trekking to the lake.
The
Nundkol Lake is fed by Gangabal Lake and the melting glaciers of the Mount
Haramukh. It gives rise to Wangath Nallah, the major right tributory of
the Sindh River
During
the winter, the Nundkol Lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the
summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers those
are found in late spring throughout the area around the lake.
The
Nundkol Lake is stocked with trout among of which is the brown trout. The
fishing is permitted to the licensed anglers.
Access
The
Nundkol Lake is accessible only during the summer; during the winter, the treks
are closed because of the heavy snowfall. It can be reached from Srinagar,
via a 65 km motorable road which leads through Ganderbal and wayil to
the Naranag trekking camp. The alpine meadows of Trunakhul and Badpathri lies
at the halfway point of this two-day trek to the lake. An alternate trek starts
from Chattergul village, 10 km to the west of Naranag which leads through
the meadows of Mahlish. The lake can also be accessed through Bandipora and
the five-day trekking starting point is Arin. Tourists prefer Naranag trek and
return via Gadsar Lake, Vishansae Lake and Sonamarg to cover most
alpine lakes of the area.
The Satsar
Lake or Sat Sar (literal English translation: “the seven lakes”)
consists of seven small alpine lakes situated in the Kashmir
Valley in Ganderbal district.
The
Satsar Lake consists of seven small lakes connected with each other, set in a
cascade formation. The lakes are situated in a narrow alpine valley stretching
from north to south and spread over 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) distance with a
width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). The lakes of gangabal and Nundkol lie
on the opposite side of Zajibal pass (4,041 metres (13,258 ft)). The
Satsar Lakes are surrounded by lush green meadows which are home to shepherds
during summer and serve as a camping site for tourists. Naranag is the
nearest settlement and serves as the base camp for trekking to the lake in the
summer.
The
Satsar Lake is mainly fed by melting snow. During the late summer and autumn,
two or three lakes usually dry up, depending upon the precipitation. These
lakes give rise to a stream which disappears and flows underground, from the
sideby glacier a stream originates and flows down southwards and falls into
Wangath Nallah through Churnar which is the major right tributory of the Sindh
River.
During
the winter, the Satsar Lakes are covered by heavy snow. The basin of the lake
is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers are found in late spring throughout
the area around the lake.
All
seven lakes are stocked with trout, mainly brown trout. Licensed anglers
are permitted to fish in the lakes, although permission has to be obtained
from Srinagar in advance.
Access
The
Satsar Lakes are accessible only during the summer; during the winter, the
treks are closed because of the heavy snowfall. Satsar can be reached
from Srinagar, via a 65 km motorable road which leads through
Ganderbal and Wayil to the Naranag trekking camp. The alpine meadows
of Trunakhul and Badpathri and the lakes of Nundkol and Gangabal lie along the
route. An alternate trek starts from Chattergul village, 10 km to the west
of Naranag, which leads through the meadows of Mahlish. The lake can also be
accessed through Bandipora and the
six-day trekking starting point is Arin. It can also be accessed through Gurais via
Tulail. Tourists prefer to take the Naranag trek and return via GadsarLake,
Vishansar Lake, and Sonamarg or vice versa to cover most alpine lakes of the
area.
Konsar
Nag is nearly two day trekking from Shopian town. The Acchabal waterfall is
created by the water of “River Vishav” and the waterfall has a height of nearly
100 feet. The source of River Vishau is from the “KONSAR NAG” (Nag in
Kashmiri language means Lake), which lies in-between the three peaks of “PIR
PANCHAL” Ranges. This Lake is situated at a altitude of 12,800 feet above the
sea level and is fed by the surrounding glaciers of “PIR PANCHAL” ranges. The
alpine meadow of Kungwatan lies at the halfway point of the two-day trek to the
high-altitude Konsurnag Lake, which is the source of the Veshu River.
The Vishansar
Lake is an alpine high altitude lake situated in the vicinity
of Soanmarg at an elevation of 3710 meters. It has a maximum length of 1
kilometer and maximum width of 0.6 kilometers.
Vishansar in Pahari means the
lake of Vishnu is home to many types of fishes among of which is
the brown trout. It freezes during winter. During the summer season,
the lake is surrounded by green lush meadows where local shepherds graze their
flocks of sheep and goat. The Lake with its scenic beauty, snow covered
mountains and their gorges filled with small glaciers and the meadows around,
with alpine flowers is an attraction for the trekkers in the Kashmir
valley. It is fed by the Krishanasar Lake and glaciers. The Vishansar Lake
is the source of Neelum River which flows northwards up to Badoab and
then westwards through Gurais along the Line of control. TheGadsar lies
some 9 km in west crossing Gadsar Pass.
Access
The
Vishansar Lake is situated 115 km. northeast from Srinagar and
35 km from Shitkadi Sonamarg. It can be accessed from Srinagar
80 km by road up to village Shitkadi from which ponies can be
hired to cover an alpine trek of 35 km which takes a complete day of
trekking and one has to cross the Nichnai Pass of 4100 meters above sea level.
The best time to visit the lake is in the month of June to September
The
Wular is the largest fresh-water lake in India and according to some, perhaps
in Asia too. It is 121 miles long and 5 miles broad. It lies to the north-cast
of the valley with mountains overlooking it.Wular Lake (also
spelt Wullar), Wular Lake.
Wular
Lake - is the largest fresh Water Lake in Asia, towering mountains surround it.
The Jade Green Waters swirl gently around a curious, bubbling spring in the
middle of the lake.One of the largest fresh water lake in Asia, is in Bandipora
district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake basin was
formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum
River. The lake's size varies seasonally from 12 to 100 square miles (30 to 260
square kilometers). Boating, water sports and water ski have recently been
launched by the Government of India Tourism in collaboration with Kerala
Tourism and J&K Tourism. The contract for the operation of the site was
awarded in September 2011.
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| Killing Demons-picture taken during 19`5 |
In
ancient times, Wular Lake was also called Mahapadamsar (Sanskrit: महापद्मसरः).
Nilamata Purana also mentions it as 'Mahapadmasaras'. Mahapadamsar is referred
as Bolor by Al-Biruni {960-1031 AD}. The lake, with its big
dimensions and the extent of water, gives rise to high leaping waves in the
afternoons, called Ullola in Sanskrit; meaning stormy leaping, high rising
waves. Therefore, it was also being called 'Ullola'. Its corrupted form saw its
transition as ‘Bolor’ by Al-Biruni and over the centuries corrupted further to
‘Wulor’ or ‘Wular’. The origin may also be attributed to a Kashmiri word
'Wul', which means a gap or a fissure, appellation that must have come also
during this period. The word Wul {Gap or fissure}, is also indicator of its
origin to a fissure or gap created.
The
lake is one of the 23 Indian wetlands designated as a Ramsar site. However
it faces environmental threats including the conversion of large parts of the
lake's catchment areas into agriculture land, pollution from fertilizers and
animal wastes, hunting of waterfowl and migratory birds and weed infestation in
the lake itself.
Fish
Wular
Lake is an important fish habitat, the main species being the Common carp (Cyprinus
carpio), rosy barb (Barbus conchonius), (Gambusia
affinis), Nemacheilus species, crossocheilus latius, and
various snowtrout species.
Fish
from Wular Lake make up a significant part of the diet for many thousands of
people living on its shores and elsewhere in the Kashmir Valley . More
than eight thousand fishermen earn their livelihood from the lake, primarily
fishing for the endemic Schizothoraxspecies and the non-native carp. Their
catch comprises about 60 percent of the total yield of fish in Kashmir.
Hundreds of other local villagers are employed by cooperative societies that
trade the fish catch. More than 8,000 fishermen earn their livelihood from
Wular Lake. Many other families harvest plants such as the grass Phragmites and
the waterlily-like Nymphoides from the lake for animal fodder.
History
The
Kashmiri sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is reputed to have ordered the
construction of the artificial island of Zaina Lank in the middle of the lake
in 1444.
Sheshnag
Lake is an alpine high altitude situated at the track leading
to Amarnath cave 23 kilometers from Pahalgam. It is at an
elevation of 3590 meters. It has a maximum length of 1.1 kilometers and maximum
width of 0.7 kilometers.
According
to the Hindu mythology Sheshnag means the king of snakes and
the lake was dug by Sheshnag himself. It is believed by the
Hindus that Sheshnag stays in this Lake even today. It is one of the most
ancient places of pilgrimage for the Hindus, as it lies on the track
of Amarnath Cave.
Sheshnag
Lake is home to many types of fishes among of which is the brown
trout. It freezes during winter, and is inaccessible during this season due to
heavy snowfall. It is surrounded by green lush meadows and mountains covered by
snow. Sheshnag Lake is one of the famous tourist destination in Kashmir
valley. It is mostly fed by melting of snow and streams coming down from
mountain tops. It drains out through a stream which joins Lidder River at
Pahalgam.
Access
Sheshnag
Lake is situated 120 kilometers east from Srinagar and 23 km
from Pahalgam. It can be accessed 113 km by road up to
Chandanwari from which ponies can be hired to cover a trek of 7 km upslope
to reach the Sheshnag Lake. Amarnath Cave is situated 20 kilometers
north of this lake. The best time to visit the lake is from the month of June
to September
Nagin Lake
Nagin
Lake, though sometimes referred to as a separate lake, is actually part of Dal
Lake, being linked through a causeway The lake is bounded by the Shankaracharya
hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west and is located
at the foot of the Zabarwan hills.
Nagin
Lake, a subsidiary of the Dal Lake, is regarded as a separate lake. Swimming,
diving and boating are some of its major attraction. Its picturesque locales
consist of Shankaracharya hill, Hari Parbat and a number of willow and poplar
trees along its banks.
Nagin
Lake of Kashmir is an offshoot leading from the Dal Lake. The Nagin Lake is
located to the east of the city, at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan. On
the edges of the Nageen Lake are a number of willow and poplar trees. The
reflection of these tees in the water of the lake lends it a beautiful view.
Surrounded by Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari
Parbat on the west, the Nagin Lake of Kashmir presents a charming sight.
Shikaras, ferrying people to and from the lake, are a fascinating feature of
the lake. Bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches are also
available for hire at the lake.
Manasbal Lake
Located
approximately 28 km from Srinagar is the charming Manasbal Lake. It is one of
the largest natural haunts of aquatic birds In Kashmir. Manasbal lake is the
deepest lake in the country. Its greenish-blue waters are wondrous and
beautiful.
Manasbal Lake is located in the Jhelum valley, north of Srinagar city in the
State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The name Manasbal is said to be a
derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. Lake is encircled by three villages viz.,
Jarokbal, Kondabal (also called Kiln place, is situated on the north-eastern
side of the lake) and Ganderbal and is stated to be the deepest lake (at 13
m/43 ft depth) in the Kashmir valley. The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
at the periphery of the lake (blooms during July and August) adds to the beauty
of the clear waters of the lake. The Mughal garden, called the Garoka, (meaning
bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.
The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural
stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of
"supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes". The rootstocks of lotus plant
which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten
by the local people.
Situated
amongst scenic surroundings, the Anchar Lake is best enjoyed with the help of a
Shikara. The lake serves as a bird watcher's paradise. A large number of exotic
bird species can be seen here.
