Wular Lake – Largest freshwater lake in India

Wular Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake, is located in the Kashmir Valley 40 km north of Srinagar City. It is in the Northwest of India. It covers an area of 189 square kilometers. Wular Lake, which covers 189 sq. km, is also the largest freshwater lake in Asia. The lake is located at 1,580 m elevation. It has a maximum depth of 14 metres. It measures 16 km in length and 10 km in breadth.

Wular Lake is an important part of the hydrographic system in Kashmir Valley. It acts as an enormous absorption basin for floodwaters each year. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including important birds and mammals. Each year, hundreds of tons of silt are brought into the lake by the rivers Madamati, Madamati, and Bohnar from the mountains. The lake is affected by siltation from all directions and human encroachments.

Recognizing its hydrological, socio-economic and biological values, the lake was designated in 1986 as a Wetland of National Importance under The Wetlands Programme of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests. This designation allowed for intensive conservation and management. It was then designated as a Wetland with International Importance by the Ramsar Convention in 1990.

Wular Lake provides a wintering spot for many migratory waterfowl species, including the Little Egretta garzetta (Egretta garzetta), Cattle Egzet(Bubulcus Ibis), Shoveler/Anas Clypeata), Mallard (Aythya farina), and Cattle Egzet. The Red List of IUCN includes species such as Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta Angustirostris), Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaetus leucoryphus), and others. There are many terrestrial bird species around the lake, including the Short-toed Eagle Circaetus Gallicus, Little Cuckoo Piaya minuta, European Hoopoe (Upupa Epops), Monal Pheasant Lophophorus impejanus and Himalayan Pid Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis Albescens.

Wular Lake also contributes 60 percent to the Kashmir Valley’s fish yield. Cyprinus carpio and Barbus conchonius are the dominant fish species in the lake. Wular Lake is home to more than 8,000 fishermen.

This lake is one of six Indian wetland areas that have been designated Ramsar sites. It faces many environmental challenges, including conversion of large areas of its catchment areas to agriculture, pollution by fertilizers and animal refuses, hunting waterfowl and other migratory birds, and weed infestation within the lake.

Fish:

Wular Lake fish is a major part of the daily diet of thousands of Kashmir Valley residents. The lake is home to more than 8 000 fishermen who fish mainly for Schizothorax and non-native carp. Their catch accounts for approximately 60% of Kashmir’s total fish yield.

Birds:

It is home to a large number of birds. The lake is home to many terrestrial birds, including the Black-eared Kites, Eurasian Sparrowhawks, Himalayan Golden Eagles, Himalayan Monal and Himalayan Woodpecker.

Histories

Wular Lake, known as India’s largest freshwater lake, is located approximately 60km from Srinagar. This lake is a result of the accumulated water from the Jhelum River. The Tulbul Project, a nearby reservoir, was built at the mouth the Wular Lake. It provides water for the city’s winter needs. Wular Lake is surrounded with magnificent mountains and dense forests, which are home to many trees such as coniferous pine and apple. This adds a wonderful touch of elegance to the atmosphere.

History tells us that King Zain-ul Abidin, a 15th-century king, had created an artificial island called Zaina Sri Lanka in the lake. This provided shelter for boatmen during heavy rain and storms. You can still see its remains in the lake.

The scenery is enhanced by the presence of terrestrial birds that adorn the lake. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish, which provides food for many. Many people in the area also enjoy fishing as their primary occupation.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Lake’s water ski and rafting. Every year, tourists flock to Wular Lake. You will be enchanted by Wular Lake if you enjoy water sports such as fishing or sailing in the shikaras.

The best time to visit

Between June and August is the best time to visit Wular Lake.

Trivia

Mota Khon is also known as the “Gulf of corpses”, which is the section of Wular Lake where all of the bodies are believed to be buried.

Timing

You can visit the lake at any hour of the day. However, it is best to visit in the morning to really enjoy its beauty.