Introduction

Located just off the Jammu-Srinagar highway, some forty-two kilometers from Jammu, the Surinsar Lake is considered as a ‘twin lake’ of the more famous and popular lake of Mansar. Some believe that the lake of Mansar is connected by underground waterways to the lake of Surinsar. Legend has it that Kunti, the mother of the five Pandava brothers in the epic, Mahabharata was beset with thirst while in the area and there was no water to be had. Arjuna, considered to be the bravest of the brothers, shot an arrow into the ground at Mansar and the arrow emerged in Surinsar; water gushed out of the earth and Kunti was able to assuage her thirst – and this was responsible for the creation of both these lakes. Another legend goes that Vabruvahan, a son of Arjuna had to go to the netherworld to bring back the ‘Mani’ that belonged to the serpent-king to heal Arjuna who had been wounded in a battle. The serpent king would not allow this. Vabruvahan shot one set of arrows to enter the earth and another set to escape from it. The channel of one became Mansar and the other became Surinsar.

Geologists have a different story to tell. Like Mansar, Surinsar Lake was also formed as the result of tectonic activity in the Holocene period that began around twelve thousand years ago and traditional-school geologists consider that this period is still continuing.

A popular excursion and stop over between Jammu and Srinagar, Surinsar Lake is surrounded by hills that are covered with thick scrub and pine forests. In summer, the waters are covered with lotus flowers.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has established the Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority (MSDA), to develop infrastructure in the areas adjoining the lakes. Floating barricades to protect migratory birds are also being set up at Surinsar.

Special Attributes

Natural lake and good stopover between Jammu and Srinagar.

Nuisance

None as such

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable but conservative.

Connectivity

Taxis

Enjoyed by

Nature, natural history and general interest

Exposure

Yes. Especially in summer.

Avoidable Season

None

Facilities

Limited

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

This may also be done as an excursion from Jammu

Type of site

Lake