15/05/2015
World famous and pride of Kashmir tourism, Dal Lake is the most popular attraction in Srinagar. Enclosed by splendid PirPanjalmountains and Mughal Gardens, this must-see place is ideal for family vacationers, honeymoon couples, and even for solo travellers seeking peace.
Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal means Lake)is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
The lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar andNishat built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourfulshikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins.The houseboats are closely associated with Dal Lake which provide accommodation to tourists in Srinagar.
