Surinsar Lake

About 42 kilometres from the main town of Jammu rests the sublime Surinsar Lake. This is one of the most beautiful lakes near Jammu – the other one being Mansar Lake – located 9 kilometres from Surinsar. The beauty and charm of Surinsar Lake lies in the heavily forested hills, the tranquil surroundings and the abundant fauna, avifauna and flora populating the region. Right in the middle of the lake is a teeny-weeny island, and the banks are perfect for a picnic or meditation. As per a legend associated with this lake, once upon a time, the matchless archer Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, had shot an arrow from his illustrious bow into the ground of Mansar. The arrow pierced the earth and travelled all the way to resurface through a place which later came to be known as Surang Sar (Surang means underground tunnel). In this age, the lake is known as Surinsar. A dip in the lake and boating are discouraged due to some religious beliefs.