Surinsar Lake
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]
| Surinsar Lake | |
|---|---|
 Surinsar Lake view and a small island at the middle of lake | |
  Surinsar Lake | |
| Location | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Coordinates | 32.696076°N 75.146806°E |
| Basin countries | India |
| Islands | Small island at the middle |
| Official name | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes |
| Designated | 8 November 2005 |
| Reference no. | 1573[1] |
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 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
- Surang: a tunnel, is a long passage usually through a hill, which has been made under the ground.[5]
References
- "Surinsar-Mansar Lakes". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- "Surinsar Lake - JK Tourism". www.jktourism.jk.gov.in. Retrieved 22 Jun 2020.
- "Surinsar Lake - Official Website of Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation". www.jktdc.co.in. Retrieved 22 Jun 2020.
- "Surinsar Lake - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 Jun 2020.
- "English translation of 'सुरंग'". www.collinsdictionary.com.