Srinagar Tour : The Dal Lake

Getting There     Sightseeing in Srinagar

The Dal Lake Information

Dal Lake , 8 km has a total area of 26 sq km. At Dal Gate, a gate lets out the lake water to prevent it from flooding. Dal has three islands, Silver Island ( Ropa Lank) popular as Char Chinar, built by Prince Murad, son of Emperor Shah Jahan, Golden Island ( Sona Lank) at the south end and Nehru Park, as island just few yards away from the road side.

Water skiing is a favorite sport among tourists during summer. Motor launches with ski boards are available on hire. During the Winter season, migratory birds float in the lake making it a magnificent scene, The lake offers splendid colours and moods with every change in the weather that mesmerizes the visitors and locals too. Dal is a photographers delights.

Expansion of houseboats was carried out during Mughal period and later this British further modernised them along with the boatmen of the day. Dal lake is home to more than a thousand houseboats know for their unique luxury facilities.
The houseboats are designed with Walnut and Deodar wood work and the base is make of a special wood that makes it float for decades, It is advisable to book a room in advance directly with the owner or a travel agent

Nine Kms from Dal, is yet another lake with serene waters, " Nagin Lake "  It has some of the most luxurious deluxe houseboats. this area is preferred by people looking form calm and quiet environments. For this reason foreigners find it more interesting to stay at Nagin Lake, The Lake is approachable by road through the old city and Fore shore Road alongside Dal Lake . The Shikara ride in this Placid lake is a memorable experience.

Shikara are boats used as means of transportation from ghats to houseboats and for sightssing in the lake, While on shikara ride one gets immersed in the panoramic view of the Zabarwan range and in the vastness of the lake symphonized with waves formed by the shikarawala's rowing. A boat ride of interior Dal is an adventure. The water borne life of the people inside the lake is a different experience. The floating shops on the boats are the main markets of the people.