Keenjhar Lake

Keenjhar, also called Kalri, is among the largest freshwater lakes in the country, formed by joining two older lakes with a bund, and it supplies much of Karachi's drinking water. It is an important wintering ground for waterfowl, with ducks, coots, flamingos and waders arriving from the north in numbers, and it holds fisheries that support villages along the shore. In the middle stands the tomb of Noori, a fisherwoman who according to Sindhi tradition married the Jam ruler Tamachi, a story told in Shah Abdul Latif's poetry and known across the province; boats run out to the island shrine. The lake shore has picnic areas, huts and boat operators, busy on weekends with families from Karachi and Hyderabad. Water levels and quality vary with the season and with upstream management.

What you actually see

• The open lake - a broad freshwater sheet with fishing boats.
• Noori's tomb - the island shrine of the fisherwoman of Sindhi legend.
• Wintering birds - ducks, flamingos and waders from November.
• Shore resorts - picnic huts and boat jetties along the bank.

When to go

November to February for birds and comfortable weather. Weekends are crowded with day trippers; weekdays are quiet. Summer is hot and the lake is at its least appealing. Boat trips to the island depend on water levels and weather.

Honest expectations

Litter along the picnic shores is a serious problem and the resort areas are run down. Boat safety is informal and life jackets are not always available. Swimming is discouraged given the drinking-water role. Birdwatchers should bring their own optics as there are no hides.

Nearby

Thatta and Makli are south; Haleji Lake lies southwest towards Karachi.