Anchar Lake, Mountain lake in Soura district of Srinagar, India
Anchar Lake is a freshwater lake in the Soura district of Srinagar, India, connected to Dal Lake through a natural channel. It sits at the northern edge of the city and is one of the larger water bodies in the Kashmir valley, surrounded by low-lying wetland areas.
The lake formed as a natural depression in the Kashmir valley and has been used by local communities for fishing and water trade for centuries. In the 20th century, drainage works were added to manage the flow between it and the connected water bodies nearby.
The Hanji community has lived on the water here for generations, fishing and practicing traditional crafts that visitors can still watch from the shore or a boat. Their wooden vessels and daily routines give the lake a lived-in quality that feels far removed from city life.
Parts of the shoreline can be reached by local roads, but a boat trip gives a much better sense of the lake's scale and its surrounding wetlands. Visiting outside the winter months makes access easier, as some paths and embankments can become muddy or flooded in wet seasons.
When Dal Lake floods during heavy rains, Anchar Lake absorbs the overflow and acts as a natural buffer that protects lower parts of Srinagar. This role means the two lakes effectively function as one system, with water moving between them depending on rainfall and season.
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