Nagdaha

Nagdaha is a lake in the Dhapakhel Village Development Committee (VDC) of Lalitpur District, in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.[1]

Nagdaha Lake
Nagdaha Lake
Nagdaha Lake Location in Nepal
Location	Lalitpur District, Dhapakhel
Coordinates	27.6246°N 85.3331°E / 27.6246; 85.3331
Lake type	Freshwater
Basin countries	Nepal
Frozen	Does not freeze
Settlements	Dhapakhel

Like many other water bodies and physical features of Kathmandu, the Nagdaha is also steeped in legends. According to one, a male serpent resides in Taudaha and the resident serpent of Nagdaha is female. During the rainy season the male serpent, widely spoken of in ancient scriptures and oral history of Kathmandu as a serpent king, makes a journey to the town of Panauti in order to participate in a festival. It is said that he stays with the female serpent of Nagdaha on his way to and back from Panauti. This union of the nagas, mythical half serpent, half human beings, is followed by heavy rain.

There is a statue of Nag at the north-western side of the lake.

Nagdaha is rich in aquatic wildlife. Many species of native fishes such as barbs and snakeheads are abundant. Unlike in Taudaha, there are no non-native carps. This is also home to several bird species. Black kite, Black drongo, Cattle egret, Oriental magpie robin, Common myna, Jungle crow, Rose-ringed parakeet and Red-vented bulbul are some of the resident birds. Migrants include cuckoos and Eurasian coot.

Nagdaga Lake and Santaneswor Mahadev