Located in the picturesque terrains of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, Akal Darshini Lake has a lot of religious significance. It is visited and worshipped by followers of the Bakerwala faith. Thousands of tourists and devotees throng to Akal Darshini Lake, which is located about 1 km away from the equally popular Sukh Sar.

Akal Darshini Lake is distinctive because of its triangular shape and occupies a pride of place in the tourist maps of Jammu and Kashmir. Set amidst vast stretches of lush green meadows of this “Land of Vales”, the waters of Akal Darshini Lake are blackish to the eye of discerning tourists. Unlike the pristine blue waters of other lakes and water bodies in the region, the surface of Akal Darshini Lake appears dark in color and intrigues its visitors with mystical hues across the day.

Pir Panjal, which falls under the jurisdiction of Pooch-Rajouri districts, is located at an altitude of 10000 ft. to 14500 ft. The meadows and lakes dotting this region give it an interesting character and make this place worth visiting. There are over 27 lakes in the region between Nandan Sar and Simar Sar with Akal Darshini Lake being one of the most prominent.

Sukh Sar, Diya Sar, Chandan Sar, Katori Sar, Chamar Sar, Bhsg Sar, Nandan Sar, Raviwalli lakes and Katori Sar in Bela Marg are the other scenic lakes surrounding Diya Sar. These highland lakes are prone to freezing in winter months-- when they become inaccessible to tourists. Akal Darshini Lake lies at an altitude of 3300 m above sea level and sprawls over an area of 200 m by 400 m.

Akal Darshini Lake was initially an integral part of Poonch District and was a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. Over a period of time, its scenic terrains have been designated to Rajoruri district, which is distinguished by vast expanses of lush forests, water bodies and other natural bounties.

A Nice Getaway

Nature manifests itself in its most pristine form in cool waters of this lake. Located in the spectacular environs of Rajouri district and dominated by mountain ranges of Pir Panjal, Akal Darshini Lake provides the perfect getaway for nature lovers and tourists alike.

The waters of this lake lure visitors with their serenity and placidness. Quiet and serene, the surroundings of Akal Darshini Lake are beautiful and charming. They inspire photographers, poets, writers and film makers from far and beyond.

Amusements

Tourists visiting Akal Darshini Lake love to take leisurely boat rides in the serene waters of this lake. They steep themselves in mesmerizing views of green mountain sides, clouds lying low over the surface of water and greenery beyond. The fringes of Akal Darshini Lake are dotted by local boat operators and eateries selling hot tea and other delectable treats.

Akal Darshini Lake is a sought after venue for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. There are hundreds of species of Himalayan birds which habitat the forests and waters of Akal Darshini Lake. The shikaras on this lake provide relaxed rides to tourists looking for memorable moments--far from the maddening crowds of Jammu and Srinagar.

After enjoying the cool breeze of the lake, visitors love to visit the various forts and mosques located in the nearby areas of Rajouri district.

Reach

Tourists interested in reaching Rajouri district and experiencing its various lakes can access their destination by bus and private taxis. Regular bus services to Akal Darshini Lake are available from Jammu Bus Stand. One can reach Jammu by air, train or road as the city is well connected to various important towns and cities of India.

Best Time to Visit

The months of June to October are ideal for visiting Akal Darshini Lake. Along with a pleasant climate and heightened natural beauty, this lake offers a lot of opportunities for photographers, bird watchers and those looking forward to interesting water sports and other aquatic activities like rafting and boating.

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