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.
MCQs on Lakes of Himachal Pradesh
- Which is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Prashar Lake
- b) Renuka Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: b) Renuka Lake
- Renuka Lake is situated in which district of Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Kullu
- b) Sirmaur
- c) Kangra
- d) Mandi
Answer: b) Sirmaur
- Which lake is known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’?
- a) Prashar Lake
- b) Renuka Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: c) Khajjiar Lake
- Dal Lake is located near which popular town of Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Manali
- b) Dharamshala
- c) Shimla
- d) Kullu
Answer: b) Dharamshala
- Which lake is associated with sage Prashar and is located in Mandi district?
- a) Chandratal Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Suraj Tal Lake
- d) Nako Lake
Answer: b) Prashar Lake
- Chandratal Lake is located at a high altitude in which valley of Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Spiti Valley
- b) Kullu Valley
- c) Kangra Valley
- d) Chamba Valley
Answer: a) Spiti Valley
- Suraj Tal Lake is a major source of which river?
- a) Ravi
- b) Chenab
- c) Sutlej
- d) Beas
Answer: b) Chenab
- Which lake is located in the Chamba district and is known for the Khajji Nag temple?
- a) Prashar Lake
- b) Khajjiar Lake
- c) Dal Lake
- d) Suraj Tal
Answer: b) Khajjiar Lake
- The shape of Renuka Lake is said to resemble which of the following?
- a) A Lotus
- b) A Crescent Moon
- c) A Woman
- d) A Mountain
Answer: c) A Woman
- Which of the following lakes is located at the highest altitude?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Chandratal Lake
- d) Suraj Tal
Answer: d) Suraj Tal
- Which lake is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and is located near the town of Nahan?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Chandratal Lake
- c) Prashar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: a) Renuka Lake
- Chandratal Lake is known for its:
- a) Religious Significance
- b) Trekking Trails
- c) Wildlife Sanctuary
- d) Hot Springs
Answer: b) Trekking Trails
- The name “Chandratal” means:
- a) Moon Lake
- b) Sun Lake
- c) Crystal Lake
- d) Lotus Lake
Answer: a) Moon Lake
- Which lake is situated near the famous Rohtang Pass?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Chandratal Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: b) Chandratal Lake
- Prashar Lake is known for a temple dedicated to which sage?
- a) Sage Vashishta
- b) Sage Prashar
- c) Sage Durvasa
- d) Sage Agastya
Answer: b) Sage Prashar
- Which lake in Himachal Pradesh is associated with the myth of Parshuram and his mother Renuka?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: a) Renuka Lake
- Which lake in Himachal Pradesh freezes during the winter and is known for trekking?
- a) Khajjiar Lake
- b) Suraj Tal
- c) Chandratal Lake
- d) Renuka Lake
Answer: c) Chandratal Lake
- Dal Lake in Himachal Pradesh is located near which hill station?
- a) Shimla
- b) Dharamshala
- c) Manali
- d) Kasauli
Answer: b) Dharamshala
- Suraj Tal Lake is located close to which mountain pass?
- a) Rohtang Pass
- b) Kunzum Pass
- c) Baralacha Pass
- d) Hampta Pass
Answer: c) Baralacha Pass
- Which lake is considered sacred and attracts visitors during the annual Renuka Fair?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Chandratal Lake
- d) Nako Lake
Answer: a) Renuka Lake
- Which lake in Himachal Pradesh is known for its floating island?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: b) Prashar Lake
- Nako Lake is located in which district of Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Lahaul and Spiti
- b) Kinnaur
- c) Kangra
- d) Chamba
Answer: b) Kinnaur
- Which lake in Himachal Pradesh is famous for boating and is the largest freshwater lake in the state?
- a) Khajjiar Lake
- b) Renuka Lake
- c) Chandratal Lake
- d) Suraj Tal
Answer: b) Renuka Lake
- Which lake is situated near McLeod Ganj, a popular tourist destination?
- a) Dal Lake
- b) Renuka Lake
- c) Prashar Lake
- d) Khajjiar Lake
Answer: a) Dal Lake
- Chandratal Lake is a favorite spot for which adventure activity?
- a) Paragliding
- b) Boating
- c) Trekking
- d) Rock Climbing
Answer: c) Trekking
- Which lake is named after the god Khajji Nag and is located in a lush green meadow?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Khajjiar Lake
- d) Dal Lake
Answer: c) Khajjiar Lake
- Suraj Tal Lake is located in which part of Himachal Pradesh?
- a) Kangra Valley
- b) Spiti Valley
- c) Lahaul Valley
- d) Kullu Valley
Answer: c) Lahaul Valley
- Which lake is often called the ‘Lake of the Sun God’?
- a) Renuka Lake
- b) Prashar Lake
- c) Chandratal Lake
- d) Suraj Tal
Answer: d) Suraj Tal
- Which lake is surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar mountains?
- a) Dal Lake
- b) Chandratal Lake
- c) Renuka Lake
- d) Khajjiar Lake
Answer: a) Dal Lake
- Which lake in Himachal Pradesh is considered the third highest lake in India?
- a) Suraj Tal
- b) Chandratal Lake
- c) Prashar Lake
- d) Nako Lake
Answer: a) Suraj Tal
These questions cover various lakes in Himachal Pradesh, their geographical location, and cultural or religious significance.
Remember to revise these details and explore further to deepen your understanding of Himachal Pradesh’s geography. Good luck with your exam preparations!
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