The Mansar lake near Jammu city is one of the most famous adventure tourism destinations in India. Mansrover, is also called as Mansar. The Mansar lake is about 20 km from National Highway No. 1A. Road to Mansar Lake starts from just near Samba on National Highway No. 1A.
There are some famous temples which are situated near this lake and on the banks of this lake. A temple of a snake god, Sheshnag, is located on the banks of the lake. It is a customary belief that it is propitious for newlywed couples to seek blessings of Sheshnag by performing three Parikarma or a complete circling around the lake. It is also a common belief that a dip in the lake of Mansar has the power to wash away all your erstwhile sins.
A temple of Durga and two other ancient temples of Narasimha and Parvathi Shiva (Umapati Mahadev) are located in the vicinity of the Mansar Lake
There is also a wildlife sanctuary which is located nearby where one can catch a glimpse of rare species like Neelgai, Spotted deer etc.
The history of Mansar dates back to the time of Mahabhartata.The son of Arjun and Ulpi, (who was the daughter of King Nag), named Babar Vahan, was the ruler of this region during the ancient times of Mahabhartata. It was post the war, that Arjun who proved his mettle and superiority over this land by performing the Yagya named "Ashwamegh Yagya. The power symbol of Ashwamegh Yagya, which was a horse, was captured by Babar Vahan at village 'khoon' nearby village Ramkot on Dhar Udhampur road where later Arjun was murdered by Babar Vahan. Being victorious, Babar Vahan wanted to share his success with his mother and presented the head of Arjun to her.
