Exploring the Enchanting Lakes of Himachal Pradesh: A Comprehensive Guide for Government Job Aspirants
Himachal Pradesh, a paradise nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and serene lakes. This guide provides detailed information on the major lakes in Himachal Pradesh, making it an essential resource for government job aspirants preparing for competitive exams.
1. Govind Sagar Lake
Location: Between Slapper and Bhakhra villages
Highlights:
- Formed by the Bhakra Dam, the world’s highest gravity dam.
- Called the “Temple of Resurgent India” by Pandit Nehru.
- The largest artificial lake in Himachal Pradesh.
2. Ghadasaru Lake
Location: Chamba
Highlights:
- A Kali temple is situated near its bank.
3. Khajjiar Lake
Location: 24 km from Dalhousie
Highlights:
- Known as “Mini Switzerland” by Swiss envoy Willy P. Blazer.
- Features a temple dedicated to Khajjia Nag.
- Signboard indicates its distance from Swiss capital Berne.
4. Lama Dal Lake
Location: 20 km from Dainkund
Highlights:
- A group of seven lakes.
- Local Gaddi tribe visits during Janmashtami.
- Depth unknown.
5. Manimahesh Lake
Location: 35 km from Bharmour
Highlights:
- Situated at the foot of Mount Kailash (5660m).
- Believed to be blessed by Kali and protected by Shiva.
- Manimahesh Yatra held annually.
6. Chamera Lake
Location: Chamba
Highlights:
- Formed due to a hydro project on River Ravi.
- Road to the dam leads to Bhalie Temple and Bhandal Valley.
7. Mahakali Lake
Location: Churah, Chamba
Highlights:
- Dedicated to Kali.
8. ChanderKup Tal
Location: Chamba
Highlights:
- Snow-covered most of the year.
- Ice blocks float in summer.
9. Dal Lake
Location: Dharamshala, Kangra
Highlights:
- Also known as Bhagsunag Lake.
- Features a temple dedicated to Lord Drivehswar/Dhrumeshwar.
- Radhaashtami fair held 15 days after Janmashtami.
10. Pong Lake
Location: Dehra and Pong dam
Highlights:
- Formed on the Beas River in 1960.
- Declared a sanctuary in 1983.
- Only place in India, other than Bharatpur, where the rare red-necked grebe is found.
11. Kareri Lake
Location: Dharamshala
Highlights:
- Its water flows into Layun River.
12. Kumarwah Lake
Location: Chachiot, Mandi
Highlights:
- Gold and silver offerings from a nearby shrine are thrown into the lake.
13. Rewalsar Lake
Location: Mandi
Highlights:
- Known as “Padmacan” and associated with Padmasambhava.
- Connected to Naga Cult or serpent worshipping.
- Features floating islands given by Shiva to Lomash Rishi.
- Sikh Gurudwara commemorating Guru Govind Singh’s visit.
14. Kunt Bhayog Lake
Location: Hilltop of Rewalsar town, Mandi
15. Kalasar Lake
Location: Hilltop of Rewalsar town, Mandi
16. Sukhsar Lake
Location: Hilltop of Rewalsar town, Mandi
17. Pandoh Lake
Location: 14 km from Mandi on Mandi-Kullu NH-21
Highlights:
- Formed by diverting the Beas River to Satluj at Slapper.
18. Prashar Lake
Location: 30 km from Mandi
Highlights:
- Known for its floating island.
- Features a three-storied pagoda-like temple.
- Prashar fair held annually.
19. Bhrighu Lake
Location: Near Rohtang Pass, Kullu
20. Saryolsar Lake
Location: Top of Jalori Pass, Kullu
21. Mantilai Lake
Location: Source of Parbati River, Kullu
22. Shringtingu Lake
Location: Kullu
Highlights:
- Offers panoramic views of Bara Banghal.
23. Chadaranahan Lake
Location: Chansal Peak, Rohru Tehsil
Highlights:
- Origin of Pabbar River.
24. Tanu Jubbar Lake
Location: Near Narkanda, Shimla
25. Bradonsar Lake
Location: Between Dodra-Kawar (Shimla) and Sangla (Kinnaur)
26. Karali Lake
Location: Chhota Shali Hillock, Shimla
Highlights:
- Known for its dirty water.
- Comparable in size to Annadale ground in Shimla.
27. Nako Lake
Location: Near Nako village, Kinnaur
Highlights:
- Famous for skating.
28. Sorong Lake
Location: Kinnaur
29. Renuka Lake
Location: Sirmaur
Highlights:
- Shaped like a sleeping woman.
- Formed when mother Renuka was sacrificed by her son Parshuram.
- Renuka fair held annually after Diwali.
- Largest natural lake in HP.
- Formed by a fault in the earth’s crust.
- Giri River once flowed along its banks.
30. Suketi Lake
Location: Near Shivalik Fossil Park, Sirmaur
Highlights:
- Now filled with sand.
31. Suraj Tal
Location: Lahaul-Spiti
Highlights:
- Also known as the Lake of Sun.
- Source of Bhaga River.
- Located opposite Baralacha Pass.
32. Chandra Tal
Location: Lahaul-Spiti
Highlights:
- Also known as the Lake of Moon.
- Source of Chandra River.
- Called “Lohitya Sarovar” by Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang.
33. Una So Lake
Location: Lahaul-Spiti
Highlights:
- Deepak Tal and Vishal Tal also located here.
Conclusion
Himachal Pradesh’s lakes are not only a source of natural beauty but also hold significant cultural, religious, and ecological value. For government job aspirants, understanding these lakes is crucial as questions related to them often appear in competitive exams. This comprehensive guide covers the essential details, making it a valuable resource for your preparations.
Remember to revise these details and explore further to deepen your understanding of Himachal Pradesh’s geography. Good luck with your exam preparations!