Dal Lake is a beautiful water body nestled amidst scenic
surroundings in Srinagar. Representing tourism in Srinagar on an international
level, it is rightly referred to as the 'Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir'. With
an area of 22 sq. km, this monotonic lake prides in being the second largest
lake in the northern state. It has significant association with different
aspects of Srinagar's heritage and lifestyle, including its culture, traditions
and mythology.
Srinagar has one unique market to offer which tourists
are generally not aware or not much interested to see and that a
floating market in Dal Lake. To visit this market one has to wake
up very early in the morning and say around 4:30am and have to take a
Shikara, after an hour of boating, you will reach to the place call
floating market, where one see lots of Shikara full of vegetables,
flowers and all are available for sell, market won’t last long it’s just
2-3 hours in morning only. This tips just not for visiting
market, it offers a unique experience to boat Dal lake during
non-tourist hours with peace, on your return trip you will be witness
for fabulous sunrise over Dal Lake, Floating Gardens and
vegetable fields too.
In the center of the lake is an island named ‘chaar chinaar’
which has been named after the four chinar trees on it. This property belongs
to the royal family of Jammu and kashmir.
Nehru park, which is a floating park on the lake is about 55
yards from the boulevard. It gives a splendid view of the lake, boulevard and
the mountains around.
The canopied Shikaras sailing on the sparkling water offers
a picture perfect moment.
Unlike the houseboats of Kerala, houseboats on the Dal Lake
are usually stationary. Made of wood and with intricate carved wood paneling,
the houseboats are of different sizes, some even have three bedrooms, living
room and kitchen.
Dal Lake also proffers great options to adventure seekers.
Water sports including water skiing.golfing and hot air balloon riding have
lately become quite popular in Dal Lake.
Dal lake is mentioned as Mahasarit in ancient Sanskrit
texts. Ancient history records mention that a village named Isabar to the east
of Dal Lake was the residence of goddess Durga. This place was known as
Sureshwari on the bank of the lake, which was sourced by a spring called the
Satadhara.
Dal Lake is witness for many films shooting and
documentaries, but any day visiting Dal Lake and boating in Shikara is one of
the most memorable experiences for anyone.
I would recommend 2 shikara rides on the Dal, one at sunrise
and the other at sunset to experience the many moods of the Dal. The other must
have on the agenda is to experience the taste of Kababs, pakoda’s or just a hot
cuppa of Kahwa (Kashmiri Tea) while admiring the Dal.
Shikaras are a cultural symbol of the lake and seen mostly
in lakes of Srinagar. It is often called the Gondola of Kashmir and has
achieved iconic status. While the boats are a part of daily life on the lake
and used for a slew of purposes including transporting people and goods, it has
become very popular with tourists. A ride on the lake is a must for tourists
visiting Kashmir.
Dal Lake is the finest manifestation of the power and beauty
of nature. Fringed by majestic mountains and the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake has
steadfastly maintained its position as a favorite tourist place to visit in
Srinagar.
How to Reach
By Road: The lake is situated at the
heart of the Srinagar City. Srinagar is well connected by road to Chandigarh
(630 km), Delhi (876 km), and Jammu (298 km). Jammu KSRTC and STRCs of Punjab,
Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh regularly run to Jammu from all major
northern cities. Route from Delhi-
Ambala-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Banihal-Srinagar
By Air: Srinagar is the nearest airport,
connected by Indian Airlines daily (75mts). Jet Airways connects Srinagar with
mumbai and new delhi with daily flights. : Jammu-Srinagar (13:35) and
Delhi-Srinagar (11:15).
By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest
railhead(165km). Srinagar is well connected to Delhi by daily trains like the
JP Jat Express, Jammu Mail, Shalimar Express, Jhelum Express and Malwa Express.
Major Indian cities like Kolkata, Mumbai are also linked to Jammu by train.
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