DAL LAKE, SRINAGAR, INDIA

Dal lake is a major attraction of  Kashmir (paradise of Earth), situated in Srinagar, the capital state of Jammu & Kashmir, India. In one word the beauty of Dal lake is just mind blowing. The another name of this lake is "Lake of flowers", "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's jewel".

                                     

Dal lake, Srinagar

                                   

                                    
HOUSEBOAT & SHIKARA  OF DAL LAKE 

Dal lake is formed from five lake basins- the Nehru park, Nishat, Hazratbal, Nagin & Brari. It is a vast sheet of water reflecting the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountain and carved wooden balconies of the houseboats. Shikara is the main transport goods in this lake (Shikara is a one type of wooden boat pointed at both end which is found in Dal lake and have beautifully decorated canopies overhead). Shikaras are the cultural symbol of Srinagar which is found only in Srinagar.

Shikara ride in Dal lake

If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of this Dal lake you have stay in the Shikara.Many tourists preferred to stay in this unique type of house but there are many good quality hotels and restaurants are also available on the lake-front. If you rise early in the morning here you can see floating market of flower & vegetable and you can enjoy an unique shopping experience.

Floating flower market of  Dal lake

Floating vegetable market of Dal lake

                                                    
                                              
    BEAUTY OF DAL LAKE

Dal lake is a famous landmark of Srinagar.The beauty of Dal lake is mesmerising you during the sunrise & sunset.The water of the lake is very clean and clear which is so beautiful.You can enjoy ice skating during winter on the frozen surface of lake and it a wonderful activities persue under the Kashmir's winter sun which attracts many tourist but you have to take the guide of an expert because the frozen lake surface can be extremely dangerous.It is a very famous tourist spot and also a shooting spot for it's natural beauty and amazing background beauty.You can enjoy the scenic beauty of this lake and with houseboat & shikara, the white crane also increases the beauty of Dal lake more & more.

                                    

It can be said that Srinagar without Dal lake is akin with the Paris without Eiffel tower.

                                           
 VISITING TIME OF DAL LAKE

The best time for to visit this Dal lake is between June and August because in this time the weather becomes pleasant. In winter the temperature drops as low as minus 11 degree celcius. So, the surface of the lake can freeze and it is needless to say that the frozen lake surface can be very dangerous. 

                                    
  HOW TO REACH THE DAL LAKE

You can take your train to Jammu followed by taxi or bus ride to Srinagar.And Jammu has an excellent airport that has many flights from Delhi (Spice jet, Air India, Jet airways, Goair etc.).Srinagar international air port is also well connected to major cities & outside the India and Dal lake is easily accessible via all mode of local transport (buses & auto rickshaws)