Located in the heart of Ganderbal district, Manasbal Lake is one of the enticing tourism attractions of Kashmir valley. The Manasbal Lake is approximately 32 kilometers away from Srinagar city and attracts visitors in large numbers each year from across the world owing to its enchanting beauty.
This picturesque water body recently underwent a remarkable transformation into a burgeoning center for water skiing. The introduction of the exhilarating water sport has injected new vitality into the region’s tourism scene, shining a spotlight in the tranquil beauty of Manasbal Lake.
With the onset of the month of September,the otherwise tranquil waters of Manasbal Lake come alive with the symphony of skis slicing through its surface. This visionary initiative to invigorate tourism in Manasbal has successfully attracted throngs of adventurous souls from various corners of India. The enthusiasm for water skiing has led to the formation of three distinct batches of participants, all eager to partake in this adrenaline-pumping sport.
Water skiing, akin to its land-based counterpart, demands skill, balance, and an added dimension of sensory finesse. It provides water sports enthusiasts with the opportunity to plunge into the depths of the aquatic world, much like surfing but with its unique thrills.
From the 1st to the 30th of September, Manasbal Lake bears witness to an action-packed spectacle. Each batch, composed of 20 enthusiastic participants, receives comprehensive training across three separate sessions, resulting in a total of 60 adventure enthusiasts benefiting from the program.
Angali, a dedicated water skiing trainee, shared her elation, highlighting the exceptional guidance provided by their coaches. She stated, “Being a part of this thrilling sport is an incredible experience. It’s not only an adventure but also a boost to tourism.”
Rahul, a novice water skiing trainee from Delhi, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the adventure and rejuvenation this sport brings. “Such events are vital for nurturing tourism and talent alike,” he added.
Saba, another trainee, praised the platform created by the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) in collaboration with the Wullar Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA). She said, “Since its inception last year, it has been a fantastic platform for unleashing the potential of young individuals, elevating tourism in Manasbal, and savoring the scenic grandeur of this region while mastering this new adventure.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Wullar Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) revealed that water skiing had commenced just a year ago as a collaborative effort between IISM and (WMDA). He said that the previous year witnessed the training of 60 participants in two batches, including trainees from various Indian states.
“This year, the goal was to elevate the standard by training 75 participants in three batches, each spanning 10 days”, he said.
He further added that the vision for the future includes engaging an even larger number of young enthusiasts, thereby continuing to boost tourism in the enchanting realm of Manasbal. With each passing year, water skiing promises to transform Manasbal Lake into a prominent hub for adventure tourism, offering a unique and thrilling experience to all who seek it.
With the support of organizations like IISM and WMDA, Manasbal Lake is poised to become a premier destination for water skiing, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. As more enthusiasts flock to its shores, Manasbal Lake is bound to secure a special place on the map of India’s adventure tourism destinations.
