Mansar Lake
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Mansar Lake has situated 62 km (39 mi) from Jammu, Mansar is a lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width. Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake, there is a shrine to Sheshnag, a snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Two ancient temples of Umapati Mahadev & Narsimha as also a temple of Durga are situated in the vicinity of Mansar Lake. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions. Newlyweds consider it auspicious to perform three circumambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents, whose shrine is located on its eastern bank. Certain communities of Hindus perform the Mundan ceremony (First hair cut) of their male children here. There are also some ancient temples on the lake’s shores, which are visited by devotees in large numbers. Mansour is also ideal for boating for which the Tourism Department provides adequate facilities. With all religious beliefs and heritage behind it, Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna.
The lake has cemented paths all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoises, and fishes of different species. There is a Wildlife Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks, etc. One can also witness the traditional and typical distinct lifestyle of Gujjar and Backways wearing the ethnic costume, living in open Kull has around on the hills of Mansar Lake. This Mansar lake road joins another important road that directly links Pathankot (Punjab) to Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu Province. Udhampur is a town of strategic importance, again on National Highway No. 1A. The shortcut road from Mansar or Samba to Udhampur by-passes the Jammu town. Surinsar Lake, a smaller lake that is linked to Mansar, is 24 km (15 mi) from Jammu (via a bypass road). Mansar can be reached from Jammu on the National Highway while traveling from Jammu to bordering the state of Punjab. You need to be here at least once to see its beauty and believe that you have come to the right place to spend some quality time.