| Rawal lake | |
| Location: | Margalla Hills National Park |
| Coords: | 33.7°N 80°W |
| Type: | reservoir |
| Pushpin Map: | Pakistan Punjab#Pakistan#Asia |
| Catchment: | 106.25sqmi |
| Basin Countries: | Pakistan |
| Area: | 8.8km2 |
| Max-Depth: | 102feet |
Rawal Lake (Urdu: {{Nastaliq| جھیل راول) in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Korang River along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of 8.8 km2. Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. Rawal Lake is located within an isolated section of the Village Malpur, Bani Gala and Margalla Hills National Park.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
The area around the lake has been planted with flowering trees and laid out with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths.The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing, and boating. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
Boating, sailing, water skating, and diving facilities are organized by private clubs.
To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club. The Islamabad Club is a government-organized institution that provides various sporting facilities.
The reservoir is of considerable importance for wintering waterfowl, especially Anas platyrhynchos.
Resident mammals include the Red fox, Indian pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, jungle cat, Persian jackal, Central Asian boar and yellow-throated marten.
Reptiles include Indian Cobra and Russell's Viper.
It is a good place for birds watching, as the majority of Birds of Islamabad are found here.
There are 15 fish species belonging to 11 genera that are present in Rawal Lake. The fish species in Rawal lake and its tributaries include: Doula (Channa channa), Rahu(Labeorohita), Thaila (Catla catla), Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala), Carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) and Talapia (Tilapia mossambica).[7]