Dal Lake

About Dal Lake:

• Location:
  • It is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
• It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
• Spread across an area of around 26 square kilometers, it is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels.
• During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
• The lake is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), 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; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake).
• Islands:
  • Dal Lake includes 3 islands, 2 of which are marked with beautiful Chinar trees.
  • The island located on the Lakut Dal is known as Roph Lank (Silver Island), is marked with the presence of majestic Chinar trees at the four corners, thus known as Char-Chinari (Four Chinars).
  • The second Chinar Island, known as Sone Lank (Gold Island), is located on the Bod Dal (Big Dal) and overlooks the holy shrine of Hazratbal.
• Dal Lake is also popular for the floating market (known as Raad) where vendors have their own Shikaras and approach tourists.