Manghopir Lake

Manghopir Lake is located near the shrine of Sufi Pir Mangho in the Manghopir area of ​​Karachi West District, Sindh, Pakistan. The lake is famous for its population of more than a hundred crocodiles. There are more than a hundred crocodiles in the lake which are petted by pilgrims.

The crocodiles at the shrine pond are an integral part of the shrine and are so strongly associated with the story of the saint that it is almost impossible to decide between fact and fiction. Some historians say that crocodiles have been present in the shrine pond for centuries. However, scientists and archaeologists believe that there was already a pond in the area that housed hundreds of crocodiles. They believe that this lake was formed due to an ancient flood and the crocodiles were washed away by this flood.

The area is mostly inhabited by one of Pakistan’s smallest ethnic communities, the  Sheedi, also known as the Makrani. They maintain their distinct Afro-Arab and Omani identities amidst the dominance of South Asian cultures. Some Afro-Arab style festivals and dances such as Gowaati, Lewa, Dhamaal, Omani-style Shindo, Jabwah, and Jasser drums are still popular in Manghopir.