Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake (1,775 meters above sea level) situated at a distance of 11 kilometers away from Dharamshala near the village of Tota Rani on Macleodganj Naddi road in Kangra district Himachal Pradesh). Dal Lake is 2 KM walk westwards from MacLeodganj bazaar. Nestling amidst lush green forests of deodar trees, the Dal Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and pilgrimage center. The area around Dal Lake is a natural paradise. The area of the lake is around one hectare (i.e. 10,000 square meters). On the bank of Dal Lake a famous Lord Shiva temple is located, which is considered to be very sacred and as old as 200 years. According to one legend a sage named Durvasa prayed to Lord Shiva here. Every year during rainy season, on the day of Radhasthami, a huge number of Lord Shiva devotees flock to the Dal Lake to attend famous festival celebrated to mark the presence of Lord Shiva and take holy dip in the sacred waters of the lake. It is believed that that the source of lake waters is mainly the famous and sacred Manimahesh Lake (situated at Bharmour, Distt. Chamba) and those who cannot take holy bath in the Manimahesh lake which is situated at the altitude of 13,500 feet and at a very difficult and inhospitable climate take dip in the waters of Dal Lake. Ma Kali Temple is also situated on the other end of the Lake. The lake has natural springs on the Northern side and according one legend Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati kunds are also located in it