Mansar Lake (Things to Do, Timings, Best time to visit, Images & Location)

Published On: February 9, 2025

Mansar Lake: A Scenic and Sacred Destination in Jammu

Mansar Lake, located approximately 64 km from Jammu along the Jammu-Pathankot Highway, is a breathtaking natural wonder encircled by lush pine-forested hills. This pristine waterbody, nearly a mile in length and half a mile in width, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, thriving aquatic life, and its deep-rooted religious significance.

Natural Beauty and Recreational Activities

Mansar Lake is an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The lake’s placid waters make it a popular destination for boating, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene ambiance. A remarkable feature of the lake is its abundant population of massive freshwater turtles that fascinate tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Entry Fee and Timings of Mansar Lake, Jammu & Kashmir

There is no entry fee to visit Mansar Lake whereas,Parking: INR 50. However, you’ll need to pay some charges if you’re interested in boating. For 2 people, it costs INR 50 per head, and for 4 people, the amount is INR 100 per head. Coming to its timings, it welcomes people all day long but the recommended timings are from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM throughout the week.

How to Reach Mansar Lake, Jammu & Kashmir?

Reaching Mansar Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is quite convenient, with multiple travel options available. Depending on your location, you can choose between public transport, taxis, or private car rentals for a comfortable journey.

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, top car rental services in Jammu & Kashmir offer private cabs with experienced chauffeurs. Your cab will wait outside, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace.

Travel Options to Mansar Lake

1. By Air

The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (IXJ), located approximately 65 km from Mansar Lake. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the lake conveniently.

2. By Rail

The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, about 60 km from Mansar Lake. This station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the lake.

3. By Road

Mansar Lake is well-connected by road and can be reached by cab, local bus, or private car from Jammu. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and offers a scenic route through dense forests and picturesque villages, making your journey enjoyable.

For full day outing, private taxi charges around INR 2500 – INR 3000. You can also take a bus from Jammu bus station. The bus plies to Mansar at regular intervals and costs INR 50 per person.

Whether you’re traveling by air, rail, or road, a visit to Mansar Lake is worth the trip! Plan your journey today and experience the serene beauty of this natural gem.

Things to do at Mansar Lake

Boating Facilities: Enjoy pedal and row boating, offering a peaceful experience amidst the lake’s tranquil surroundings.
Temple Visits: Pay respects at the surrounding temples which draw cultural and spiritual significance.
Festivals and Ceremonies: Engage in local festivals and ceremonies like the Mundan ceremony or take part in festive dips believed to purify the soul.
Wildlife Sanctuary: The Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary, located nearby, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including spotted deer, Nilgai (blue bull), and a variety of migratory birds such as cranes and ducks.
Nature Walks: A well-maintained cemented path surrounds the lake, with strategically placed viewing decks to observe seasonal birds, fish, and turtles.
Local Village Culture: Experience the unique lifestyle of the Gujjar and Bakarwals, indigenous communities living in the surrounding hills.
Nature Trails: Traverse the surrounding hills and forests for hiking or a peaceful day out in nature.

Religious Significance of Mansar Lake

Mansar Lake is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, often associated with the sacred Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. The lake houses several temples that attract devotees year-round.

Sheshnag Temple

Located on the eastern bank, this temple is dedicated to Sheshnag, the legendary serpent god with six heads. Newlywed couples perform three circumambulations (Parikrama) around the lake to seek divine blessings for a blissful married life.

Other Temples Near Mansar Lake

Umapati Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is visited by devotees seeking spiritual peace and divine blessings.
Narsimha Temple: This shrine venerates Lord Narsimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu known for protecting his devotees.
Durga Temple: This temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is another major attraction for pilgrims.

Sacred Rituals and Ceremonies

Mansar Lake serves as an important religious site where various ceremonies and rituals take place:

Mundan Ceremony: Hindus consider it auspicious to conduct the first hair-cutting (Mundan) of male children at the lake.
Parikrama: Pilgrims circumambulate the lake to seek divine blessings and good fortune.
Holy Dips: Devotees take a dip in the lake’s sacred waters during religious festivals, believing it purifies the soul.

Legends and Myths Associated with Mansar Lake

Mansar Lake is steeped in folklore, enhancing its mystical allure. The most prominent legend links the lake to Sheshnag, the celestial serpent king believed to reside in both Mansarovar Lake in Tibet and Mansar Lake in Jammu. It is said that Sheshnag travels between these lakes through an underground passage.

Popular Folklore

The Creation of the Lake: According to myth, Sheshnag formed the lake by striking the ground with his mighty tail.
The Curse of the Brahmin: A local legend narrates how a Brahmin’s curse on a snake led to Sheshnag hiding in the lake forever.
The Goddess’s Appearance: Devotees claim to have witnessed Goddess Mansa Devi emerging from the lake, blessing pilgrims before vanishing into the waters.

Festivals Celebrated at Mansar Lake

The lake serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting several festivals throughout the year:

Baisakhi Mela (April)

This grand festival marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest season. Thousands of visitors gather for cultural performances, boat races, and religious processions.

Nag Panchami (July-August)

Dedicated to the worship of snakes, devotees offer milk and honey at the Sheshnag Temple to seek protection from serpent deities.

Food and Craft Mela (October-November)

A delightful event featuring authentic Dogra cuisine and traditional handicrafts, this festival is organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.

Top Attractions Near Mansar Lake

Surinsar Lake

Located just 9 km away, Surinsar Lake is a quieter, more serene counterpart to Mansar Lake. Surrounded by dense forests, it is an excellent destination for birdwatching, meditation, and spiritual retreats.

Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Covering the lush forests surrounding both lakes, this sanctuary is a must-visit for wildlife lovers, offering opportunities to spot leopards, wild boars, monkeys, and jackals.

Adventure Activities

Boating: Paddle or row around the scenic lake.
Trekking: Hike through the hills surrounding the lake for breathtaking panoramic views.
Camping: Enjoy a night under the stars near the lake’s shores.

Best Time to Visit Mansar Lake

The ideal time to visit Mansar Lake is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the lake brims with beauty. Visitors can also plan their trips around the Baisakhi Mela in April and Nag Panchami in July-August to witness the vibrant cultural and religious festivities.

Essential Travel Tips

Respect the sanctity of the site: Avoid littering or polluting the lake.
Follow local guidelines: Obey safety regulations, especially while boating or trekking.
Carry essentials: Bring water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen for a comfortable visit.

Best Time to Visit

The best season to visit Mansar Lake would be during October and March, as the weather is cool and pleasant. The region is familiarized with mild winters during these months, making it ideal for visiting and other outdoor activities. During July through September, which marks the monsoon period, the surrounding forests go greener and the lake fills up. It’s a very good period to visit Mansar Lake. During the summer months from April through June, it can be pretty hot and touch 40°C or more.

View of mansar lake image jammu — View of mansar lake

Mansar Lake is more than just a tourist attraction—it is a spiritual retreat, a nature lover’s paradise, and an adventure seeker’s dream. Whether you visit for religious purposes, scenic beauty, or thrilling activities, this hidden gem of Jammu promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history, culture, and nature.

Plan your visit to Mansar Lake today and immerse yourself in its divine tranquility!