Splendid with beauty, Dal Lake Srinagar is one of the most visited places to visit in Kashmir Valley and a vacation spot. This lake’s unusual charm attracts visitors from all over the globe. It is even the second most extensive lake in Jammu and Kashmir, offering tourists a panoramic and fascinating view of the magnificent mountains, restaurants, and exotic places. Shikaras at this lake are the cultural mark of Kashmir, just like the Venetian ski lift. Likewise, the drifters will encounter many paddlers in multicolored Phi Ran, a long woolen gown, and Shikaras with bright cushions and flowery canopies.
Dal Lake Srinagar
In this article, you may note every element of Dal Lake Srinagar. It covers travel tips, the best time to visit, things to cover, and much more.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dal Lake is from April to June. It is when the conditions are pleasant and calm to enable you to explore the magnificence and calmness of the area. This month’s temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C. The winter seasons are too freezing in Dal Lake as the temperature decreases to minus 10°C, and the icy Dal Lake becomes the cricket pitch. There are no entry fees for this lake, but tourists may be required to spend some cash to appreciate the Shikara ride on the lake.
Ways of Travelling
The closest terminal is Sheikh ul Alam International Airport. It is almost 14 km or 17 km from Dal Lake. From Chandigarh and Delhi, you may reach in 1.2 hours. However, from Kolkota and Mumbai, you might reach in 4 hours. You might take a taxicab from the airport to this lake, costing almost ₹210-800. Likewise, the nearby railway post is Srinagar Railway Station. It is 14 km away from the lake.
From Chandigarh, it covers 12 hours; from New Delhi, it will take 7 hours; and from Kolkata and Mumbai, it approx 37 hours to get to the lake. By road, Dal Lake is roughly 5 km from Lalchowk. So you can catch a bus from Lalchowk to this lake, which will take about 20 minutes. You can drive your motorcar or lease one from the terminal or the railway station.
Tips to Stay
You need to know a few tips whenever you plan to stay at Dal Lake. Always take some woolen clothes with you as the temperature is chilly. You can visit the lake in the light or dark to enjoy its magic, charm, and peace. Leave earlier in the morning to go to the floating vegetable market.
Moreover, the charges for a one-hour Shikara lift are almost ₹400-500, but you can still bargain and save more if you are in a group. Remember to take photos in the classic Kashmiri dress while posing in the Shikara with blooms.
Multiple Things to Do in Dal Lake
There are countless things to do in Dal Lake; let’s uncover some of them. A shikara is a classic wooden boat showing you the breathtaking lake views. The Shikara ride lets you glimpse the floating gardens and regional life. If you like to partake in the lifestyle of Srinagar, you can opt for a houseboat stay. These stationary boats offer relaxing housing and luxuries. There are many kinds of houseboats open, from budget-friendly to grand.
You can try angling with the support of the residents or the houseboat landlords. Likewise, purchase fresh fish from the fishermen. One of the best things is watching the sunset from a shikara boat. The lake depicts the changing shades of the sky and forms a magical aura. You can even admire the sound of the waters and the birds. Walk around on the seaside of Dal Lake. It is almost 15 km long and is a superb place to explore the lake and its nearby places. You can also find many stores, stalls, parks, and tombstones. However, you can talk to the locals and eat the street food.
Char Chinar is a small island in the center of the lake. It has four chinar trees, which are maple trees type. This island is called Ropa Lank or Rupa Lank. It is a famous place for clicking pictures and enjoying picnics. Moreover, the floating market is a superb element of the lake. It is where the sellers deal their goods on shikaras. You can see anything from fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, handicrafts, and food. This market is open from early dawn to dark and is a vibrant and bright sight.
Nearby Places to Visit
Many nearby places are worth seeing. After covering every aspect of Dal Lake, you can cover a few extra sites noted below.
1- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia’s most extensive tulip grassland. It covers almost a space of 74 acres. This garden is on the hills of the Zabarwan hills, watching the Dal Lake. However, the garden was inaugurated in 2008 and has over 60 types of tulips. Moreover, it creates a colorful wonder in spring.
In addition, the garden even organizes a yearly tulip carnival. It attracts thousands of tourists worldwide. Hazratbal is a nearby holy mosque that shelters a relic accepted to be the hair of Prophet Muhammad. It is on the lake’s western bank and is seen by pilgrims and tourists. However, it has a white marble crown and a dazzling view of the lake and the cliffs.
2- Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal grassland constructed by Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Nur Jahan, in 1619. It is even called Farah Baksh, the delightful, and Faiz Baksh, the bountiful. This garden is split into three patios, each with a distinct theme and structure.
Further, the garden has fountains, water canals, pavilions, bridges, and various plants and blossoms. It is admitted for its light and sound play in the dark. It describes the past and civilization of Kashmir. The garden has an entrance fee of ₹10 for locals and ₹100 for outsiders.
3- Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Gardens is a cluster of gardens. It was created by the Mughal rulers in their era. All the monuments were on the east side of the Dal Lake. It includes the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These grasslands were created in the Persian style.
Apart from all this, all these gardens include balconies, fountains, water drains, pavilions, and different types of plants and flowers. It is also famous for its magical and magnificent aura, making it an attractive sight. In the evening, the guides narrate Kashmir’s history and culture. Thus, the gardens are open from 9- 7 pm.
4- Sonamarg
Sonamarg is also called the Meadow of Gold. It is a hill station and a famous tourist point in the region. This elevation is nearly 80 km from Srinagar. It presents dramatic views of the snow-capped cliffs, glaciers, and canyons.
Furthermore, it is a base camp for hiking to different places. It includes Amarnath, Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar, and Gangabal Lake. This hill is even noted for its adventure sports like ski diving, floating, sailing, and camping. Thus, it is accessible by highway. The finest time to visit is from April to October.
Conclusion
You can plan a family vacation at Dal Lake Srinagar. It is a breathtaking tourist point in Kashmir. Gardens, restaurants, houseboats, and resorts encircle the lake. However, it presents panoramic vistas of the cliffs and the city. Dal Lake is an essential origin of fishing and water plant harvesting and is experiencing repair efforts to maintain its ecological harmony. Yet, it is a hidden gem in the height of Kashmir and a sign of its affluent society and legacy.
FAQs on Dal Lake Srinagar
There are many top-rated resorts. Kashmir Mahal Resorts is a 5-star hotel with a park, a cafe, and a balcony. Triumph Houseboats is a 4-star houseboat with a plain and a ski-to-door pass. Likewise, Hotel Brown Palace is a 4-star hotel with free WiFi, parking lots, and a cafeteria.
A few things are banned to rescue its habitat and culture. Plastic bags are banned as they spoil the water and damage the marine life. Motorboats and building activities are prohibited as they make noise and upset the lake’s stability. Yet, fishing impacts the fish types and the eco-balance.
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