Dal Lake is a famous lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is known for its serene beauty and is often referred to as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.” The lake is spread over an area of around 18 square kilometers and is surrounded by mountains, gardens, and houseboats. One of the main attractions on Dal Lake is the houseboats, which are traditional wooden boats that have been converted into luxury accommodations for tourists. These houseboats offer a unique experience of staying on the water, and visitors can enjoy the lake’s beauty from the comfort of their houseboats.
Another attraction on Dal Lake is the floating gardens, which are gardens that are grown on rafts of floating vegetation. Visitors can take a shikara ride to these gardens and explore them up close.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports on Dal Lake, including kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. Fishing is also a popular activity on the lake, with several species of fish found in its waters.
The best time to visit Dal Lake is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible. Visitors can hire a shikara from any of the several ghats located around the lake or stay on one of the many houseboats available for rent.