Dal Lake is a picturesque lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty and houseboats.

Shikaras are traditional wooden boats found on Dal Lake, used for transportation, sightseeing, and selling goods.

What activities can tourists do on Dal Lake?

Tourists can enjoy Shikara rides, stay on houseboats, visit floating gardens, and shop at the floating markets.

When is the best time to visit Dal Lake?

The best time to visit Dal Lake is from May to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

What are the timings for visiting Dal Lake?

Dal Lake is accessible all day, but Shikara rides are usually available from early morning until evening.

Is there an entry fee for Dal Lake?

There is no entry fee to visit Dal Lake, but charges apply for Shikara rides and houseboat stays.

What are the popular attractions around Dal Lake?

Popular attractions include the Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine.

Can you stay overnight on Dal Lake?

Yes, staying overnight on houseboats is a popular option for tourists, providing a unique and memorable experience.

What unique features does Dal Lake have?

Dal Lake features floating gardens known as "Rad" in Kashmiri. It also has a historical significance with ancient texts mentioning the village Isabar near the lake as the abode of goddess Durga. The lake is surrounded by Shankaracharya Hill on three sides .

What kind of fish can be found in Dal Lake?

Dal Lake is famous for trout fishing, including varieties such as rainbow trout and brown trout, which thrive in the pristine waters of Kashmir, earning it the name "Anglers Paradise".

Dal Lake

Overview

Located in Srinagar, which is known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Dal Lake is the most visited place in all of Srinagar. It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and has many nicknames such as “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir”, “Srinagar’s Jewel” and “Lake of Flowers”. Dal Lake is however a misnomer as Dal in Kashmiri means lake. The lake is also an integral source of commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

The lake is bordered by Mughal Gardens, houseboats and hotels, adding to the charm of the lake. During winter, the temperatures can drop as low as -11 degrees Celsius, thereby freezing the lake. The lake takes up an area of 18 square kilometers and is a part of a natural wetland which includes the floating gardens, which are known as “Rad” in Kashmiri. These gardens have blooming lotus flowers in the months of July and August. According to ancient Sanskrit texts, a village named Isabar, located in the east of Dal was the abode of goddess Durga herself. Dal Lake is located on the foothills of Shankaracharya Hill, which surrounds it on three sides.

The houseboats on Dal Lake are a top attraction and a great accommodation option. The Lake is also a great place for film shooting, with snow-capped mountains and Kashmir’s famous Shikara boats cruising along the calm waters, providing a picturesque background. Apart from being a tourist attraction, Dal Lake is a great place to go fishing. Due to Kashmir’s pristine water, you can find many trout fish varieties such as the rainbow trout and brown trout, thereby earning the name Anglers Paradise.

Plan a trip to the beautiful Dal Lake to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Srinagar.