Dal Lake
Dal is a lake in Srinagar (a misnomer because Dal means “lake” in Kashmiri), Jammu and Kashmir’s late spring capital. The world-famous lake, the second largest in the state, is essential for tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is known as the “Gem in the Crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”. One of India’s most stunning and picturesque lakes, it offers visitors a 360-degree vista of the powerful “Himalayas”. The lake is also an important hub for business activity like as fish farming and water plant cultivation.
The lake’s shoreline is apHouseboatsy 15.5 kilometers (9.6 miles) long and is surrounded by an avenue lined with MughaShikaras gardens, parks, houseboats, and hostels. Beautiful views of the lake may be seen from the shoreline Mughal gardens, including as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, which were built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, as well as from houseboats cruise the lake in colorful shikaras. During winter, temperatures can reach -11°C (12°F), causing the lake to freeze.
The lake has an area of 18 square kilometers (6.9 square miles) and is part of a unique wetland that covers 21.1 square kilometers (8.1 square miles), with its skimming gardens. Highways divide the wetland into four bowls: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered a free lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the middle, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank, respectively.
Dal: A Lake Made of Lakes.
Dal Lake is one of the most perplexing aspects of Srinagar at first glance because it is made up of three lakes. However, some of it is not what one would expect from a lake – it’s a labyrinth of unpredictable conduits and channels, gliding islands of vegetation, houseboats that appear so solidly moored they could almost be islands, and inns on islands that appear to be drifting away.
Houseboats
The largest concentration of houseboats may be seen around the lake’s western border, near the lakeside street and the inlet. They are arranged in looping patterns and around little islands. A few accommodations can also be located on level islands in the lake. The drifting greenhouses are located to the northwest of the houseboats. It is located in the heart of the city and boasts over 1000 timber houseboats that are popular with tourists who also take Shikara tours. It is also notable for its around 500 Victorian-era wooden houseboats.
Attractions around Dal Lake
There are three islands in the lake; nevertheless, there are many types of islands connected by interstates. Around the lake are several of Srinagar’s most attractive sights, including the magnificent Mughal gardens. It is also flanked by slopes, particularly on its east bank. The Shankaracharya slope provides a good view of the lake.
Have a swim!
Dal Lake’s waters are very clear. Swimming houseboats with diving sheets and chutes are moored at a deeper section of the lake, ‘upstream’ from the grouping of houseboats. However, swimming is not always permitted. Swimming here may be incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot evening.
Coastal Gardens
The lake looks beautiful when the lotuses bloom in July and August. The floating gardens, also known as “Rad” in Kashmiri, are one of Dal Lake’s most remarkable features. They are composed of tangled vegetation that is removed from the lake base and dragged to a suitable location where they are moored. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons grow extremely well in these vegetative cages. A quick inspection reveals that they are literally gliding over the water. One can also approach the drifting greenhouses from the street; the avenue continues along the lake’s eastern margins, providing beautiful and scenic views in the distance.
Weeds are routinely taken out of the lake, which serves two purposes. The lake conduits are kept clear, and the weeds degrade until they produce excellent manure for the greenhouses. The lake’s shallowness and the abundance of waterweeds are most likely the primary reasons for the lack of pontoons by the lake. It wouldn’t be so wonderful if powerboats sailed back and forth over its peaceful surface.
Shikaras
There are numerous tours around the lake, but the best option is to take a Shikara for the day and see the Mughal gardens. There isn’t much one can do at a low cost to enjoy the lake’s gorgeous sights and get into the spirit of Kashmir.
